In today’s world, sharing things with others has become a trend that nobody can ignore. This is evident in the constant stream of WhatsApp posts, messages, photos, and videos forwarded without any restraint. Taking this tendency a step further, many people aspire to write a book of their own. It’s clear that if given the chance and proper guidance, most individuals would love to publish their own book. In this exploration, I aim to delve into the fundamental aspects of book publishing, beginning with the crucial consideration of book size.

“Book size” refers to the physical dimensions of a book in the context of publishing and bookbinding, typically expressed as height by breadth (in inches or centimeters).
The size of a book holds significant importance in its design and production, influencing aspects such as readability, portability, shelf space utilization, and overall production costs.

Distinct book sizes serve different purposes and cater to diverse audiences. Below are some common classifications of book sizes, along with their associated definitions:

Demy Size

The demy size holds fame in the world of book dimensions, as most textbooks adhere to this format. It measures 5.5 by 8.5 inches.

Pros: Due to its cost-effectiveness, both publishers and authors favor this size unanimously.
Cons: Its popularity is waning due to its antiquated appearance.

Crown Size

Crown size books measure 7 by 9.5 inches. This format is commonly used for textbooks, academic journals, and conference volumes.

Pros: The dimensions give the book an imported feel with an elegant appearance. The larger page area allows for easy inclusion of figures and substantial tables.
Cons: Some individuals might find the size a bit cumbersome to handle.

US Trade Size

A standard book size in the US publishing industry for trade paperbacks. Common dimensions are 6.3 x 9.3 inches.

Pros: Popular for commercial and non-fiction books due to its contemporary look.
Preferred by publishers and authors as its size discourages photocopying.

Cons: Not uniformly available across all publishers.

B6 Paper Size

ISO 216 defines B6 as another prevalent paper size, measuring 4.7 x 6.7 inches.

Pros: Compact and portable compared to Demy and Crown sizes, making it suitable for on-the-go reading.
Cons: Limited space for accommodating large tables and figures.

A4 Paper Size

A4, a standard international paper size, measures 8.5 × 11 inches. Textbooks, workbooks, manuals, and reports commonly utilize A4 paper.

Pros: Widespread production, resembling class notes, reports, or dissertations.
Cons: Larger size makes it less manageable for handling.

Note:
Choosing the ideal book size involves a myriad of factors, including content, target audience, printing expenses, and the preferences of the publisher or author. The selected size should offer an optimal reading experience while considering the practicalities of printing, distribution, and shelf placement.