~ by Brandie Herrell, Southeast US Sales Representative
As Friesens’ SouthEast US Sales Representative, I’ve watched publishers navigate everything from pandemic disruptions to rising tariffs. Many come to me looking for ways to cut costs without compromising quality. One solution that consistently delivers? A thoughtfully designed softcover. If your budget doesn’t allow for hardcover, there are creative ways to make a paperback feel just as premium.
Stepback Covers
Stepback covers…popular in the ’70s and ’80s…feature a second cardstock layer behind a trimmed outer cover, revealing artwork or reviews. They’re nostalgic, eye-catching, and ripe for a comeback. Kramer vs Kramer used a bold gold cover with a hidden illustration and NYT review…simple, elegant, and memorable. Diecuts add intrigue, as seen in Flowers in the Attic and The Terminal Man. These designs invite readers to pick up the book and explore.
Stepbacks also open the door to dynamic diecutting. Romance novels famously used diecuts to tease a face or scene, with the full stepback revealing a more detailed image. These retro formats are unfamiliar to many modern readers, making them fresh again. They offer a unique way to add depth and surprise to a softcover without the cost of a dust jacket.
Flyleaves
Flyleaves are the softcover equivalent of endsheets. Tipped in before and after the book block, they offer branding and design opportunities. Sarabande Books embosses their logo on every flyleaf…an instant identity marker. Wake Forest University Press uses solid Rainbow flyleaves for a consistent, elevated look. Flyleaves can be printed, textured, or embossed, and they introduce the possibility of a diecut reveal, just like stepbacks. In fact, they may be the more economical way to achieve that layered visual effect.
Explore the Perimeter
Softcovers don’t have to be flat and predictable. Consider these edge-enhancing ideas:
- Flaps: Add extra space for content or design. Wild Sam travel guides use a front flap and a fold-out map on the back; smart and stylish. Flaps can vary in size and be printed or left blank, offering flexibility and flair.
- Corners: Rounded corners add softness and sophistication. Narrow Gate Foundation uses them to elevate their matte-covered series. It’s a simple touch that signals elegance and care.
- Edges: Sprayed edges are trending across social media and bookstores. Friesens now offers inkjet edge printing for softcovers…solid colors or full designs. Surprisingly, it’s cost-comparable to spot UV or debossing and adds instant shelf appeal. And don’t forget the timeless deckle edge for a romantic, vintage feel. It’s budget-friendly and instantly elevates a book’s aesthetic.
Unique Substrates
If you’re looking to elevate your softcover titles without relying solely on finishing effects, exploring unique substrates is a powerful and often overlooked strategy. Today’s readers crave individuality and tactile experiences…something that goes beyond the standard laminated C1S cardstock. The right paper choice can transform a book’s feel, visual appeal, and perceived value.
Uncoated Papers
Uncoated stocks immediately signal sophistication. Smooth options like Accent, Sustana, Husky, and Cougar are ideal for earthy, minimalist, or retro designs. For more adventurous textures and colors, Mohawk and Neenah offer standout choices:
- Mohawk Carnival + Via: Available in a wide range of colors and embossed finishes, these papers add depth and character. A great example is Braiding Sweetgrass, printed at Friesens using Mohawk Felt, which gives the cover a warm, organic texture that complements the book’s theme.
- Neenah Classic & Sundance Lines: These include finishes like Columns, Stipple, Linen, and Laid, each offering a distinct tactile experience. These substrates work beautifully with foil stamping or blind embossing, allowing you to skip lamination altogether while still achieving a premium look.
Faux Leather
Yes, softcovers can feel like leather! Faux leather substrates bring a luxurious touch without the cost or weight of a hardcover:
- Mirage 325 GSM by Eco Fibers: This eco-friendly material features a PU leather-like surface backed with cardstock. It’s compatible with heat burnishing, debossing, embossing, and foil stamping, perfect for titles that need to feel elevated but remain budget-conscious.
- Neenah Touche: Available in thicknesses from 13 to 24 point and a variety of colors, Touche mimics the feel of soft-touch lamination. It’s velvety, durable, and ideal for branding-heavy designs or series that need a consistent, upscale look.
Shimmer & Shine
For titles that need to sparkle…literally…there are two great options:
- Neenah Pearl Papers: These come in pearlescent, gold, silver, and other shimmering finishes, available up to 105# cover weight. They’re perfect for poetry collections, memoirs, or any book that wants to stand out with elegance.
- Metallic Laminations at Friesens: These are created by printing opaque white ink to mask areas, followed by your design, and then laminated with a gloss or matte top layer. This technique was used to stunning effect on the Stephen King title Holly, where radiant gold windows were printed directly onto the cover.
If you’re weighing costs and leaning toward softcover, don’t assume you have to sacrifice style. Today’s readers want books that feel special…worthy of Bookstagram and Booktok. With the right materials and a little creativity, your paperback can be just as captivating as any hardcover.
