Because of the complex nature of books, we can ONLY ACCEPT PDF files

• Cover Art Size: 11.5 x 8.75 (this includes bleed)

• Text Art Size: 5.75 x 8.75 (this includes .125 bleed)

• Finish size: 5.5" x 8.5" Portrait book

• Text paper: Choice of 70# Opaque (uncoated) or 100# matte book (coated)

• Cover paper: Case bound with matte lamination

• Pages: Four versions. up to 40 pages, 80 pages, 120 pages, 160 pages

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Our books are printed on HP Indigo presses, see all Book Printing Options here.

Pricing is based on a quantity of one, volume discounts are available.

Click here for a PDF of the cover template. 

You can open and edit this PDF in Illustrator

Soft Cover 5.5" × 8.5" Book with Color Pages

Custom Softcover Book Printing for Authors, Artists, Designers, and Brands

Turn your ideas, stories, photography, and artwork into a professionally printed book with StationeryHQ's 5.5" × 8.5" soft cover book printing with full-color pages. This versatile portrait-format book is ideal for illustrated books, children's stories, photo books, art portfolios, recipe books, journals, family albums, comic books, gift books, and other creative publications.

Customize both the cover and interior pages with your own artwork. Choose from available interior paper options and page-count configurations to create a book that fits your project, audience, and budget.

Whether you're an independent author, illustrator, photographer, graphic designer, publisher, Etsy seller, or Shopify store owner, StationeryHQ helps you transform your original content into a physical product without having to manage your own printing operation.

Your content. Your cover. Your colors. Your custom book.

Product Features

• Finished size: 5.5" × 8.5", portrait orientation

• Binding: Soft cover

• Cover printing: Full-color custom artwork

• Cover finish: Matte lamination

• Interior printing: Full-color pages

• Interior paper options: 70 lb. opaque uncoated or 100 lb. matte coated book paper

• Available page-count configurations: Up to 40, 80, 120, or 160 pages

• Artwork format: PDF files only

• Printing technology: HP Indigo digital printing

• Wholesale pricing: Available to eligible customers after login

Select the desired page count and paper stock using the live product configuration. Confirm the available options and pricing before ordering.

What Is a 5.5" × 8.5" Softcover Book with Color Pages?

A softcover book with color pages is a custom-printed publication with a flexible cover and full-color interior printing. Unlike a book limited to black text, this format supports photographs, illustrations, charts, graphics, and colorful page layouts throughout the publication.

The 5.5" × 8.5" finished size provides a convenient, portable format for many types of books. It is large enough for detailed illustrations and readable text while remaining easy to carry, display, package, or give as a gift.

Because you supply the cover and interior artwork, you can create a completely custom publication rather than adapting your content to a generic template.

What Can You Print?

Children's Books and Illustrated Stories

Bring stories to life with full-color illustrations and custom cover artwork. Independent authors and illustrators can create children's stories, short illustrated books, educational publications, and creative projects.

Photo Books and Family Albums

Preserve family memories, travel photography, celebrations, and personal milestones in a printed book. Full-color pages allow photographs and captions to work together in a convenient keepsake format.

Art Books and Illustration Portfolios

Showcase paintings, illustrations, graphic design, photography, or collections of original artwork. A custom softcover book can become a portfolio, a presentation piece, or a product to sell to collectors and fans.

Recipe Books and Cookbooks

Create a collection of favorite recipes with food photography, instructions, ingredient lists, and personal stories. The custom format works for family cookbooks, specialty recipe collections, and small culinary publications.

Comics and Graphic Stories

Develop a custom comic, illustrated narrative, or graphic publication with color artwork throughout. Arrange panels, dialogue, illustrations, and supporting content to match your creative vision.

Journals, Workbooks, and Guided Books

Create guided journals, educational workbooks, activity books, and instructional publications that rely on colorful diagrams, illustrations, and structured page layouts.

Travel Books and Gift Books

Turn travel experiences, photography, personal histories, or themed collections into a book that can be shared, gifted, or sold.

Books for Etsy and Shopify Stores

Artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs can turn original content into products for their online shops. Offer illustrated books, photo collections, niche publications, and other custom-designed titles under your own brand.

Choose the Right Interior Paper

The paper you select affects the appearance of images, the feel of the pages, and the overall reading experience.

70 lb. Opaque Uncoated Paper

Uncoated paper offers a more natural, less reflective surface. Consider it for illustrated publications, books with substantial text, and projects where you prefer an uncoated paper feel.

100 lb. Matte Coated Book Paper

Matte coated paper provides a smoother, coated surface without a high-gloss appearance. It may be a good option for image-heavy books, art portfolios, photography, and publications where you want a refined printed presentation.

How should you choose? Think about the balance between text and images, the visual style of your publication, and how you want readers to experience the pages. Paper weight alone does not determine image quality, opacity, or thickness, so consider the complete paper specification.

The available options are shown in the StationeryHQ product configuration.

Why Choose Full-Color Interior Printing?

Color printing gives you the freedom to create a richer reading and viewing experience.

With full-color pages, you can include:

• Full-page photography

• Detailed illustrations

• Colorful diagrams and charts

• Infographics and visual explanations

• Decorative backgrounds and borders

• Illustrated stories and comics

• Color-coded sections and page layouts

• Coordinated branding throughout the book

For image-heavy publications, keep image resolution, color consistency, and layout in mind throughout the design process.

How to Prepare Your Book Artwork

A well-prepared PDF helps ensure that your cover and interior pages reproduce as intended.

Finished Book Size

The finished book measures 5.5" × 8.5" in portrait orientation.

Interior Artwork Dimensions

The required interior artwork size is 5.75" × 8.75", including 0.125" bleed on each edge.

Extend any backgrounds, photographs, or illustrations that should reach the trim edge into the bleed area.

Cover Artwork Dimensions

The cover artwork size is 11.5" × 8.75", including bleed.

Download the cover template from the product page and use it to position the front cover, spine, and back cover correctly. Spine dimensions depend on the configured book, so do not estimate the spine from a different book size or page count.

PDF File Requirements

StationeryHQ accepts PDF files for this product. Before uploading:

1. Prepare the interior pages at the required dimensions.

2. Include bleed for artwork that extends to the page edges.

3. Keep important text, logos, and page numbers inside the safe area.

4. Check that photographs and illustrations have sufficient resolution.

5. Verify the page order and selected page count.

6. Review the cover template, including spine placement.

7. Export and inspect your final PDF before uploading.

Use the current downloadable templates and product instructions as the final authority for file setup.

Wholesale Book Printing for Creative Professionals

For Independent Authors

Produce custom books with your own cover design and full-color interior pages. This format can work for illustrated stories, gift books, cookbooks, and other publications that benefit from color.

For Artists and Illustrators

Turn original artwork into a printed collection. Develop art books, illustration portfolios, comics, and illustrated publications that can be presented to clients or offered for sale.

For Photographers

Create photography books, travel collections, portfolios, and personal projects that showcase your images in print.

For Graphic Designers

Create custom publications for clients, branded projects, product presentations, and creative portfolios. The ability to control both the cover and interior design gives you flexibility across different projects.

For Etsy Sellers

Develop a printed product around your artwork, writing, illustrations, or niche subject matter. Custom book printing can help you expand beyond individual art prints and stationery items.

For Shopify Store Owners

Add custom publications to your ecommerce catalog. A branded book can complement art prints, greeting cards, stationery, journals, and other creative products.

For Publishers and Commercial Customers

Produce custom books for specialized audiences, promotional programs, educational materials, and small publishing projects. Wholesale pricing and volume discounts can support different production needs.

Why Print with StationeryHQ?

StationeryHQ provides custom book printing and manufacturing services for creative professionals, authors, artists, designers, and businesses.

With manufacturing facilities in California and Kentucky, StationeryHQ combines professional production capabilities with a service-focused approach for customers who need custom printed products.

The custom book range includes softcover and hardcover formats, different sizes, and interior printing options. This allows you to compare book formats and choose a product suited to your publication.

For creators developing a broader product line, StationeryHQ also offers planners, notebooks, cards, invitations, wrapping paper, and other custom printed products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the finished size of this book?

The finished size is 5.5" × 8.5", in portrait orientation.

Are the interior pages printed in color?

Yes. This product is designed for full-color custom interior pages.

What paper options are available?

The listing specifies 70 lb. opaque uncoated paper and 100 lb. matte coated book paper. Check the live product configuration for current availability.

What page counts can I select?

The product lists configurations up to 40, 80, 120, or 160 pages. Choose an available option in the live product configuration.

What are the artwork dimensions?

The interior artwork should be 5.75" × 8.75", including bleed. The cover artwork should be 11.5" × 8.75", including bleed. Use the downloadable cover template for correct positioning.

What file format does StationeryHQ accept?

The product instructions specify PDF files only. Follow the product's upload instructions and use the downloadable template to prepare your artwork.

Can I print photographs and illustrations throughout the book?

Yes. Full-color interior printing supports photographs, illustrations, charts, and other color artwork, subject to correct file preparation and print specifications.

Is this book suitable for self-publishing?

It can be suitable for independently produced books, illustrated publications, photo books, recipe books, and other creative projects. Check the product's available specifications against your publication requirements before ordering.

Can I sell books printed by StationeryHQ through my own online store?

Creators and businesses can use custom books as products for their own shops. Review StationeryHQ's wholesale account requirements and fulfillment options to determine the right arrangement for your business.

How do I access wholesale pricing?

Sign in to your StationeryHQ account or register for an eligible wholesale account to view applicable pricing.

Create Your Custom Softcover Book

Bring your story, artwork, photography, or ideas into print with a custom 5.5" × 8.5" softcover book featuring full-color pages.

Choose your page-count configuration and interior paper, prepare your PDFs using the supplied templates, and upload your artwork through StationeryHQ.

Whether you're publishing an illustrated book, creating a photo collection, producing a portfolio, or developing a product for your creative business, StationeryHQ helps you turn your content into a professionally printed book.

Start your custom softcover book project with StationeryHQ today.