by Clifford N.
Member since:
January 1, 2008

A Private Opinion Poll, If you Please.

September 14, 2010 12:06 PM UTC
views: 0 | 5 people recommend this | comments: 41

I am trying to decide on the size font for a new book that is going to press and can't make up my mind about it. I thought that maybe some of you might take a moment and let me know your preferences.

The problem has to do with the retail sales cost of the book when complete. Ideally, it is my opinion that a book should be kept to as small an outside dimension as possible for several good reasons. I will not deal with that at the moment but I wanted this particular book to be about 5 1/4 '"X 8 ". This requires the book to be at least 442 pages with a font of size 10 pt. If that is raised to 11 pt. the page count goes to 522.

My concern is reading ease. So, now my question. If you are reading a book, how concerned are you with the font size of the print when making a purchase? Will the print size matter enough to keep you from readig the book. Have you thought about this and if not, would you mind looking at some of the books around your area and let me have your opinion as to whether it is of concern to you. We are talking about paper back books here.

Another quick poll. Do you consider the page color and quality in purchasing a book? Do you prefer a cream color paper over a white color?

 

Thanks for your time and effort in answering.

 

Comments: 41

Donald Pennington Sep 14, 2010, 12:10pm UTC
As I age, font size might affect it, but if the book's worth it, I'll strain. As for page color? Apparently I prefer coffee-colored paper, hold the cream.
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 1:28pm UTC
Thanks Donald. Some folks seem to think the white paper is harder on the eye, or at least that is what I am led to believe. Not sure myself.
Nora D. Sep 14, 2010, 12:10pm UTC
Hi Clifford! Well, as one who wears no line bifocals, and has for a number of years, font size really isn't a big deal to me....I always take off my glasses when reading anyhow!!!!! I would say stick with the "10," as going to "11" would add too many additional pages to the book. I've got paperbacks with all sorts of font sizes but it's never really bothered me.
As for the color of the pages, again, it really doesn't matter all that much to me; however, it seems like all the books I've gotten have white pages.....I've not seen many having cream/beige colored pages.
Hope this helps!!!
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 1:32pm UTC
Thanks Nora. I am surprise that most of your books have white pages instead of cream colored. Most paper back books in my library are cream. The cream paper is thicker and makes the book thicker but it is more flexible than the white, so it opens wider more easily without damaging the spine.
Nora D. Sep 14, 2010, 3:25pm UTC
Hi again! You know, it's weird, but now that I checked, most of my hardcover books have cream colored pages, but not the paperbacks......hmmmmm, wonder why?! Very interesting, isn't it?
Clifford N. Sep 17, 2010, 1:57pm UTC
Nora. It is because the white paper takes less pages since it is thinner than the cream colored. This makes the cost of the book less to produce.
Rae M. Sep 14, 2010, 12:12pm UTC
No preferance of cream color over white paper. I think you should consider the age demographic of those you will enjoy and purchase your book. If you feel the potential readers will be older then a larger font might be a good idea. If not then I think you should go with what ever is less expensive so that you can hold the price of the book down which is a huge desire in this economy. Just my 2 cents.
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 1:33pm UTC
I am tending to agree with you Rae. Price seems important and it is amazing how much more is added with just a few extra pages. Thank you for your opinion.
D. Pat Thomas Sep 14, 2010, 12:39pm UTC
Life is so much easier if I can see the words. 10 pt is big enough for the occasional footnote, but a whole book would be a bit off-putting for this Baby Boomer.
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 1:38pm UTC
Pat, I am wondering if you are reading many paper back books or not. It seems that when I sample a random group of those on the shelves in my local book store, about 60 per cent use 10 pt font size. Does this mean that you reject 60 percent of the books on the shelves because of the print size. If so then I really need to look closely at your age and opinion bracket. I certainly don't want to eliminate 60 per cent of the buyers to save $2.50 on the cost. Especially if the cost difference does not make a difference to you.
D. Pat Thomas Sep 14, 2010, 5:54pm UTC
You are probably right. I was thinking of 10 pt as footnote size, but that's actually 8. I certainly haven't put a paperback book back on the shelf because of print size! But if you want to know my age, no, no. I'm old enough to be a "certain age" but not so far along as to have bragging rights! Sounds like you've reached a decision you're comfortable with. Congrats.
Diane Huizenga Sep 14, 2010, 1:19pm UTC
Because of my age my eyes are going, I can read regular sized print with my glasses but some books print is just to small and I won't buy it if I have to struggle to read it. I think 10 pt. is reasonable.
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 1:40pm UTC
Thank you Diane. Actually I prefer the larger size print for my personal reading but I don't know that I would reject a book because it had 10 pt. font. I can read it but not as easily.
Carrie Marie P. Sep 14, 2010, 2:08pm UTC
font size 11 would be a dream come true when I am reading; and I prefer cream or off-white for reading font. White is harsh on my eyes.
Nikki McLean Sep 14, 2010, 2:11pm UTC
I prefer cream as well, so much easier to read on cream.
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 8:20pm UTC
Thanks Marie and Nikke. I am thinking cream. Still not settled on the print size though.
Clifford N. Sep 17, 2010, 1:55pm UTC
Thank you Marie, I almost missed your comment. I tend to agree with you.
Nikki McLean Sep 14, 2010, 2:10pm UTC
hmmmm I'm in the same market as you and yet i've never thought about this...... i need glasses to read as it is, but font size has never put me off a book.

I'd say, if its an ebook 11pt, if its print 10pt because its easier to read smaller things on paper then it is the screen. yeah i'd go with 10pt but i can understand why your having problems with this. It's idffercult to judge.
Pat Whitaker Sep 14, 2010, 2:36pm UTC
If you're thinking in purely commercial terms, there are many conflicting requirements that you need to consider - perceived value being one of the most important.

Everyone's eyesight is different, but if you are aiming at the more mature, a larger font is preferred. That said, many of these readers wear reading glasses. But in the fiction market, a small font is seen as an economy measure, so there is a risk of your book being considered 'cheap' - the reason so much is now published in large format.

That said, price is critical - you really can't win.

White paper is now more common, and cream is generally viewed as cheap (although I personally prefer it). Why this is I'm not sure, unless it's simply that most older books are cream.

I have the opposite problem. My stories are all quite short (as you know, Cliff) and I have to use 12 point and wide margins etc. to get the page count up. It adds to the cost, of course, but otherwise the book will look and feel too thin and not be perceived as good value.
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 8:14pm UTC
Well thank you Pat. I value your opinion greatly. As you may know, I do not have the problem with short manuscripts, just the opposite really. When I first set this manuscript up in 12 point it was over 1,000 pages and scared me to death.

I've worked with wider margins today and 11 pt. That got it down to about 442 pages and I think I am going in that direction.

Thanks you again. Hope all is well with you.
Elizabeth O. Sep 14, 2010, 3:06pm UTC
Hi Clifford ~ Since I've had LASIK surgery, my close up vision was my sacrifice, so I always need reading glasses. 10 point font is fine with me. I'd go with the cream coloured paper, white is too stark and very hard on the eyes.
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 8:16pm UTC
Thank you Elizabeth. I have about decided to use the cream color. My last book was white and I thought it was a little stark too.
marie Pinschmidt Sep 14, 2010, 3:16pm UTC
Cliff, if you still have my novel lying around, check out the size and font. I've had many compliments on the readability of my books. Also, my books are 6 x 9. Have you sought the advise of your publisher? He/she should know the statistics and what is most appropriate. Best of luck to you.
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 8:18pm UTC
Thank you Marie. I have loaned out your book to my sister-in-law but I will give it a good once over when and If I get it back.
Thanks for the advice, it is good.
Heidi S. Sep 14, 2010, 8:24pm UTC
I use to produce technical manuals, and we used 12 or 11 pt font, depending on the font style. For a paperback 10 pt font seems reasonable. I would suggest an off-white paper, stark white is so harsh. Good luck!
Clifford N. Sep 14, 2010, 10:03pm UTC
Thank you Heidi. Yours sounds like the voice of reason.
Ms Lee P. Sep 14, 2010, 11:36pm UTC
Most books, as you said, are in the smaller font, which I think is a perfect size. The last Bible I purchased was in the "large print" size and I still use the smaller print one because the other one is almost to big to handle. Go for the smaller print (my opinion). Page color .... hmmmm .... I've never thought about it. Maybe the creamy color would be nicer.
Clifford N. Sep 15, 2010, 5:19pm UTC
Thank you Lee. I am really surprised that you prefer the small print. I respect your opinion greatly.
Ms Lee P. Sep 15, 2010, 5:33pm UTC
LOL! Only because the bigger the book the harder it is to hold and I DO have my reading glasses so reading the smaller print is no problem. LOL!
John S. (arizona) Sep 15, 2010, 8:43am UTC
I'm not sure of the difference in sizes as you mention in your posts, but I'm somewhat put-off by books when the font is too small and avoid them if I can. I much prefer a book easier to read on my eyes, as compared to worrying about how many pages it may have. This is especially true if the paper is too white and/or contrasting as well at the same time... gives me headaches from eye fatigue.
You know, many years ago when young I used to buy paperbacks occasionally that had an "easy eye" logo of some type on the cover that were very comfortable to read, at least to me. The paper had a slightly blueish tint to it as I remember, as well as being dull. I don't recall the font being any larger than is common, just easier on the eyes for sure. I always wondered why all books weren't made like that I liked it so much, LOL.
Good luck and take care.
Clifford N. Sep 15, 2010, 5:21pm UTC
Thank you John. I too remember the page color you speak of and have occasionally wondered what happened to it. I don't remember seeing it in many years.
Mary McKinney Sep 15, 2010, 7:23pm UTC
Even though I wear glasses I think a 10 pt is fine. I'd rather have it and fewer pages. Cream is my preference on paper color.
Clifford N. Sep 15, 2010, 7:57pm UTC
Thank you Mary. The jury is still out but I am leaning in that direction at the moment. Got to make up my mind pretty soon though.
Dorine H. Sep 17, 2010, 1:57am UTC
I feel strongly that white or a very pale off white with black letters is the easiest to read. Size 14 font is smaller than ideal for me, but not so big as to put off younger people. I have refused to buy books that looked interesting but had an unreadably small font or printed text over colors and designs tht rendered the test too hard to read, or that use colors for the text that are too hard to read.
Clifford N. Sep 17, 2010, 1:52pm UTC
Thank you Dorine, I think you speak for a lot of people but there are very few books that would use 14 pt type. Most likely on specialty books or deliberate large print editions.

If I put my novel in 14 pt. font, the book would be 1500 pages long as opposed to 340 for 11 pt. The cost of the book would be very high as a result, making it unmarketable.

In e-book form, it would make little difference however.
Connie C. Sep 27, 2010, 9:51pm UTC
I have worn glasses since the third grade. I needed them before that but we could not afford to go to the Eye doctor let alone the glasses. As such I find that I do look for books with larger print. That is one reason I love my Sony eReader so much. I can enlarge the print so it is enjoyable to read.

It is hard to enjoy a book when it is difficult to read the words because they are so small.
Clifford N. Sep 27, 2010, 11:14pm UTC
Thanks Connie. I have settled the issue and decided to use 11pt for the main body of my manuscript in the book and 10 pt otherwise. By the way, Kindred Spirits should be on the market by the end of the week. Watch for an announcement from me.
Bobbi Romans Sep 27, 2010, 10:00pm UTC
I think 12 font is usually the preferred format, but agree with the above stated. 11 if digital and 10 if print would be acceptable to me.

JIMHO
Clifford N. Sep 27, 2010, 11:15pm UTC
Thank you Dana. Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Austin Cushing Oct 3, 2010, 5:45pm UTC
This is to let you know that this has been removed from Comment Speedway for reaching ten or more comments - congratulations!
Clifford N. Oct 3, 2010, 6:48pm UTC
Thank you Austin, The Speedway is doing its job well.

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