Hardcover 8.5×11, matte, side-sewn
8.5 × 11 in, 20–160 pages, in steps of 2
from $6.60
$3.60 + $0.15 a page, $0.11 on Pro
Printing a family history book
A memoir, a reunion book or a record of the family's stories is a book people keep for decades, and often a book many relatives want a copy of. Here is how to choose its size and length, plan the pages, and print as many copies as are asked for.
From $4.60 a copy, before shipping
Sizes and prices
Prices per copy, the same at any quantity. Each order adds handling, shipping and any sales tax.
Specs and templates
Softcover 8.5×11, matte, side-sewn
8.5 × 11 in, 20–160 pages, in steps of 2
from $4.60
$1.60 + $0.15 a page, $0.11 on Pro
Hardcover 9×9, matte
9 × 9 in, 20–160 pages, in steps of 2
from $6.80
$3.60 + $0.16 a page, $0.12 on Pro
Softcover 9×9, matte
9 × 9 in, 20–160 pages, in steps of 2
from $4.80
$1.60 + $0.16 a page, $0.12 on Pro
Worked prices
Worked out from the price list, at Starter prices. Each order adds $1.50 for handling, and shipping and any sales tax are added when you order.
60-page Softcover 8.5×11, matte, side-sewn
a reunion book for the relatives who ask
$10.60 a copy, $8.20 on Pro. 40 copies: $424.00 for the books, plus $1.50 handling.
120-page Hardcover 8.5×11, matte, side-sewn
a memoir, one hardcover copy
$21.60 a copy, $16.80 on Pro. One copy: $21.60, plus $1.50 handling.
160-page Hardcover 8.5×11, matte, side-sewn
the longest legacy book we print, for the whole family
$27.60 a copy, $21.20 on Pro. 10 copies: $276.00 for the books, plus $1.50 handling.
Setting up your files
- Hardcover 8.5×11, matte, side-sewn: export each page at 8.75 in × 11.25 in, the 8.5 in × 11 in trim plus 0.125 in of bleed on every edge.
- Keep text and faces 0.25 in inside the trim, and 0.75 in from the bound edge, the gutter.
- 20–160 pages, in steps of 2.
- The cover is one page: back, spine and front side by side. Its width depends on the spine, and the spine on your page count; the product page has a calculator for it.
- Send one PDF in reading order, as single pages. Old photographs scanned for the book should be scanned large: 300 dpi at the size they print is the target, and a scan of a small print needs to be done at a higher setting to get there.
- Keep captions and text away from the inner edge, where the pages bend into the binding, and inside the margin so nothing is trimmed.
- Put a title page, a dedication and the names of the people in each photograph near the front or beside the picture. A caption written now is a gift to whoever opens the book in thirty years.
- Embed your fonts, and choose a type size an older relative can read comfortably.
Every product has its own page with exact sizes, templates and a file checker. See all products.
How long a family history can be
We print up to 160 pages, in steps of 2, which is room for a long memoir with photographs, or a reunion book with a page for every branch of the family. A book longer than that would need to be split into volumes: we don't print beyond 160 pages.
Choosing a size
The 8.5 × 11 side-sewn books have a full-size page that suits text with photographs beside it, and they come as hardcover or softcover. The 9 × 9 is a squarer, smaller book that suits a book led by pictures.
Printing for relatives who each want a copy
There is no minimum order and the price per copy is the same at any quantity. You can print one copy to check, then order more as relatives ask, without paying more per book or committing to a run in advance.
- Printed in New JerseyOne plant in Princeton Junction, so every copy comes off the same presses.
- Ships in 5 business daysTracked across the US and Canada, under your name.
- We reprint it freeIf a copy is misprinted or misbound, tell us within 30 days.
- Part of ECSThe yearbook printer behind Entourage, Picaboo and RememberMe Yearbooks.
Questions
How many pages can a family history book have?
Up to 160, in steps of 2. That fits a long memoir with photographs. A longer story would have to be divided into two books, since we don't print beyond 160 pages.
Hardcover or softcover?
A hardcover is the one to choose for a book meant to last for generations. A softcover costs less, which makes it the sensible choice for a reunion book that many relatives will each take home.
Can I print old photographs in the book?
Yes, as long as you have a good scan of each. Scan at a size and resolution that reaches 300 dpi at the size the photo will print, and keep the originals safe. A low-resolution scan of a small photo will look soft however it is printed.
How many copies should I order?
Start with one so you can check the pages. There is no minimum and each copy costs the same however many you order, so you can order more as relatives ask.
Does color cost extra?
No. Every page prints in full color at the same price, so colored photographs and black-and-white ones cost the same.
Can the books be posted to relatives directly?
Each order ships to the address you give it, to the US and Canada. To send copies to several relatives, place separate orders with each address.
Can I get an ISBN or have it sold in a library or shop?
No. We print and ship the books you order; we don't supply ISBNs and we don't distribute to retailers or libraries. A family book doesn't need either to be printed and given.
Your first books are on us.
Start on Starter with a 30-day trial and $50 of print credit. Print a few copies, hold them, then decide.