The self-publishing revolution has many individual authors and businesses publishing books today for widely varying reasons. Depending on what yours are, you may want hardcover book printing or skip physical books and release your work only in eBook form. Even as eBooks and audiobooks grow each year, they together command less than 20 percent of the market, so physical copies are a priority for most self-publishers. It's interesting to ponder why media consumption habits have changed in most ways, but physical books remain overwhelmingly popular. It seems people enjoy reading traditionally.
Binding choices say a lot about a book and can also cater to how it will be used. No doubt, printing in case bound (hardcover) suggests permanence and quality. But case-bound books are heavier than others, and perfect-bound (paperback) books are overwhelmingly popular. When you consider binding methods for your book, it's vital to consider what your readers will pay for copies and the statement you're trying to make with the book. If you're working for an image-conscious business printing books to uphold a luxury image, you're nearly always wisest to go with hardcover volumes.
Paperback books are lighter, so they're ideal for situations where people will be carrying them. There's no reason to weigh your readers down with something heavier when you can lighten their load. Advances in design and cover treatments like lamination or varnish can also enhance the look and feel of a perfect bound volume. There's also the traditional publishing method of offering books in either format, allowing buyers to choose based on their budget and preference. You can expect most people will order paperback, but some continue to enjoy the permanence of hardcover editions.
Some less prominent book binding options, like spiral, make sense for books in specific genres. Spiral binding might be a selling point for some readers if you publish a manual or cookbook. They understand it extends the life of a heavily used book that needs to stay open. Plastic spirals available today come in many colors and are surprisingly durable. Anyone who understands their ease of use will be persuaded that yours is a book to buy. Having clear goals for your book is essential for many reasons, and guiding your choice of binding is one of them. Get it right, and you'll be on the road to success.
