These days, many people (and companies) outside the traditional publishing industry are releasing books. Self-published authors and companies with books supporting their businesses have much on the line. It's why taking a close look at hardcover book printing is often a wise move. It's obviously more costly than printing a paperback book, but a hardcover says a lot about quality. Also known as casebound, it's the original way books were published and, to this day, is understood by everyone to mean permanence. Therefore, ask yourself about the impression you're trying to make with your book.

Many prestige brands have learned the promotional value of producing books for their customers and hardcover editions can make the best impression. The weight of a casebound book in the hand gives an immediate impression. Perceived value also influences people's decisions about what to keep, and you want your book on their shelves and make a favorable impression for years to come. A casebound book also is appropriate for display in your stores if that is a consideration. You'll have a memorably elegant book when you produce an elegant full-color dust jacket printed on heavy high-gloss paper.

Photography books also lend themselves well to a hardcover binding. Many are oversized, known as coffee table books, and carry extra heavyweight glossy paper for the inside pages. They are books people collect and keep, so a durable, permanent binding is the appropriate choice. Another factor to consider when selecting a binding is how a boo will be used. If people will be carrying it often, weight becomes an issue. Hardcover printing is more popular for books displayed or kept on shelves as references. The is no universal right or wrong when selecting bindings, so you have leeway.

One of the most important reasons to work with a book printer outside the print-on-demand system is to have a broader range of choices. On-demand can force you to accept a template-style book that may be less appealing to your readers. You may also choose to print

your book in paperback and hardcover editions; finding a printer capable of publishing both is an advantage. It saves time, may get you better pricing, and simplifies the process. The

20th-century publishing model was to print the casebound edition first and follow up with perfect bound to lower the price per copy and reach a larger audience.