5-1/2" x 8-1/2" is probably the most popular size, but 5-1/4" x 8" also works for these books. Memoirs are similar sizes. Longer novels move to 6" x 9″ to avoid becoming overly bulky at smaller sizes. 

We usually recommend Casebound as the most common and preferred binding to use, although other options are available. With case binding, pages of the books are actually printed two pages to a sheet and folded, grouped in small sets called signatures and sewn together. The final stitched internal book is then trimmed and hard covers (leather, cloth or vinyl) are attached to the printed internal document. 

A paperback is characterized by a thick paper or paperboard cover, often held together with glue rather than stitches or staples. The standard specifications for a paperback are as follows: Text Pages: Digitally printed with 1/1 black ink on 50lb uncoated white offset paper. Cover: Digitally printed 4/0 color outside on 12pt coated cover. Cover Finishing: Glossy lamination. 

While on occasion, one can rush printing, it is not recommended, as it may increase the potential for quality problems in your proof reading and in our printing processes.