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Definition of paperback

Examples of paperback in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paperback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1843, in the meaning defined above

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“Paperback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperback. Accessed 13 May. 2024.

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The Different Types of Book Formats Explained

Nicole Hill

An aspiring Golden Girl, Nicole Hill is a former journalist and forever writer whose home is equal parts pet rescue and personal library. Nicole lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and growing canine and feline brood. Please send any and all book recs and review copies to [email protected].

View All posts by Nicole Hill

You’re reading this article because you love books. I’m writing it for the same reason. But how much do you know about the books themselves? Why are they shaped the way they are ? Why are there so many different book formats? How can you fit all of these different sizes of books on your bookshelf?

For that last question, I have no answer. Though that hasn’t stopped others from trying to make sense of all of these mismatched sizes .

“It is, admittedly, all too easy to take the existence of physical books for granted,” writes Keith Houston in The Book . “The sheer weight of them that surrounds us at all times, in bookcases, libraries, and bookshops, leads to a kind of bibliographic snow blindness.”

Recent news, though, has us thinking more deeply about book formats. In March, Harlequin discreetly made some changes to its mass market paperbacks; it made them bigger, dubbing the new format “ mass market paperback max .” And in April, Kensington Publishing announced plans to switch its mass market to titles to the “mass max” size in September 2020.

What does all this mean? What’s a mass market paperback, and how’s it different from any other paperback? Why are books different sizes anyway? Let’s revisit the different types of book formats and why each exists.

Before we go any further, a note on terminology: “Trim size” is publishing industry speak for book size. After a book is bound, it’s trimmed down to one of several uniform sizes—sizes for which, in the United States, you actually have Woodrow Wilson to thank.

As Houston outlines in The Book , a wonderfully thorough history of, well, the book, standard book trim sizes are a relatively modern invention. Standardization didn’t start in the U.S. until 1921, when the Wilson administration established two committees dedicated to defining paper sizes: the Permanent Conference on Printing and the Committee on the Simplification of Paper Sizes.

That pair of granularly named committees is responsible, for example, for our standard letter sizes (8 x 10 ½ inches and 8 ½ x 11 inches). How they arrived at such a definition is telling. The dimensions, Houston writes, were (super scientifically) copied from Secretary of State Herbert Hoover’s personal letter paper.

Regardless, any time I refer to “trim size,” I’m merely referring to the actual size of the book.

What they are: Hardcovers, sometimes referred to as “trade cloth” books, are hardbound books with sewn spines. When you buy them new, they may come with removable dust jackets to protect their covers.

Where you see them: Most new releases arrive in hardback first, followed by a paperback release around a year later.

Likely, you’ll see them in your local library, too. Hardcovers—especially those with reinforced library binding—hold up better over time for multiple borrowers, particularly with popular titles, according to Leah Oswald, a reference librarian with the Austin Public Library. Books with lower expected circulation, meanwhile, often get stocked in cheaper paperback form.

Where you won’t see them: A lot of genre fiction (romance, science fiction, fantasy) dispenses with the hardcover format. Many books from indie presses likewise debut in paperback.

Why they exist: Prior to the hardcover, ancient book formats vacillated between various forms of parchment and papyrus scrolls. While these scrolls and bookrolls became increasingly durable, usability problems remained.

“It takes two hands to simultaneously unfurl a bookroll at one end and roll it up at the other,” Houston writes in The Book . “There is no way to casually prop open a scroll in one hand while sipping from a glass of wine held in the other.”

Hardcovers exist for their durability and relative convenience. Their (typically) rectangular, solid shapes behave nicely on bookshelves! And until World War II, they were really the only trim size available. (More on that in a second.)

Today, publishers still put out hardcovers first for the simple fact that they sell, as Philip Jones, editor of publishing-industry magazine The Bookseller , explained in an interview with The Guardian . Citing data from Nielsen BookScan, Jones said hardcovers compose roughly 20% of the printed fiction market.

Why? Any number of reasons. Readers may prefer hardcovers because they’re more durable than paperbacks. Bookstores may prefer them because they’re larger, more easily visible on bookshelves. Without a doubt, publishers prefer hardcovers because they’re more profitable, often selling for “twice the price of a paperback” without twice the production cost, Jones said.

And as Mental Floss notes , hardcover releases followed up by paperback releases give publishers two big marketing opportunities for any given title—double the chances that book will end up in your hands.

Trade Paperbacks

What they are: Trade books are what we consider “standard” paperbacks.

Where you see them: Trade paperbacks (usually measuring somewhere around 5 x 8 inches) are less expensive, more portable book formats. You’ll see trade paperbacks everywhere, for works of adult and children’s fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and poetry alike.

Where you won’t see them: Most books are published in paperback (at some point), but there is the whole oversized books market, which we’ll discuss in a moment.

Why they exist: Paperbacks of any size exist because of their accessibility, affordability, and portable nature. But the mainstreaming of paperbacks in the United States is largely a product of World War II.

Penguin began publishing its cheaper, commuter-friendly paperbacks in Britain in 1935. Pocket Books followed suit in the United States in 1939 with its own lines of books stocked in accessible consumer locations like newsstands. Certainly, there was an audience, which Andrew Liptak documented for Kirkus . In a country still buffeted by the Great Depression, hardbacks were out of economic reach even for the traditional “reading classes.”

And then World War II.

Prior to the 1930s and ‘40s, the American paperback market was the dominion of pulp novels and comics. So-called serious literature was available in costly hardcover forms. But wartime America created a new audience of soldiers hungry for the comforts of home and a distraction, as The Atlantic ’s Yoni Appelbaum reports.

In a partnership between publishers and the U.S. military, cheap Armed Services Edition paperbacks were produced on magazine presses and sent to the front lines, as Cara Giaimo writes for Atlas Obscura . Available titles included popular pulp favorites like westerns but also classic and best-selling books previously published only in hardcover—all sold to the Army for just 6 cents a book .

When those soldiers returned home, there was no going back to days without a less expensive, widely available, easily held book format.

Mass Market Paperbacks

What they are: If the hardcover is the Range Rover, the trade paperback is the luxury sedan. The mass market paperback? It’s the 2006 Toyota Corolla you’ll drive until one of you dies. Designed for affordability rather than perceived elegance, mass market paperbacks are typically smaller with tighter typeset.

Where you see them: Romance novels, but also much of adult genre fiction, including science fiction and mystery. (No doubt you’ve seen the vivid fantasy covers of mass market paperbacks at your favorite used bookstore.)

Where you won’t see them: Curiously, the industry segment with a gaping mass market hole is the current YA landscape . You’d think books intended for youth audiences would be printed in the cheaper, more easily maneuverable format, no? At least, you’d think that if you’d spent as much time with mass market Christopher Pike thrillers as a teen as I did.

Why they exist: At 4 x 7 inches, they’re perfect to throw in your bag, though that convenience is also the reason why you’ll find them in used bookstores, their covers tattered from being loved too much .

Dedicated readers of genres like romance get very attached to the hand-feel of mass market paperbacks. They’re easy to hold and easy to stow. That’s why Harlequin and Kensington’s announcements about the “mass max” paperback are such big news. The mass max books will measure an expanded 4.75 x 7 inches. That may not seem like a big increase, but think about the size of your palm in comparison to ¾ of an inch.

In announcing its move, Harlequin cited positive reader feedback about the larger size (and larger fonts), paper quality, and spine design—notably, all hallmarks of a traditional (slightly more expensive) trade paperback.

Time will tell if the mass max will eclipse the smaller mass market paperback or even eat into the number of books published as trade paperbacks.

Oversized Books

What they are: Finally, we arrive at coffee table books. These massive hardcovers are most likely what you artfully stack in the living room before guests come over.

Where you see them: Typically, you’ll see oversized art books, photography collections, and cookbooks, as well as nonfiction books that otherwise rely on visuals and imagery. Occasionally, you’ll see graphic novels appear in this format for collected volumes like Saga .

Where you won’t see them: Barring unusual circumstances or unique publisher whims, you’re not going to be lugging home any oversized novels or works of narrative nonfiction.

Why they exist: Oversized books for display have been around for centuries, but David Brower, the first executive director of the Sierra Club, is commonly credited with inventing our modern coffee table book.

In Natural Visions: The Power of Images in American Environmental Reform , author Finis Dunaway explores the reasons behind the Sierra Club’s “Exhibit Format” books, which paired nature photos from the likes of Ansel Adams with text from nature writers.

These “large, heavy books, measuring over 10 inches wide by over a foot long” were part of a coordinated campaign to lobby Congress on wildlife protection bills, Dunaway writes: “Sierra Club artists used the camera to present nature as sacred and sublime; their photographs encouraged audiences to view wilderness as a place where people are visitors who do not remain.”

They were on to something. Nature photography remains a huge subject for these oversized books, though only one of many to take advantage of this visually striking form.

So that’s it. That’s a brief look at the most common trim sizes for books. Are there other book formats? Yes, as evidenced by spiral-bound cookbooks or children’s board books. If you’re interested in learning even more about books as an entity, give these 10 Nonfiction Titles That Will Change the Way You See Books a try.

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Home » Writing » What is a paperback book?

Paperback book sizes

How do these little gems stack up size-wise? The original railway paperbacks measured in at a compact 4 3/8 in. x 7 in. (the same as those mass-market romance and mystery novels we see all over airports, drugstores, and supermarkets today). In the US, books known as trade paperbacks come in two standard trim sizes: small (5 1/8 in. x 7 3/4 in.) and medium (5 3/8 in. x 8 1/2 in.).

Paperback books versus hardcover books

Unlike hardcover books, which are larger, more expensive, and bound by stitches or staples with a cloth or leather cover, paperback books are characterized by generally lesser quality paper, glue binding, and a flexible cover made from thick paper or paperboard. Trade paperbacks are often printed on acid-free paper, whereas small, mass-market copies are printed on the lowest-quality paper, which allows printers and publishers to keep the price so affordable. When it comes to new books, publishers release most fiction and nonfiction books in hardcover first, followed by a paperback version the following year.

In the world of book aficionados, hardcover books tend to be highly regarded, based on the attention given to material design, paper quality, and page design. However, the paperback also provides its own lo-fi, approachable, and highly flexible aesthetic. Paperback books are clear winners in terms of price and portability, even if they lose points for durability. And perhaps most importantly, the paperback is the ultimate shareable tool, easily passed from one reader to the next, taking on the weathered patina personality many of us come to enjoy.

Do you have a creative project you plan to self-publish as a trade book ? This format not only gives you beautiful and economical printing options, but it also offers the most possibilities for worldwide distribution. Download BookWright and start designing your trade nook today. Or learn more about the types of book covers available.

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Definition of paperback – Learner’s Dictionary

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(Definition of paperback from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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What Is A Paperback Book? Types And Reasons Why It Is Used

For decades, most books released often come out first in hardcover versions months or years before the paperback versions are released. Most authors will do this to increase the awareness of the books and even increase their profit margins.

Hardcover books may be good for shows and advertising to potential readers but paperback books are smaller and lightweight, making them convenient for people on the go.

What is a Paperback book?

A paperback which is also known as the softcover is a type of book that comes with a paperboard cover that is held together with an adhesive rather than stitches or staples used in binding hardcover books. 

In contrast to paperback books, hardcover books are covered or bound with cardboards that are covered with plastic or leather materials. Hardcover books normally come with more designs than paperback books and they are heavier too. 

Paperback books have become more popular since the beginning of the 19h century where they come in the forms of yellow-backs, pamphlets, and dime novels. New paperbacks are more durable and also come in different formats from different countries. 

Table of Contents

When Are Paperback Books Issued?

Paperback books are issued basically when an author decides to issue a low-cost version of the hardcover book. Paperback can thus be described as the lower quality book version. The absence of hardcover makes paperbacks much cheaper.

Paperback is also a consideration when the author doesn’t have the resources to invest hugely in their books. A paperback is also considering the ideal medium of a book when the author doesn’t expect the book to be a major seller. Reprints of older books, new book versions, and new novels often come in paperbacks for several reasons.

Since paperbacks do come with lesser profit margins, many book publishers balance profit projection by selling fewer hardcover books and more paperbacks. Many publishers thus use paperbacks to extend profits from hardcovers through the issuing of paperbacks. Most first editions of genre books are now published in paperbacks

What Are The Types Of Paperbacks You Can Opt For?

There are three different types of paperback books, these are;

• Mass Market.
• B-format and

1. The mass market paperback

This is a very small paperback type that is non-illustrated. The UK A-format that measures 4 3/8 x 7 inches in width and height is an example of a mass-market paperback. They are also known to be printed with low-quality paper.

These paperbacks are commonly published after the hardcopy editions and are commonly sold in non-traditional book stores like airports, supermarkets, and drug stores. You may also find them in traditional bookstores.

Romance novels often accounted for more than half of paperback versions in the 1980s and they are still popular to date. When booksellers notice some books are not selling, they may return them to publishers for a refund or credit for their future orders. Mass-market type of paperback books is mostly common among first book authors .

Many airport staffs often give passengers at the airport such paperback books to read while waiting to board aircraft. Aside from romance genres, magazine cartoon series and comics are also popular mass-market paperbacks you can find in public places.

2. The B-format paperbacks

This is a term used in describing medium-sized paperback books that measure 5 1/8 and 8 inches in width and height respectively. This size has been synonymous with literary novels, especially from the fiction genre. You may also find these paperback types in smaller formats. The B-format normally comes with paper qualities that are better than those used for mass-market paperbacks.

3. Trade Paperback Book

Trade paper book is also referred to as “Trade paper edition”. His option comes with the highest quality paper of all three types. It is a softcover option of a previously-released hardcover book and the text contents and pages in it often tally with what you find in the hardcover edition is published by the same publisher.

While the pages in the trade paperback are the same as the hardcover version, the softcover seems to be the only difference. Acid-free paper is one of the good quality paper types used in creating trade softcover book.

In some countries, the Trade paperback encompasses softcover books also described as B-format options but they come in larger sizes such as 5 3/8 x 8 ½ inches in width and height respectively.

Trade comics are good examples of Trade paperback books. The paperbacks are used in the reprint of many trade comic series in a single volume. The paperback can be used in printing a storyline or the entire series.

Trade paperback has become very synonymous with collections of mass re-printed materials. They are for instance used in the creation and mass production of graphic comic books. Just like in other types of books, publishers often release a hardcopy version of books before releasing trade paperback versions.

The watchmen from DC comics and the Secret war series from Marvel comics are just two of the common Trade paperback books around today.

Paperback vs Hardcover Backs- Which One Should You Go For?

The hardcover was originally designed to do nothing more than protecting the pages within, The advance in printing technology and economic reasons brought about the development of paperback which was released in the year 1935.

The paperback has proven to be an immediate success and authors are now being offered two options for printing; the classic hard book cover and cheaper yet cheerful soft paperback. The following factors will help you determine which option to go for;

Hardcovers are generally more expensive. The cost of making a hardcover can be 5 times the cost of making a soft paperback. Authors who can afford the highly-anticipated hardcover option often anticipate higher sales and hen release paperback options months after the release of hardcovers.

Paperbacks are not only cheaper; they are more cheerful makes it easier for people to read because of is lightweight. The problem with paperbacks is that they can easily wear out and become easily damaged with repeated use. Many users of paperbacks often buy another copy if they enjoy the content of the book.

The Functionality

Functionality means different things to different readers. Since paperback is light and compact, it means the book type can be easily transported. The paperback is also easily bent and stuffed inside a traveler’s bag hence it is more functional than the hardcover.

A Hardcover on the other side is very strong and provides a more aesthetically appealing outlook. Hardcover is far more long-lasting and durable than the paperback, and hardcover can hold its value more than the paperback.

The Appeal 

You should also consider your audience when choosing between paperback and hardcover. Some premium readers will only go for hardcover books, though everyone may find the affordability of paperbacks more helpful.

Think of how your users will use your book. The appeal of your book will also depend on your expectations of your readers. A paperback may look too cheap for some premium readers; hence you should consider your competitors and how they appeal to your readers.

Many book readers will admit that the appeal of hardcover books that paperbacks cannot match. If you want a book that people will want and appreciate, plus a price that they can sacrifice to pay, then a hardcover option may be your ideal.

Availability

Unfortunately, hardcover books are becoming less and less available because they are very expensive and more difficult to make. Few publishers are still dealing with publishing companies for hardcover books but the most important thing for authors is to make their books available. Paperback books are more available than hardcover books because of their cheaper production costs and availability in many places. You may want to go for a paperback if you want your book to be more readily available.

When it comes to storage, the hardcover book takes an upper hand because it is designed to store better and last longer. The paperback option will begin to wrinkle and flake after some period of repeated usage, whereas hardcover books are made from solid long-lasting materials.

For longevity reasons, you should invest in the hardcover back that can last for decades. This will be a great bargain even for your readers.

When it comes to simplicity, exposure, and cost-competitiveness, both paperback and hardcover books cannot be compared to e-publishing. E-publishing is far better than other options for publishing books because you will minimize the risks efficiently while maximizing your profit.

E-publishing has grown to a point where you can publish your books online and also convert them to a paperback option that can be printed at no extra cost.

The e-publishing platform does everything for you, all you need is to create a cover with the publishing platform’s cover design and publish your book. With e-publishing, you will generate a commission for life. From the factors explained above, you should be able to find your perfect choice between hardcover and paperback good.

About the Author

CJ grew up admiring books. His family owned a small bookstore throughout his early childhood, and he would spend weekends flipping through book after book, always sure to read the ones that looked the most interesting. Not much has changed since then, except now some of those interesting books he picks off the shelf were designed by his company!

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What is paperback or softcover binding? Characteristics and types

A paperback book is a book whose pages are bound in a flexible paper cover (such as a paperback novel, a company annual report or a magazine). It is the opposite of a hardback book, whose pages are bound inside a thick, stiff cardboard cover (such as an elementary school textbook).

Paper binding is also called softcover binding. The paper used for the cover of a paperback book may be thicker than that of the inside pages (for durability), or the cover may be the same thickness as the inside pages (to save costs).

Like any type of binding, a paperback does not simply hold the printed pages together, but shapes the publication, ensures its longevity and makes it easy for the reader to use.

Now that we have clarified what a soft-bound book is, we should say that there are different types of soft binding: perfect binding, sewn binding, stapled binding and spiral paperback binding.

Table of Contents

Types of paperback bindings

Glued paperback binding.

The cover of a perfect or glued binding is made of heavyweight cardboard paper which is usually coated or laminated to protect the book. In this type of binding, the cover and pages are glued together with a very strong glue. Often the cover is longer than the pages, so the cover is trimmed to give it that perfect appearance.

• It is an economical alternative to hardback binding, both in terms of production and shipping.
• The presentation is still of high quality, which allows the books to command good prices at retail.

Disadvantages

• Books do not lay flat on the table when opened due to the gluing of the cover to the spine of the book block.
• The lower quality paper-based cover also means that perfect bound books are less durable than hardcover books.

Stitched paperback binding

Stitched binding is a more advanced binding method than glue binding, as it requires an additional step: the sheets – or pages of your publication – are stitched together in a single block before being glued to the cover.

They are sewn with cotton, hemp, linen or synthetic thread. Stitching ensures a better hold over time and greater resistance to wear and tear than perfect binding. However, stitched binding is more expensive and time-consuming.

Although more expensive and time-consuming, this technique is recommended for publications that are intended to last and for which a quality finish is especially important. Compared to perfect binding, it adds an extra touch of craftsmanship and quality, and is suitable for longer books of more than 150 pages and using heavier papers.

As with glue binding, the sheets are glued to the cover. But before they are glued, they are sewn together.

Stapled paperback binding

For books that may have short-term use (or those with a small number of pages), saddle stitching is an excellent alternative. Once the pages are printed and organised, they are stacked and loaded onto a conveyor belt from where they are stitched together with metal staples. Stapling can be done with or without a book cover.

• This technique is very economical, especially for small, short-run notebooks.
• Ridge-stitched books lie flat (for the most part) when opened.
• This method of binding is usually quite fast and can be done in most commercial print shops.
• When used for books with many pages, the nesting of the pages together can cause deterioration.
• Books are less durable; the cover and pages can easily be damaged.

Finishings for the paperback binding

If you want to add an extra touch to your paperback bindings, here are some ideas

During the printing process, the cover is sealed with an aqueous coating or UV varnish. This is to prevent the cover from marking. A more durable solution is to laminate the outer cover.

A laminate will give the cover more strength and better protection against fingerprints and abrasions.

Gloss laminate is a popular choice because it enhances colours and images. But there are also other laminates available, such as soft-touch, which is a matt finish with a silky feel.

Selective Varnish

Selective varnish is used to highlight a part of the book cover. A gloss-type varnish is applied to those areas of the cover that we want to stand out.

This finish makes the book much more attractive and makes it easier to capture the attention of potential readers, a very important aspect to take into account, as there are a large number of books on the market, so it is important to make a difference to increase the chances that the reader will choose our book and not any other.

Special interior paper

If you want your book to offer a great experience both to the eye and to the touch, using a different type of paper for the inside can be a great option. There are a lot of different types of paper on the market that will definitely make your book unique.

Frequently asked questions about softcover binding

Which products do you typically use softcover or paperback binding for.

Binding in paperback is typically used on products such as:

• Books and novels
• Scholarly works such as doctoral theses or dissertations

How much does it cost to bind a paperback book?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions and the answer as with almost everything to do with printing is “it depends”. It depends on how many books you are going to print, the number of pages, the size, the type of paper inside, if there is any additional finishing, etc.

As you can see, the issue is not the paperback itself, but all these factors have to be taken into account.

What type of paperback binding is best?

As with the previous question, the answer is that it depends on the purpose of the product you are printing. If you’re printing magazines or catalogues, stapling is a quality and cheaper option.

If you want a product with a professional finish but are on a tight budget, glue binding may be the best option

If you don’t mind spending a little extra to get the highest quality product that will stand the test of time and look professional, the sewn paperback is the way to go.

Would you like to know more about other types of binding and finishing for your print jobs? Take a look at our sections on binding, finishing and paper type, where we detail different procedures in printing that can serve as inspiration for your printing projects.

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The history of the paperback

Saturday 30th July is Paperback Book Day. Learn about the history of this medium.

The paperback revolution in publishing

The paperback revolution was well established by the early 1950s. Paperbacks began to grow. Starting with the prewar Penguins and extending to many other companies, into well-printed, low-cost books on every possible subject. Including a large range of first-class literature. On the Continent, they were known as pocket books. They swept the world, producing new book readers on an unprecedented scale.

Their usage has been particularly prevalent in developing countries. Particularly in Africa. The new paperbacks were widely available. Not just in bookstores but also in pharmacies, street kiosks, and newsstands at train stations, hotel lobbies and airports. The low price of the paperback, which put books into the realm of impulse purchasing for the first time, is attributable mostly to the vast number printed. Seldom fewer than 30,000 and usually considerably more.

The majority of paperbacks have been reprints of successful clothbound novels. Typically, the paperback publisher makes an offer to the hardcover publisher to purchase the paperback rights. Then, the paperback profits are split between the author and the hardcover publisher. While many of the major paperback publishers have created a certain number of previously unpublished books, the paperback business is mostly based on works from traditional publishers. It is consequently a misconception to believe that, despite their seeming popularity, the paperback book will eventually supplant the hardcover book.

Penguin as a paperback icon

Penguin paperbacks were enormously important in paperback history. They are still celebrated for their sleek graphic design and eye-catching colours. 

The first 10 Penguin paperback publications, including Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, and Dorothy Sayers' The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club, were extremely popular, and Penguin had sold over three million copies after just one year in business.

Penguin's visual design was crucial to the company's success. Unlike other publishers, Penguin focused on the brand rather than the title or author of the book. Simple, clear typography, and colour coding.  And, of course, the familiar bird adorned the covers. The appearance aided in gaining attention. Comments about the paperbacks included, "The production is magnificent," and "perfect marvels of beauty and cheapness."

During WWII, troops carried Penguins. They were tiny enough to fit in a uniform pocket. The books were picked for the Services Central and Forces Book Clubs. The Puffin Picture Books label for children was founded in 1940. Children facing evacuation could take with them to their temporary, unpredictable homes. Penguin performed better than the competition during paper scarcity, and the volumes' basic design allowed Penguin to readily handle the typographic constraints. During the war, author and professor Richard Hoggart observed that the books "became a signal: if the back trouser pocket bulged in that way, that usually indicated a reader."

So popular were Penguin paperbacks in the second world war that they were carried in the same bag as a gas mask, according to historical reports. They were also carried in battle dress, placed in a pocket above the left knee. 

Paperback Book Day 

The date of Paperback Book Day commemorates when Penguin first started publishing their paperbacks in 1935. We mentioend their being popular in a war context. Penguin paperbacks also sparked a revolution because the frequency of using rail transport was increasing. This was due to their portability. The popularity of paperbacks has only grown since then. 

To celebrate Paperback Book Day, here are some of our favourite Penguin paperback designs:

Nineteen Eighty-Four

One of the most cleverly designed Penguin covers is Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four. That the title becomes less censored with the user’s wear and tear is appropriate for the themes of censorship. It helps solidify the novel as a dystopian classic. 

A Clockwork Orange

This is easily one of the most famous book covers of all time. The Penguin cover features what is commonly called the ‘cog-eyed droog’. This iteration of the cover was published after the film adaptation. Kubrick expressly forbade publishers from using elements of the film poster for the book's cover. You can see the relationship between the cog eye and the makeup used in Kubrick’s film. It takes inspiration from it indirectly and executes it differently as a thematic design element. This cover was done in a hurry but turned out to be the most iconic iteration of the book’s branding. 

A Clockwork Orange… Again

Sorry for the repetition, but the most recent cover for A Clockwork Orange deserves a mention too. This is for a reason very important to us. Designed by Jonathan Barnbrook, he explained the decision behind this cover. Despite his layered style of the past, “You can be as radically different with simplicity as you can with complexity”. We are believers in simplicity at Readable. We couldn’t agree more that ideas can be presented impactfully this way. 

The Joy of English     books     literature     publishing

Laura Kelly

Laura is a freelance writer and worked at Readable for a number of years. Laura is well-versed in optimising content for readability and Readable's suite of tools. She aims to write guides that help you make the most out of Readable.

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Hardcover vs Paperback: Which Should You Choose?

Last Updated: April 29, 2024 Fact Checked

Should you publish in hardcover or paperback?

Saving money when self-publishing, choosing between hardcover & paperback as a reader, e-readers & audiobooks, what are the differences between hardbacks and paperbacks.

This article was co-authored by Kim Gillingham, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes . Kim Gillingham is a retired library and information specialist with over 30 years of experience. She has a Master's in Library Science from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and she managed the audiovisual department of the district library center in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, for 12 years. She continues to do volunteer work for various libraries and lending library projects in her local community. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 764,187 times.

If you’re planning on self-publishing a book, you’ve probably spent some time thinking about the age-old question that plagues bibliophiles everywhere: paperback or hardback? Luckily, we’ve compiled a complete guide on the pros and cons of publishing in hardback and paperback, so you can make the right choice for your book. We’ll also cover how to choose between hardback and paperback if you’re a reader looking to expand your personal library, so keep reading!

Self-Publishing in Hardcover vs. Paperback

Self-publish your book in hardback if aesthetics, durability, and prestige are important to you, and you’re willing to spend extra. For a more budget-friendly (but still high quality) option, opt for trade paperback. To save the most money, self-publish in mass market paperback, or try e-publishing.

• Pros: More durable, higher quality materials, prestige, appeals to aesthetic readers, may help your book appear more “legitimate” to critics and news outlets
• Cons: More expensive to produce, sold at higher price points, hard to find printers and self-publishing platforms that offer hardback formats

• Pros: Less expensive than hardback, still appeals to most aesthetic readers, lightweight and compact, can be sold at a lower price point (which may help sales)
• Cons: Less durable than hardback books, slightly lower quality materials, harder to compete with new releases from major publishers (which usually come out in hardback first)

• You may not get the satisfaction of holding the physical book in your hands, but remember that e-publishing can serve as a stepping stone to print publishing. You’re on your way!

• Don’t worry if you don’t have the funds for a hardback copy, or if it’s out of stock.
• The most important thing is that you’ve chosen a good book for your loved one to enjoy, and they’ll appreciate the gift either way!

• Trade paperbacks will sometimes be released in a hardback-style height, so check the measurements of your shelf and your other books before you completely rule out a paperback.
• If the height matches, you can save a couple dollars while maintaining the even line of your bookshelf.

• E-readers are also more accessible to visually-impaired readers, thanks to the multiple letter size and line-spacing options available.
• E-books tend to be cheaper than paperback or hardback copies as well. [15] X Research source

• Pros: inexpensive, lightweight, easily transported, take up less space [19] X Research source
• Cons: less durable, lower paper quality, smaller print

• Pros: durable, aesthetically pleasing, more substantial, higher quality materials [21] X Research source
• Cons: heavier, harder to transport, take up more space, more expensive

Community Q&A

• Hardcover dust jackets bear the brunt of a book’s damage throughout the years, so you can protect them by covering them with clear plastic or Mylar sleeves. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Strengthen and increase the lifespan of paperback books by covering them with a clear plastic film or even giving them a hardback cover. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.stevenpressfield.com/2015/05/hardbacks-vs-paperbacks/
• ↑ https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/64595-mass-market-paperback-not-dead-yet.html
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/05/17/dont-self-publish-a-book-before-answering-these-crucial-questions/?sh=5e5e4220237f
• ↑ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/hardcovers-vs-paperbacks/
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBzkrpTS3vY&feature=youtu.be&t=1m11s
• ↑ https://letterreview.com/hardcover-vs-paperback-what-sells-more-copies/
• ↑ https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/10/economist-explains-15
• ↑ https://www.biblio.com/book-collecting/care-preservation/preserving-paperbacks/
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBzkrpTS3vY&feature=youtu.be&t=4m3s
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBzkrpTS3vY&feature=youtu.be&t=1m51s
• ↑ https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/blogs/post/7-benefits-of-e-reading/
• ↑ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kindle-nook-e-reader-books-the-best-way-to-read/
• ↑ https://bookriot.com/benefits-of-audiobooks/
• ↑ https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/hardcover
• ↑ https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/paperback
• ↑ https://bookprinting.com/resources/parts-of-a-book

About This Article

If you want to read a book as soon as it’s released, you’ll have to purchase a hardback copy. If you can wait a few months, buying a paperback will save you between $10 and $15. Spring for a hardback book if you want something fancy to display on a shelf, keep for a long time, or give as a present. Look for a paperback copy if you need something light to hold in your hands or read during travel. To decide whether you should self-publish in paperback or hardback, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Definition of paperback noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

Home » Readers Blog » Paperback vs Hardcover: Differences between paperback & hardcover

Paperback vs Hardcover: Differences between paperback & hardcover

• By Subodh Sharma

You may have come across the terms paperback  and hardcover  while purchasing a book on Amazon or some other online portals. And if you have, then you may also have already noticed one major difference between hardcover and paperback books – Their Price !

While paperback books are comparatively cheaper, Hardcovers are sometimes even more than double the price of its paperback versions.

But wait… Is that the only difference between paperback and hardcover books?

Well, of course not. There are way more differences than just their pricing. If you have used both types of books, you may already know many differences from your experience. And if you haven’t, don’t worry, you will know them right now, right here!

Table of Contents:

What is paperback?

What is hardcover, differences between hardcover and paperback books, how to choose between paperback and hardcover books.

A paperback (also known as softback or softcover) is a type of book characterized by a thick paper or paperboard cover. Their pages are often held together with glue rather than stitches or staples.

These books are comparatively smaller in size, lighter in weight and even the price are quite low. However, these books are very vulnerable and can get damaged easily and so they require proper handling and care.

There is a cheaper version of the paperback books which is commonly known as mass-market paperback . You can click on the link to know more about it.

Here is a paperback version of the book The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

A hardcover (also known as hardback or hard-bound) is a type of book that is bound with hard and rigid protective covers and the pages are often strongly held together with stitches and staples.

Their price is usually higher. These books are heavier and larger in size but are very durable.

Here is a hardcover version of the book The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Here are 8 differences between hardcover and paperback books that every reader should know.

1. Hardcover is more expensive than paperback

While comparing paperback vs hardcover, this difference seems obvious. In most cases, paperbacks are cheaper than hardcovers. I say ‘most cases’ because sometimes you may actually see a paperback version more expensive than hardcover.

It is possible under some situations like when the publisher of the book has printed way too many hardcover books and are not selling as expected, or when hardcover and paperback are printed by two different publishers and the cost for the hardcover publisher was somehow less than the paperback publisher, or even maybe when they are in different editions or in different languages. 

But this is very rare and we have hardcover books more expensive due to its high production cost.

2. Hardcover books have a better paper and print quality

Hardcover books have a comparatively high quality of paper. They mostly use acid-free papers which address the problem of preserving the paper from damaging. Furthermore, their pages are thicker and have a premium look. 

The font is also bigger in hardcover books which makes it easier for the eyes to read. On the other hand, paperback books are made of lesser quality paper like newsprint paper that is easily damaged.

3. Hardcover books have thick and rigid book covers

Hardcover books have a hard and thick protective cover and that is why they are termed as hardcover. 

Apart from that, they may also have a soft dust jacket. This dust jacket, as the name suggests, protects the book from dust and keeps the thick cover clean. But paperback books only have soft covers without any dust jacket.

4. Hardcover books are heavier than paperback

Since the hardcover books have thicker pages and covers, they tend to be heavy. On the other hand, the pages and covers of paperback books are mostly thinner and so these books are lighter. 

And for this reason, paperback books are easy to hold and comfortable to read while hardbacks can be uncomfortable to handle as it becomes difficult to hold it for a long time without straining your hands.

5. Books are first published in hardcovers followed by paperbacks

The first edition or the first release of a book is usually done in hardcover and then the paperbacks are published. So, if you are a big fan of some authors and can’t wait to read any of their books, you will probably have to buy those books in hardcover even if they are too expensive for you! 

Once the hardcover version of the book is released, it can even take more than a year or two for the paperback version to get published. So, it’s totally up to you – whether you want to wait for that long, or just buy it at the higher price.

6. Paperback books are less durable as compared to hardcover books

One of the major advantages of hardcover books over paperback is its durability. Paperback books can easily get damaged if not handled properly. The corners of the book get bent, pages get warped and in many cases, they even come out, the spine of the book gets broken, or even the covers are torn. 

But with hardcovers, these vulnerabilities are highly minimized. Its hard protective cover and thick pages can even resist rough handling to great extent. So if it’s durability that you are looking for, you should definitely go for hardcover books!

7. Hardcover books have larger dimensions than paperback books

Another difference between hardcover and paperback books can be seen in their sizes. They come with different standard sizes. Hardcovers are generally larger and their sizes do not vary much with respect to other books. For this reason, they can be very neatly arranged together with other hardcover books in the bookshelves. 

But with paperback versions, the book-size is smaller and has more variations. You can refer to this article to know more about standard book sizes and see the size comparison of paperback vs hardcover.

8. Paperback books are more flexible and easy to carry

Well, if you are traveling somewhere and you want to carry some books with you, then it would not be very convenient to take hardcover books. Because of its bigger size, it occupies more space in your bag. Moreover, they are heavy and stiff. It becomes some extra load to carry them.

But paperback books are light and flexible. And they take much lesser space in the bags. So carrying paperback books become more convenient.

So, these were the 8 differences between hardcover and paperback books. If you have more differences to share from your experience, please do so in the comment section below. We would love to know them.

Now, after the comparison of paperback vs hardcover above, the differences might be clear, but still, sometimes it becomes very difficult to decide which one to choose.

Here are a few questions that you should consider while choosing between a paperback and a hardcover book:

1. How much is your budget?

As we have already discussed above, hardcover books are usually very expensive. So, if you are tight on budget, it makes sense that you should rather opt for paperback than hardcover version of the book.

2. How eager are you to read the book?

This consideration is really very important and sometimes complicated too. If you want to read a book as soon as it is first published, you will have no option but to buy a hardcover version because books are first published in hardcover.

So, can you wait for more than a year for the paperback version to arrive? Or just go and get the hardcover even if it is too expensive for you? Well, you are the one to decide. 😉

3. Where do you plan to read it?

If you are planning to read the book while you are traveling, choosing paperback would be better. The hardcovers are heavier and larger in size and are therefore not convenient to carry.

Similarly, if you want to read the book lying on a bed, you should get a paperback copy as it is more comfortable to hold.

4. Would you re-read the book in future?

If you want to read the book again in future or if it is a book that you will be referring to pretty often, then you should go for a hardcover copy as it is more durable and will not be damaged easily.

But if you want to read this just for once and then forget about it, then hardcover is probably not a good idea. Go for the paperback version.

5. How much importance does design of a book hold for you?

For many people, the design of the book is a huge deciding factor. They want a book with good design and beautiful cover page. This also includes how the book would look in your bookshelf.

If you are one among them, then hardcover is better as they have beautiful covers, pages, and looks great on shelves!

6. Is it a gift for someone?

If you are buying the book as a gift for someone, you should probably get a hardcover. It looks better and the receiver will really appreciate that you got a nicer version of the book. 😉

So, these are a few points that you may consider while choosing between a paperback and hardcover. If you are still confused, I would say that you should go with the one that is most comfortable for you. At the end of the day, what matters is you got to read what you wanted to read!

Happy Reading!

5 thoughts on “Paperback vs Hardcover: Differences between paperback & hardcover”

Thank you so much.

Thank you for this beautiful explanation. It was very helpful to an ESL/ETL student like myself.

I find “5. Books are first published in hardcovers followed by paperbacks” extremely sexist it says “So if you are a big fan of an author and can’t wait to read any of his books, then you will probably have to buy the book in hardcover even if it is too expensive for you!” I find it insulting that it specifically says his books as if suggesting that only men can be authors. I know and love many talented female authors and they should recognize this. I great way to fix this is to say his/her books or even their books to make it even more inclusive.

Hello Lucy, I am really sorry for that. I have noted your feedback and made the corrections! Thanks.

Useful and very easy explaination.👌👍

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Book Marketing for Self-Publishing Authors

Home / Book Formatting / Hardcover vs Paperback: Definitions and When to Publish With Either

Hardcover vs Paperback: Definitions and When to Publish With Either

Self-published authors now have the option to publish hardcover books alongside their paperback and ebooks. This option was first rolled out to limited authors in the US marketplace in 2021, but now it's available in several major markets around the world, including the UK, France, and Germany. 

But what does it take to publish a hardcover book through Amazon KDP? Is it worth it? What are the differences between the two? I'll answer these questions and more as we take a look at hardcover vs paperback publishing.

• Differences between hardcover and paperback for publishing.
• When you would offer both (and when you shouldn't bother).
• How to format your manuscript and cover for hardcover publishing.

Table of contents

• Which Do Readers Prefer?
• What Book Formats to Publish as an Indie Author
• The Added Benefits of Offering Hardcover and Paperback
• Size Options
• Different Page Count Requirements
• Cover Differences
• Printing Costs
• No Dust Jacket
• Hardcover vs Paperback: Conclusion

Paperback vs Hardcover: Which is Better?

It used to be that traditional publishers would release the more expensive hardcover edition (sometimes called the hardback edition) months or years before releasing the trade paperback edition. Actually, this is still common practice among some major publishers and big-name authors.

But the rise in ebook popularity has changed the landscape somewhat. And now that self-publishers have easy access to hardback book creation, things are shifting even more. 

If you ask readers which version they prefer, you'll get a mixed bag of responses. Using this poll on Goodreads , we see that 57% of respondents (12,148 votes at the time of this writing) said they preferred paperback books. The other 43% (9,150 votes) said they preferred hardcovers.   

Other polls find that the numbers even out a bit, splitting fairly evenly, with some respondents preferring ebooks. 

To be sure, there are differences in terms of feel, durability, and collectability. As an avid reader, you're surely aware of the differences. Paperbacks can take less damage, but they're also smaller (usually) and—most importantly—cheaper . 

Formatting Has Never Been Easier

Write and format professional books with ease.  Never before has creating formatted books been easier.

Hardcover books are bigger, tougher, and more expensive, on the whole. They also may have a dust jacket, although this is not the case with Amazon KDP's hardcover print-on-demand system. More on that later. 

But as a self-published author, wouldn't you want to offer potential readers any and all formats they might want? Well, yes and no. Let's dive into hardcover vs paperback books for indie authors. 

Let's get this out of the way right up front: the majority of your book sales as an indie author will come from ebooks . Probably by a wide margin. For this reason, getting the ebook right in all aspects should be your first order of business—especially as a new author. 

That said, you can often save money by paying your book cover designer up-front to create an ebook and paperback cover at the same time. I would highly recommend doing this from the start, even if you don't plan on releasing a paperback version anytime soon. 

Additionally, it's much easier to create a hardback cover from a paperback cover than it is to make a hardback cover from an ebook cover. So if you have that paperback PDF cover in your back pocket, you can always bring the hardcover dimensions to your designer and have them create a new cover.

So, if you shouldn't worry about creating a hardback cover from the get-go, when should you?

When to Publish Hardcover Books

If you're a new author, I suggest an order of importance that goes like this: ebook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook .

The fact is, you won't sell many paperback books as a new author. And you'll sell even fewer hardcover books because they are, by necessity, more expensive to produce. So there are other things to focus on, like getting your ebooks just right, setting up your email list, and learning how to market. 

But if you're a more established author with some money coming in and an audience of readers who buy your books when they come out, you may want to do a bit of extra work to offer a hardcover version. You may have some fans who want to purchase the hardbound book as a collector’s edition or simply because they prefer hardback books from their favorite authors. 

If you want to go the extra mile, you could add some bonus content to your hardback book. This could add to the reading experience and provide some incentive for your fans to spend the extra dough on the more expensive print book.  

But again, most of your book sales will come from the ebook version . When readers are taking a chance on a new author, they won't often shell out the $20+ for the hardcover copy. 

There are some benefits to offering hardcover and paperback books (in addition to ebooks, of course) that may not be so readily apparent. 

For one, the higher price of the hardcover version can make the paperback version look like a good deal— and the ebook version look like a steal . So while you may not see an uptick in hardcover sales, it could increase sales of the other two versions. 

There's also the benefit of looking like a professional. When traditionally published books are offering all three versions, adding the hardcover can help you stand up there with those books published by trad authors. 

What to Know About Self-Publishing Hardcover vs Paperback

Now that we've gone over the why, let's talk about the what. There are some distinct differences between publishing hardcover and paperback books. Since Amazon is still the biggest market for book sales, we'll focus on KDP. Just keep in mind that there are other options, like IngramSpark and Lulu , to choose from. 

If you're ready to start the process of publishing your hardcover edition, check out our article on how to publish a hardcover book on Amazon . 

The biggest hurdle you'll have to overcome when turning your paperback format into a hardcover is size. Hardcover publishing options are much narrower than their paperback counterparts. 

There are sixteen different paperback trim size options on KDP, ranging from 5″ x 8″ at the smallest to 8.27″ x 11.69″ at the largest. 

Hardcover trim sizes are a different matter. There are only five hardcover options in KDP :

• 5.5″ x 8.5″
• 6″ x 9″ 
• 6.14″ x 9.21″
• 7″ x 10″
• 8.25″ x 11″

So if you have your paperback manuscript formatted in a different size from the five above, you'll have to re-size it for printing in hardcover.

If you do the re-sizing manually, this can take a lot of time. Luckily, with our formatting and writing tool Atticus, all it takes is a simple click of the mouse to re-size your manuscript. Check it out here . 

There are also different page count requirements for paperbacks and their hardcover counterparts. Luckily, most books will fall easily between the counts for both versions. Some books, such as children's picture books , won't be long enough for hardback printing. 

Paperback Book Page Count Requirements:

• Minimum of 24 pages, maximum of 828.

Hardcover Page Count Requirements:

• Minimum of 75 pages, max of 550. 

If you have an especially long book, like an epic fantasy, remember that increasing the trim size will reduce the page number. So if you're just over the 550 number at a small trim size, you may be able to choose a larger trim size to get your book under that number. 

If your paperback is the same size as one of the hardback trim sizes above, you may think you've dodged a bullet when it comes to your cover. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. The overall size may be the same, but the margins are bigger on hardcover books. Chances are, you'll need to adjust your existing cover before printing. 

Luckily, Amazon offers a template you can download to give to your designer for the proper adjustments to your print-ready PDF cover. 

This isn't just a matter of resizing the PDF. You will probably have to adjust the title and author name so they won't interfere with the margins. Only after you have the cover dimensions right can you finish the publishing process.

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I've already mentioned the fact that hardcover books are more expensive to print than paperback books, but we'll get into specifics here. Amazon KDP uses the same calculation to determine the cost of printing a hardcover book as it does a paperback book. Both are dependent on the size and number of pages of the book, and both offer a standard 60% royalty rate. But the fixed cost is different. 

Here are a couple of examples our KDP royalty calculator :

Paperback Book – Black & white interior with white paper – 355 pages – $14.99 list price.

• 60% of $14.99 = $8.99
• Estimated printing cost = $5.26
• Total royalty per sale (8.99 – 5.26) = $3.73 

Hardcover Book – Black & white interior with white paper – 355 pages – $21.99 list price.

• 60% of $21.99 = $13.19
• Estimate printing cost = $9.91
• Total royalty per sale ($13.19 – $9.91) = $3.28

As you can see, the printing cost of a hardcover book with the same number of pages is significantly higher than a paperback. We couldn't sell the hardcover for $14.99 even if we wanted to because it wouldn't cover the printing cost. So to make a comparable royalty rate on the hardcover, we'd have to go up to $21.99. 

Keep in mind that the examples above are just estimates . You'll be able to see your own printing costs when you go to publish your hardback and paperback books. 

Paperback printed books offered by Amazon KDP are identical to other mass-market paperback books (except you don't have the option for raised lettering). But when it comes to their hardcover books, there's one major difference: no dust jacket. 

KDP's hardcover books are what's called case laminate books, meaning the cover image is printed directly on the cover —which is made of some kind of thick cardboard. They offer matte or glossy finish, just like they do for their paperback book printing options. 

While this surely keeps the printing cost down (because they don’t have to make dust jackets), it still sets them aside from books printed by traditional publishers. This is something to keep in mind on your publishing journey. Otherwise, the paper quality is good and you still have the choice of a black-and-white interior on white paper or cream (or a color interior on white paper). 

Putting out a hardcover edition of your book is secondary to providing a great reading experience and nailing other things like your genre-targeted cover, your marketing efforts, and foundational assets like a growing email list. Since putting out ebook and paperback editions are essential for new authors, publishing hardback editions can wait until you're comfortable with those other formats. 

As you get your author career off the ground, there will be things pulling at you from all directions. And while there is a time and place to consider them, they don't all need to be done at once. As long as you have an ebook and paperback book version published on Amazon, you can rest easy knowing that you have the majority of your potential sales covered. 

But when the time comes for formatting your hardcover book manuscript, don't forget to check out Atticus . Formatting is just one of the many tools Atticus offers to save busy authors time and money. 

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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paperback vs. hardcover

Paperback vs. hardcover: what’s the difference.

Paperback and hardcover are both types of books—each name is based on the material used for the book’s cover. Paperbacks have a thin, cardstock -like cover, while hardcovers have a thicker, rigid cover. In many cases, the first edition of a book is a hardcover , while later editions may be a (usually less expensive) paperback . Some books, notably “genre fiction” like sci-fi novels, are known for only ever being released in paperback , while others, such as textbooks, are usually only hardcovers .

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Hardcover vs Paperback – Which Is Best?

You’ve come across hardcover and paperback books at a bookstore and probably wondered why there are two types of book.

What is a hardcover book?

What You'll Learn

What is a paperback book?

You’ll find that paperback books are far cheaper to produce than hardcovers.

Publishers usually print paperbacks in large numbers.

This mass-production version usually comes after the book’s hardcover release and the publisher will market it towards a wider audience.

Because of the cheaper production, paperbacks are lighter and a great choice for travelers.

A lot of new writers will also start with a paperback, as they don’t have the established audience to warrant a hardcover release.

Many print-on-demand services print in paperback too, making it incredibly popular for self-publishers.

What is the difference between hardcover and paperback books?

Below are some key differences between hardcover and paperback books.

• Hardcover books are far more expensive
• Paperback books are lighter to carry
• They print hardcover books to last
• Hardcover has better print quality
• Hardcover books are collector items
• Paperbacks are better for traveling

Hardcover books: Pros and cons

Pros of hardcover

Nice to look at

Pages don’t get damaged as easily

More durable

Usually no need for a bookmark

• Great for a gift or collectors

Cons of hardcover

Heavy… you can’t take more than one on a trip with you

Obviously more expensive. Sometimes double or triple the price

Paperback books: Pros and cons

Pros of paperback

Usually cheap to buy

Easier to carry and far more light

More likely to find the title you want

Cons of paperback books

The pages are easily broken or torn

Covers can get damaged

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the frequently asked questions in regards to comparing hardcover and paperback books.

Is paperback better than hardcover?

It really depends on what you’re after in a book.

If you just want a quick read or a cheaper alternative, then paperbacks are definitely better than hardcover books.

Paperbacks are also better if you’re traveling because hardcovers are more rigid and a lot heavier.

If you’re looking for a book to keep long-term though, then hardcover books are better.

Why are hardcover books so expensive?

Hardcover books are more expensive than paperback books because they’re significantly better quality.

The cover is a harder board that is made to protect the book for the long term. Likewise, the paper is of higher quality and the printing is better too.

Why do people buy hardcover books?

Due to the higher price, hardcover books are usually for collectors and major fans.

When you spend the extra money for the hardcover, you’re doing so knowing that the book will last long-term.

When a book by a popular author is first released, they’ll come out as a hardcover first to profit from the bigger fans and those giving the book as a gift.

Are hardcover books worth it?

If you want a book that will last the long-term, then a hardcover book is definitely worth the money.

However, if you just want to read the book and that’s it, you should look to buy the paperback, as it is better value for money.

What is the paperback edition of a book?

A paperback edition of a book is usually released after the initial hardcover release of a book.

The paperback release is to bank on a book’s growing market by offering it to a wider audience.

Paperback books are usually mass-distributed, so many people can purchase.

How long before a book comes out in paperback?

The waiting time between an initial hardcover release and a paperback release really depends on the book.

Publishers want to make the biggest profit possible from the hardcover before releasing the mass-published paperback.

Some books will release the paperback six months after initial release, whereas others will come out a full year after initial release.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, by now, you know more about the differences between hardcover vs paperback books.

The question of which is better between paperback and hardcover is more a question of why you’re buying a book.

If you want a book for a quick read or to read while traveling, then paperback is for you.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a book to last, collect, or give as a gift, then you’ll get more benefit from a hardcover.

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