Book Formats

If you're an avid reader like I am, you've probably noticed that books are published in several different formats. At the most basic level, these can be divided into hardback and paperback. The softback books can be divided further into trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks. Some books are published in all three formats depending on the stage in the publishing cycle of the book.

Most books are first sold in bookstores in a hardback edition. The larger size and dust jacket give more room for the publisher to visually sell the book. If the book sells well, it is then released in a less expensive paperback version. The publisher has to balance sales of the higher profit hardback editions with the volume sales of the lower profit paperback edition.

Often publishers will print what is known as an Advance Reading Copy of a book before it is published. These are distributed, usually at no cost, to stores and reviewers in order to create interest in the upcoming release. These books are typically printed in the trade paperback format. The pages are the same size and layout of the hardcover edition, just without the hard cover.

You can find books by best selling authors in just about any type of store now days, grocery stores are a good example. These mass market paperbacks are often taller than the standard paperback edition.

Some books are never printed in hardcover editions. Some authors' first books are printed in paperback only to see how they are received. There are also some genres that are only published as a trade paperback. A lot of non-fiction books are published this way.

If I had my choice, I think I would choose the trade paperback format for all of my books. I like having the larger size book with the convenience of a paperback. I know everyone has their own opinion on this. Sadly, you often don't get to choose. If you want that new release book, you will either have to buy the hardcover or wait a few months.