How To Choose Between Paperback and Hardback Books
If you have ever tried to buy a book, you may have been confronted with the age-old question: paperback or hardback?Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of both formats will help you make a choice.
Step 1: Purchase a paperback to save money.
The cheapest option for readers on a budget is paperback.There are trade paperbacks that are up to $10-$15 cheaper.The mass-market versions may cost less than $10.
Step 2: If you want to read the book quickly, buy hardback.
Most books are first released as hardbacks, then re-released in paperback form a few months later as a marketing boost.If you've been waiting for a book to come out, treat yourself with the more expensive copy so you can devour it right away.
Step 3: If you are traveling, choose a paperback.
paperbacks are great for plane and car rides.If you have time to read during the day, keep a paperback in your bag or back pocket.
Step 4: If you plan to keep it for a long time, choose hardback.
Hardbacks are able to endure both daily wear and tear and the test of time.Over time, the glue of the spine may weaken or the paper may start to degrade, as Paperbacks are easier to rip,wrinkle and stain.If you don't want to spend a lot of time preserving a paperback, choose a longer- lasting hardcover.
Step 5: As a gift, buy a hardback.
If you are giving a book to a friend or family member, go for a hardback edition.They look better and feel better to open as a gift, and your loved one will appreciate it.If it's out of stock or you don't have the funds for a hardback copy, you're not going to worry.A good book for your loved one is the most important thing.
Step 6: Pick a cover that matches the other books on your shelf.
It looks better on the shelf if all your books are the same height.For an even shelf look, go with the more consistent hardback editions.Before you rule out a paperback, check the dimensions of your shelf and other books. Trade paperbacks will sometimes be released in a hardback-style height.While maintaining the even line of your bookshelf, you can save a couple dollars if the height matches.
Step 7: To match the others in the series, choose an edition.
If the book is part of a series, keep it consistent.The rest of the series should be purchased in hardcover or paperback.The majority of book lovers agree that it looks better on the shelf.
Step 8: It's easy to hold a paperback.
paperbacks are easier to hold with one hand due to their lighter weight.You can easily read them while relaxing in bed or on the couch.
Step 9: Lay it flat with a hardback.
If you don't like to break the spine of a book, you may find yourself barely cracking it open to preserve that smooth spine, which can make it difficult to actually read!This isn't an issue because of the hardier covers of hardback books.You can place the book on a table or on your lap.
Step 10: The version with a more appealing cover is the one to choose.
Hardbacks are known for their beautiful designs.Even if a hardback version isn't considered a special edition, you can still get beautiful art on the dust jacket, cover, and even the pages that are not available in a paperback version.Sometimes a paperback cover of a book will appeal to you more.Whatever book strikes your fancy, go with it.
Step 11: It's self-publishable.
Many readers love the higher quality of hardback books.It might help your book get picked up by news outlets and book critics, who are more likely to consider a hardback as a more literary work--unfair as that may be!
Step 12: Good quality at a low price can be found in a trade paperback.
Trade paperbacks are the same size as hardbacks and are printed on good paper.They have a lower price than a hardback edition.The book still looks good, so it can appeal to readers who are on a budget but still care about a book's appearance.
Step 13: If you want to save money, choose a mass-market paperback.
It will be the cheapest to buy and produce a mass-market edition.Mass-market copies are great ways to introduce new authors and help them grow their readership, even though they don't look as good as hardback or trade paperbacks.
Step 14: Consider e-publishing.
This is a fast-growing medium that will expose you to many different readers online and help you save money on printing costs.e-publishing can serve as a stepping stone to print publishing, but you may not get the satisfaction of holding the physical book in your hands.You are on your way!
Step 15: As you read, choose an audiobook.
If you want to sleep, close your eyes and listen to an audiobook while you drive or do chores around the house.An audiobook is a great option for busy readers who like to squeeze in their book-time wherever they can get it.
Step 16: Try an e-reader.
If you're a book lover, an e-readers is a great way to store your entire library and buy books while on-the-go.Thanks to the multiple letter size and line-spacing options, they are more accessible to visually-impaired readers.Some readers prefer the human touch of holding a physical book and turning the pages, which is why e-books are cheaper than hardbacks.Purchase an e-reader that doesn't emit light to prevent strain on your eyes.
Step 17: You can use a reading app on your phone.
Another great option for a reader on-the-go, reading apps such as iBooks or the Amazon Kindle app are often free, although you will have to buy the books themselves, of course!If you are stuck somewhere and don't have room to carry a book or an e-reader, these are excellent options.