
Paperback books of popular titles, on the other hand, can be reduced to $10 and go as low as $6. Hardcover books cost significantly more than paperbacks and rarely go on sale for less than $20, and many sell for a $30 or $40 price. The most significant difference between hardcover books and paperback editions lies in the price and print quality. A dust jacket may add $1 or more to the cost of each book.ĭifference between hardcover and paperback The downside to that is that it can be more expensive, especially if you want your book to have a dust jacket (a flap on the front of the book). Because of their price tag, they’re usually reserved for special editions or best-sellers.Ī hardcover binding lasts longer than a paperback and usually looks nicer and more professional. Hardcover books are sometimes considered more prestigious than paperback books, but that’s not always the case. This also makes it possible for the text block-the pages printed on the inside front and back covers-to lie flat when opened. The spine of the book is reinforced in order to make it less likely to break when it’s opened. Many of these were sold at newsstands and in drugstores, and they aren’t as common today with the rise of eBooks.Ī hardcover book is bound with stiff boards covered with cloth, paper, leather, or another durable material.

Paperback vs hardcover portable#
It has a stapled spine and a rough cut cover which is slightly narrower and shorter than the typical paperback novel.Ī mass-market paperback was the industry standard for cheap, portable reading in the mid-20th century. Several styles have been used through the years, but the most common mass-market paperbacks are between 5.5 and 6 inches wide by 8 to 9 inches tall. Mass-market books are also commonly known as trade paperbacks. The term “mass market” refers to a particular format of a paperback version. A hardcover has a stiff cover so that it stands up easily on its own when you place it on a table or shelf. Moreover, the lower price tag for paperbacks is because they have a less durable and thick paper cover and pages than hardcovers do. A paperback book will typically have a much longer shelf life than a hardcover book because it won’t need to be replaced due to wear and tear from use. The same book in paperback would only cost about $7 to $10.
Paperback vs hardcover full#
If you purchase a new hardcover book at its full retail price, it can cost $25 or more. They’re often a fourth to a fifth the cost of hardcover books. In fact, today, many paperback books are published in a magazine style, with one side having text and the other side showing a photo or illustration.Īn advantage to paperback books is their low cost.

A paperback book can be thought of as an oversized magazine. One of the differences between softcover and a hardcover edition is in the paper used to make the cover and binding. Many people choose to purchase a paperback version instead of a hardcover version because of cost savings, but both versions offer similar content and quality of writing from the author.

Paperback versions are generally less expensive than hardcover books because they use cheaper materials to make them. Most paperbacks have a cover on both sides of the pages. It is a type of book with flexible, usually untrimmed pages that are held together by staples. 3.7 Wrapping up What is a paperback book?Ī paperback book is also known as a softcover.
