What is a self-cover booklet?
In short
A self-cover booklet has its cover printed on the same paper as the inside pages, rather than on a separate, heavier card.
A self cover means the cover of a booklet is part of the same run of paper as the inside pages. The outer sheet carries the front cover, inside front cover, inside back cover and back cover, and is folded and stapled with the rest. The alternative is a separate cover, usually on heavier card.
Our booklets are self cover
Our stapled booklets are printed on 170gsm silk throughout, so the cover and the inside pages feel the same. A 170gsm silk sheet is noticeably thicker than office copier paper, which gives the cover enough body for a programme, newsletter, price guide or order of service.
How it affects page counts
With a self cover, the cover pages are part of the page count. An 8-page booklet is the front cover, the inside front cover, four inside pages, the inside back cover and the back cover.
| Booklet | Cover pages | Inside pages |
|---|---|---|
| 8 pages | 4 | 4 |
| 12 pages | 4 | 8 |
| 16 pages | 4 | 12 |
If you want the inside covers left blank, they still count as pages.
Why choose self cover
A self cover keeps a booklet light and flexible, folds cleanly at the spine and keeps postage weight down. It also means the whole booklet can carry content, including the inside covers, which are useful for a welcome note, contents, a map or contact details. See our booklet page count guide for page planning.