What Type of Paper Is Used for Paperback Books?

So you want to know what type of paper is used for paperback books?

Here’s the short answer:

Paperback books typically use uncoated offset paper (60-80 gsm) for interior pages and heavier coated paper (200+ gsm) for covers. The exact paper choice depends on your book’s genre, page count, and budget.

But there’s WAY more to it than that.

In fact, choosing the right paper can make or break your book’s success.

Why?

Because paper affects everything from readability to production costs to how professional your book feels in readers’ hands.

So in this guide, as a professional paperback book printing manufacturer, I’ll break down EXACTLY what paper types work best for different paperback books.

Let’s dive in.

Paper Types for Paperback Book Interior Pages

When it comes to interior pages, you’ve got three main options.

And each one has its place.

Offset Paper (The Industry Standard)

Offset paper is THE most popular choice for paperback interiors.

And for good reason.

It’s uncoated, which means:

• No glare when reading
• Easy to write on
• Comfortable for extended reading sessions
• More affordable than coated options

Here’s what you need to know about offset paper weights:

50lb (75gsm) offset works great for:

• Novels with 300+ pages
• Mass market paperbacks
• Books where keeping costs LOW is priority #1

60lb (90gsm) offset is perfect for:

• Most fiction books
• Non-fiction without heavy images
• The “sweet spot” for 90% of paperbacks

70lb (105gsm) offset shines when you need:

• Less show-through on pages
• A more premium feel
• Books with some illustrations or graphics

80lb (120gsm) offset is ideal for:

• Books with heavy ink coverage
• Short books that need more bulk
• Premium editions

For example, when I published my first book, I went with 60lb offset.

Why?

It gave readers that familiar “book feel” without breaking the bank.

Bookwove Paper (The Premium Choice)

Here’s something most people don’t know:

Bookwove paper is specifically designed to make books feel thicker.

It’s got a rougher texture than standard offset. And it comes in two flavors:

White bookwove: Actually off-white/cream colored
Cream bookwove: Warmer, more traditional look

Pro tip: Bookwove is PERFECT for novels. Especially if you want that classic, old-school book feel.

But here’s the catch:

Color printing looks terrible on bookwove. So it’s really only for text-heavy books.

Coated Paper (For Visual Books)

Now, coated paper is a different beast entirely.

It’s got a clay coating that makes images POP.

But it’s not great for regular reading. Here’s why:

• Creates glare under lights
• Feels “slippery” to the touch
• More expensive
• Heavier than uncoated paper

That said, coated paper CRUSHES it for:

• Photography books
• Cookbooks
• Children’s picture books
• Art books

You’ve got two main finishes:

Gloss coated: Maximum image pop, but serious glare
Matte coated: Reduces glare while keeping images sharp

Cover Paper: Your Book’s First Impression

Your cover needs different paper than your interior.

Think about it:

The cover protects your entire book. It needs to be tough.

Here’s what works:

Standard Paperback Book Covers

Most paperback books use 10pt-12pt C1S (coated one side) cover stock.

That translates to roughly 200-300gsm.

The coating goes on the outside, giving you:

• Durability
• Water resistance
• Vibrant color reproduction
• Professional appearance

Lamination Options

But here’s the thing:

Paper alone isn’t enough. You need lamination.

Your options:

Gloss lamination:

• Maximum shine
• Colors look super vibrant
• Shows fingerprints easily

Matte lamination:

• No glare
• Sophisticated look
• Hides fingerprints better

Soft-touch lamination:

• Premium velvet feel
• Costs more but WOW factor is real
• Perfect for high-end books

Paper Weight Demystified (GSM vs LB)

OK, this confuses EVERYONE.

Paper weight gets measured two ways:

GSM (grams per square meter): Used globally
LB (pounds): Common in the US

Here’s a quick conversion guide:

• 50lb text = 75gsm
• 60lb text = 90gsm
• 70lb text = 105gsm
• 80lb text = 120gsm

The bottom line?

Higher numbers = thicker paper.

But thicker isn’t always better.

Choosing Paper Based on Your Paperback Book Type

Let me break this down by genre:

Novels and Fiction

Best choice: 50-60lb cream or white offset

Why?

• Comfortable for long reading sessions
• Traditional book feel
• Cost-effective for higher page counts

Pro tip: Cream paper reduces eye strain for text-heavy books.

Non-Fiction (Text-Heavy)

Best choice: 60-70lb white offset

The slightly heavier weight prevents show-through when you’ve got:

• Charts and graphs
• Bold headings
• Occasional images

Photography/Art Books

Best choice: 100-150gsm matte or gloss coated

You NEED coated paper here.

Otherwise, your beautiful images will look dull and washed out.

Children’s Books

Best choice: 130-170gsm coated paper

Kids are rough on books.

Thicker paper survives better. Plus, the coating makes spills easier to wipe off.

Workbooks/Journals

Best choice: 70-80lb uncoated offset

People need to write in these.

And you can’t write on coated paper. It’s like trying to write on glass.

The Hidden Factors Nobody Talks About

Here’s where it gets interesting.

These factors can make or break your book:

Show-Through

Ever read a book where you can see text from the other side of the page?

That’s show-through. And it’s annoying.

How to prevent it:

• Use heavier paper (70lb+)
• Choose paper with higher opacity
• Avoid super thin 50lb paper for image-heavy books

Grain Direction

This is HUGE.

Paper has a grain direction. And if it runs the wrong way?

Your pages won’t turn properly.

Always specify: Grain parallel to spine.

Trust me on this one.

Environmental Considerations

More readers care about sustainability.

Look for:

• FSC-certified paper
• Recycled content options
• Acid-free paper (lasts longer)

These certifications matter for eco-conscious readers.

Cost Considerations (The Real Numbers)

Let’s talk money.

Paper typically represents 30-40% of your printing costs.

Here’s the cost hierarchy:

1. Least expensive: 50lb white offset
2. Moderate: 60lb offset (white or cream)
3. Higher: 70-80lb offset
4. Premium: Any coated paper

But here’s the thing:

Cheaper paper isn’t always the best value.

Why?

Because readers notice quality. And a book that feels cheap can hurt sales.

Common Paper Mistakes to Avoid

I see these ALL the time:

Mistake #1: Using coated paper for novels
Result: Glare makes reading uncomfortable

Mistake #2: Choosing paper that’s too thin
Result: See-through pages look unprofessional

Mistake #3: Ignoring grain direction
Result: Pages that don’t turn properly

Mistake #4: Skimping on cover paper
Result: Covers that curl or damage easily

Mistake #5: Not considering book thickness
Result: Spine too thin to print title on

Paper Samples: Your Secret Weapon

Here’s my #1 tip:

ALWAYS get paper samples before printing.

Most printers offer free sample packs.

Why does this matter?

Because paper feels different than you expect.

What looks good on screen might feel wrong in hand.

Special Paper Options

Want to stand out?

Consider these specialty papers:

Recycled Paper

Usually has a slightly rougher texture and natural color.

Great for:

• Environmental books
• Organic/natural topics
• Brands with eco-friendly values

Bible Paper

Super thin (35-50gsm) but surprisingly strong.

Perfect when you need:

• Maximum page count
• Minimum weight
• Portable books

Groundwood Paper

The cheapest option.

But here’s the catch:

It yellows quickly. Only use for disposable content.

Making Your Final Decision

Here’s my framework for choosing paper:

Step 1: Define your book type
Step 2: Set your budget
Step 3: Consider your page count
Step 4: Think about reader experience
Step 5: Get samples
Step 6: Test with your actual content

The sweet spot for most paperbacks?

60lb white or cream offset for interiors, with 10pt C1S + matte lamination for covers.

This combo delivers professional results without breaking the bank.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right paper matters more than most authors realize.

It affects:

• How your book feels
• Production costs
• Reader satisfaction
• Professional appearance

So don’t just default to the cheapest option.

Instead, match your paper to your book’s purpose and audience.

Remember: What type of paper is used for paperback books depends entirely on YOUR specific needs.

But now you’ve got the knowledge to make the right choice.