When you’re getting your book ready for print, one small but important choice you’ll need to make is the color of your paper. The two most common options—white paper and cream paper—each have their own benefits, depending on the type of book you’re publishing. Let’s break it down so you can choose the best fit for your paperback.
Why Your Paper Choice Matters
Paper color isn’t just about looks—it affects how easy your book is to read, how professional it feels, and how it fits in with other books in your genre. Whether you’re working with custom book layout services or handling the formatting yourself, picking the right paper will make a difference in the final product.
White Paper: Crisp, Clean, and Modern
White paper is a great choice when you want your text or images to pop off the page. It works well for:
Nonfiction books, business guides, and technical manuals – The bright contrast makes text easier to read and helps diagrams or images stand out.
Self-help and instructional books – White pages feel fresh and modern, making them ideal for quick reference.
Children’s books or books with illustrations – Colors look more vibrant on a white background.
White paper gives a polished, professional look, but some readers find it a little harsh for long reading sessions. If your book is mostly text-heavy, you might want to consider cream paper instead.
Cream Paper: Soft, Classic, and Easy on the Eyes
Cream-colored pages are often the go-to choice for fiction and memoirs. They work best for:
Novels, poetry, and memoirs – The softer contrast makes long reading sessions more comfortable.
Classic and literary books – The warm tone gives a more traditional and timeless feel.
Paperback novels on Amazon KDP or IngramSpark – Many self-published authors prefer cream pages for a more traditional look.
Since cream paper absorbs more light, it’s easier on the eyes, which is why it’s a popular choice for books meant to be read for long periods.
How to Choose the Right One for Your Book
When deciding between white and cream paper, ask yourself:
What kind of book are you publishing? If your book has lots of images or needs sharp contrast, go with white. If it’s mostly text-heavy, cream is a better choice.
Who’s your audience? Some readers prefer the sleek look of white pages, while others like the softer feel of cream.
Where are you printing your book? Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark often recommend cream paper for fiction and white for non-fiction.
What’s the overall style of your book? If you’re planning a book series, keeping the same paper color across all volumes helps maintain consistency.
Get a Professional Touch for Your Book Formatting
No matter which paper you choose, having a well-formatted book is just as important. Affordable book formatting services for self-publishers can help ensure your book looks great inside and out. Whether you need help with manuscript formatting for publishing or just want to make sure your book meets industry standards, working with an expert can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
The choice between white and cream paper might seem small, but it has a big impact on how your book feels to readers. If you’re still unsure, think about your book’s genre, audience, and style. And if you need help getting your book print-ready, a book formatting expert can guide you through the process. The right choices will make your book both beautiful and enjoyable to read!