Booklet Printing: How does a Booklet differ from a Book?

A Booklet is a small bound book that has a paper cover and a limited number of pages.

As you would expect from its name, a booklet is generally smaller in size than most books. For example, 5.5" x 8.5" is a very popular size for a printed booklet. That's because a 5.5" x 8.5" booklet is very economical to print and fits perfectly into a standard 6" x 9" envelope, which can be mailed at the same postage rate as a regular letter. In addition to the 5.5" x 8.5" size, booklets may be printed as a full 8.5" x 11" or as any custom size required.

Other Booklet Characteristics

Based on my experience, a page count of 8 to 36 makes a nice tidy booklet that can be distributed by hand or by mail. The cover of the booklet may be thicker than its interior pages or be the same thickness as the pages (self cover). Also, a booklet may be printed in vibrant full color or in basic black ink.

Unlike a typical book, booklets are almost always assembled with the saddle-stitch binding method. Saddle-stitching is ideally suited for booklets because it works best with lower page counts. It is also the least expensive binding method.

Booklets-�Simple yet Versatile

A booklet is defined more by its physical characteristics than by its purpose. This is because printed booklets serve so many purposes. For example, a basic employee handbook or training lesson may be produced in booklet form. The booklet form also works well for a simple instruction manual, a program for a stage production or a directory for a trade show.

In my opinion, a booklet is sort of a hybrid between a brochure and a book. A booklet conveys more information than a brochure but less information than a book. Furthermore, booklets may contain promotional material like a brochure, or informative material like a book. Regardless of the content, booklets are very popular because they relay information in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Formax specializes in all types of short and medium-run booklet printing. Give us a call when you need assistance printing a booklet. We're always ready to help!

Take care! Rick