Scale is a system of measurement. In book publishing and bookselling, scale usually refers to physical book size: A pocketbook would typically fall within its scale range; on the other hand, coffee table books often boast larger ones.
There are various methods available for measuring the physical size of a book. One popular technique involves counting pages; another approach measures dimensions like height, width, and depth of its physical presence.
Scale concerning books and publishing determines their final trim size; trim size refers to how big a book has become after it has been bound. Its spine size also depends on this factor.
Scale can also play a vital part in establishing a book’s page count. A standard mass-market paperback typically features around 200 pages due to its small in-scale printing on more miniature paper sheets; conversely, a coffee table book might require 400+ pages due to larger page dimensions that require printing onto more oversized paper pages.
Moreover, scale is an essential aspect of book publishing. It determines physical size and page count; these factors, in turn, impact costs related to printing and binding a book.
The significance of scales could make all the difference between selling several hundred copies versus millions.
Finding the appropriate scale can make all the difference for a book that gets lost among millions published every year and one that becomes an instant classic.