Understanding Book Sizes

Victoria A. Witkewitz

8 January 2025

In this article, we'll discuss the many types of book sizes available for your manuscript and the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a book size to determine what's right for you.

Depending on the type of genre you are writing can help provide some clarity of options. Let’s try some on for size, shall we? Please note the sizes below are in inches.

Fiction: 4.25 x 6.87, 5 x 8, 5.25 x 8, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9

Nonfiction: 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, 7 x 10

Children’s: 7.5 x 7.5, 7 x 10, 10 x 8

Textbook: 6 x 9, 7 x 10, 8.5 x 11

Memoir: 5.25 x 8, 5.5 x 8.5

Hardcover: 6 x 9, 8.5 x 11

Workbooks: 8.5 x 11, 8 x 10

Religious Books: 5.5 x 8.5 , 6 x 9

Some book sizes are more commonly known by these names. For example:

4.25 x 6.87 are commonly known as pocket book

5.5 x 8.5 are referred to as digest size

6 x 9 is known as trade size

In bookstores, you will commonly see fiction books, such as novels, in the digest size.

Standard book sizes

If you are a children's author, do you have to choose a book size that is most commonly printed in this genre? The short answer is no. Your book should look and feel the way you intend it to, however, there are a handful of factors to consider when you are choosing your book size. Let's look at this further.

1.) Competition. Your book will be shelved in bookstores and libraries between many other authors. Think about how your book compares to authors within the same genre. Study the look and feel that other authors are using to see how you want your book to stand out.
2.) Visuals. Children's books tend to be larger to show visuals and illustrations that enhance the book copy. If you are writing a book that uses a lot of visuals or photographs, consider a larger size to bring out the vibrance of this imagery.
3.) Cost. Larger book sizes and custom sizes will equate to a higher cost.

Additionally, your font size will determine the page count which is why some books have smaller font sizes. Aim for a font size that is comfortable for the reader. A font size of 12 is recommended but not less than 10 which can make it hard for the reader.
Paperbacks are more cost-effective to print than hardcover books. However, hardcover books typically provide better wear and tear for longevity.