Are there any advantages in buying a paperback book rather than a hardcover one, or vice versa? There is no right or wrong answer - it depends on your preferences and the strengths of each type. Even in your family, there are likely to be different opinions on this. If you buy the book, you can choose the binding; if you borrow it, adapted to the other person's preferences.
In this article, you can explore the pros and cons of each type of book, to get a clearer idea the next time you go to the bookstore.
Steps
Step 1. Pick up the books
Touch feel is a very important part of choosing between a paperback or a hardcover. For many people, there is an obvious and immediate reaction to texture, weight and strength. Even the smell of the book can attract or annoy the reader. However, your preference may vary based on the size and number of pages, so your preference doesn't always necessarily fit every book you buy.
Be honest with yourself. Some people love hard covers for purely aesthetic reasons. For real. It's simpler than you think
Step 2. Consider the book's intended use
Hard covers are made to last. As a result, they are often the best choice when it comes to reference works you will often use, such as dictionaries, quotation books, professional texts such as law or medical textbooks, great literary works, and so on. In addition, the hard cover is more suitable for bulky books such as atlases, luxury books (of paintings, landscapes, photographs…) etc. On the other hand, paperbacks are perfect for taking on public transport, traveling or in bed, because they are not too heavy or uncomfortable to carry or hold.
Do you prefer to read a heavy or light book in bed? Everyone has their own favorite method of snuggling up with a book, and for some the hardcover ones are too heavy, while for others they provide ideal stability between the soft folds between the pillow and mattress
Step 3. Consider the price
Many bookstores, from local to large retailers, sell paperbacks at a lower price than hardcover ones. This is because paperbacks are easier to produce. The printing of hard covers involves longer times and processes, as well as rather expensive (higher quality paper, hard cover, use of more paper, etc.); printers charge more for this type of book to cover costs.
Step 4. Consider the different editions, if any
Hard covers are usually the first version of the book. A couple of months after publication, the paperback comes out - possibly with new information, such as an excerpt from the sequel, extended endings or an interview with the author. If you collect books from an author in general or from a specific series, the hard first edition of a book is usually the most coveted, and therefore the one you would buy for your collection. Higher-value books, such as those in the Harry Potter series, tend to come out first in hardcover, because their value is high even before they come out.
Step 5. Take into account the duration
Hardcover books should last longer, and tend to have better print quality. They are usually made with neutral paper (pH = 7), which guarantees their durability. The paper is usually sewn and glued to the spine. Paperbacks are made less for durability and more for mass consumption. They are easily transportable but also lacking the strength of a hard cover, and they are more likely to get damaged (mold, yellow spots, loss of color …), stain, lose pages, etc., much earlier than others.
Hardcover books are much more protected by binding than paperbacks, and are therefore much less prone to tearing and fraying, or unwanted creases in the corners of the pages. However, remember that libraries often prohibit returning the thickest and most rigid books in the bins reserved for closing times, as they can easily become damaged due to careless launches and landings. And although a paperback can easily warp, the flexibility of this type of book can be its salvation when you carry it into confined spaces and, treating it with due care, take it out as good as new to read
Step 6. Consider the long-term environmental impact
Like anything else, books get ruined at some point and can no longer be sold or even given away. Although certain separate collection programs accept paperbacks along with paper, the glue in the backs of hard books makes them unsuitable for separate collection in some cities. If it matters to you, ask your local council what protocol to follow for recycling old books.
Step 7. Choose if you want the book now or later
Your desired book may be published first with hardcover. If a book comes out directly in this way (like many books), it is very likely to be successful and you will have to wait a while before the paperback version is released. It all depends on how “up to date” you want to be or if you are patient. Even if it doesn't come out first with the hardcover, the paperback shouldn't be snubbed! You might be pleasantly surprised.
You can avoid the waiting period and costs by booking hardcover best-sellers at the library. Free and hardcover; just the perfect combination
Step 8. Notice how sometimes there is no choice
Sometimes the book is only published in one format, for reasons of cost, durability, promotion, and so on. In that case, the choice was made for you and you have to adapt.
Step 9. Consider e-books
With the advent of portable readers and iPads, the avid reader has another type of book available. Despite being paperless, many readers are designed to recreate the illusion of the pages of a printed book, and the iPad has some very fun interactive features. The advantage of these electronic devices over books is their lightness, and the ability to hold more than one book; many readers can safely support hundreds of books at the same time. On the other hand, they don't look, smell, or feel like a book, and they're probably not very comfortable for writing research or articles either, as you can't open more than one at a time (unless you is rich enough to buy more than one, but it would be quite a waste, compared to books). And they need power, so when your battery runs out and you're in the middle of nowhere without electricity, your trusty book won't deprive you of the satisfaction of a good read.
Step 10. Don't fall victim to the preference of one type over another
Last but not least: don't focus on just one type of book. Each book or eBook has its pros and cons, which depend on all the factors listed and the use you intend to make of it. Be flexible enough to change formats as needed.
Method 1 of 1: What to Choose for Independent Publishing
Step 1. Evaluate the publication of your book based on the same parameters as the reader in choosing the type of book to buy:
- Is your book likely to be used for reference or will it become a bestseller? If so, opt for hardcover first.
- Are you doing a "test run", a first print, of a new or niche topic, or are there simply a lot of doubts? If so, choose the paperback first.
- Are you trying to keep costs down? Leave with your pocket.
- What might your readers prefer? (You will have to put yourself in their shoes a bit in this case).
Step 2. Consider whether it is feasible or possible to print your book either way
It could allow you to meet the needs of every reader. However, the tip of the balance is likely to be your budget, as this would certainly be a more expensive production choice.
Step 3. Consider creating eBooks and books for iPad and the like
They are increasingly popular formats for publication, and you may not even need print!
Advice
- The dust jackets of hardcover books can be protected by covering them themselves. It is often a wise choice, as the dust jacket, over the years, can easily be damaged and torn, due to use.
- Note: a hardcover book is held together by a sturdy cover that protects the internal pages so that they do not fold outwards (you can still fold them inside if you want). There is usually a dust jacket with illustrations and writings, including the author's name. A paperback has a light cover and the format, printing and dimensions are more compact overall.
