Hardcover vs Paperback: Which Should You Choose?

If you love collecting books or are planning on self-publishing a book, you’ve probably spent some time pondering over the crucial question: 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!

Differences Between Hardcovers and Paperbacks

Hardcover books have a thicker, rigid cover while paperback have a thin, cardstock-like cover. Paperback books are generally cheaper than hardcover books, both for publishing and purchasing. However, while paperbacks are more lightweight and easier to carry around, hardcover books are generally more durable.

Section 1 of 4:

Choosing Between Hardcover & Paperback as a Publisher

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Consider publishing in hardcover for prestige and aesthetics. Most major publishing houses release new books as hardcovers first, so some readers and book critics may be more likely to consider a hardback as a “legitimate” work—unfair as this may be! Hardcovers also appeal to readers who are looking for durability and aesthetic value (which is especially important if you’re publishing something like a photography or coffee table book). The downside, however, is that it’s much more expensive to self-publish in hardback format. ^{[1]
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- 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
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Publish in trade paperback for good quality at a lower price. Trade paperbacks are still about the same size as hardbacks, and they're printed on good paper. They have the advantage of quality craftsmanship coupled with a lower price than a hardback edition. In other words, the book will appeal to readers who are on a budget but also care about a book’s appearance. ^{[2]
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- 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)
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A small, mass-market edition will be the cheapest to buy and produce. They may not look as good as hardback or trade paperback versions, but publishing companies consider mass-market copies as great ways to introduce new authors and help them grow their readership. ^{[3]
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Consider e-publishing. This is a rapidly growing medium that will expose you to many different readers online, and it helps you conserve even more money by eliminating printing costs. Many e-books are priced between $2.99-$6.99, and this lower price tag may lead to more people buying your book. ^{[4]
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- 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!

Section 2 of 4:

Choosing Between Hardcover & Paperback as a Reader

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As all readers on a budget know, paperback is the cheapest option out there. Typical trade paperbacks may be up to $10-$15 cheaper than their hardcover counterparts. Mass-market paperback versions, which are the cheaply made “short and fat” editions, may even cost less than $10. ^{[5]
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Research source} This is certainly a cost-efficient option for any avid reader!
Lightweight and floppy, paperbacks are great for plane rides and car rides, or even your daily commute. They also tend to take up less space than bulkier hardbacks, so you can easily stash them in your bag or backpack if you’ll have downtime to do some reading during the day. ^{[6]
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Thanks to their lighter weight and smaller size, paperbacks are easier to hold with one hand. You can easily read them while relaxing in bed or on the couch, or while traveling on a bus, subway, or plane. ^{[7]
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Many bibliophiles enjoy annotating their books , which involves underlining, highlighting, and writing notes in the margins. If this sounds like you, a less expensive paperback edition may be the right choice. You can mark up the book to your heart’s content and easily purchase another copy if you want to read an un-annotated version in the future. ^{[8]
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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 and waiting for a book to come out, treat yourself to the more expensive hardback copy, so you can devour it right away. ^{[9]
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Hardbacks are built to last. and they’re able to withstand daily wear and tear. Paperbacks, on the other hand, are easier to rip, wrinkle and stain. Over time, the glue of the spine may weaken, and the lower-quality paper may start to deteriorate as well. If you’d rather not dedicate your time and effort to preserving a paperback, choose a longer-lasting hardcover. ^{[10]
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Hardcover books are known for their gorgeous designs. They often include beautiful artwork and illustrations on the book cover, dust jacket, and the pages themselves. These specific designs aren’t always available in the paperback version of the same book. ^{[11]
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Research source} If the visual appeal and aesthetics of the book mean a great deal to you, opt for the hardcover edition!
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Buy a hardback if you’re giving the book as a gift. If you’re gifting the book to a friend or family member, consider going for a hardback edition. They tend to look nicer and feel more satisfying to open as a gift, and your loved one will appreciate that you sprung for the fancier version. ^{[12]
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- 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!
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Choose a cover to match the other books on your shelf. Some readers love to have all their books be the same height—it just looks so clean and crisp on the shelf, don’t you think? Paperbacks tend to range more in height, so for an even shelf look, go with the more consistent hardback editions. ^{[13]
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- 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.
If the book you’re buying is part of a series, try to keep it consistent. In other words, if you have the rest of the series in hardcover, stick with hardcover when you get the next installment. Aesthetically-minded book lovers almost universally agree that this looks better on the shelf!

Section 3 of 4:

What are the differences between hardbacks and paperbacks?

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Paperback books have soft, flexible paper covers. They weigh less and take up less space than hardcover books, so they’re easier to carry around. ^{[14]
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Research source} Publishers often release new books as hardcovers first, then release a paperback version after a period of time has passed. These paperbacks tend to be much less expensive than their hardcover counterparts. ^{[15]
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- Pros: inexpensive, lightweight, easily transported, take up less space ^{[16]
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- Cons: less durable, lower paper quality, smaller print
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Hardcover books have stiff covers made from heavy-duty cardboard. This thick cardboard is then covered with colored paper, cloth, or a leather-like material, which usually features a beautiful cover design. ^{[17]
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Research source} Hardcovers tend to be weightier and larger than paperbacks, and they’re more expensive. New books are usually published as hardcovers before they’re released in paperback format.
- Pros: durable, aesthetically pleasing, more substantial, higher quality materials ^{[18]
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- Cons: heavier, harder to transport, take up more space, more expensive

Section 4 of 4:

E-Readers & Audiobooks

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E-readers allow you to read books in their digital e-book format. If neither a hardback nor a paperback book seems like the right choice for you, consider purchasing an e-reader, such as a Kindle or Nook . E-readers are usually lightweight and easily transportable, so they’re great for travel. They also allow you to store dozens of books in one small device, so you’ll end up saving lots of space in your bag or backpack. ^{[19]
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- 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. ^{[20]
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You can listen as you drive to or from work, or while you do chores around the house. This makes them perfect for busy readers who like to squeeze in their book-time wherever they can get it. Audiobooks also offer a more sensory reading experience, and they’re great for auditory learners! ^{[21]
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Should I get hardcover or paperback? Which one will last the longest?

Harshida kapadia

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A hardcover book is bound with a thick cover that protects the internal pages well because they cannot be bent outside the cover.

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I can't decide whether to get hardback or paperback for a particular book I love. Can you help?

Mzm555

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As per the article, it really depends on your reading habits and personal preferences. Need a durable book to withstand a lot of wear and tear, to be put in a backpack, to be read while traveling on a train, bus, car, etc? Go hardback. Do you need a lightweight, smaller book, which will be comfortable to read while relaxing on the couch or lying in bed? Go paperback.

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What is a compact version book?

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A compact version book is just an edition of the same book but with less information. The book is usually summarized to make it brief or fit a certain condition. Meaning it has fewer pages but covers roughly the same material.

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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.

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Strengthen and increase the lifespan of paperback books by covering them with a clear plastic film or even giving them a hardback cover.

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Hardcover vs Paperback: Which Should You Choose?

Differences Between Hardcovers and Paperbacks

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Choosing Between Hardcover & Paperback as a Publisher

Choosing Between Hardcover & Paperback as a Reader

What are the differences between hardbacks and paperbacks?

E-Readers & Audiobooks

Community Q&A

Video

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