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News & ArtsFriday, December 19, 2008
Books Hard or Soft?
Posted by Paul Constant on Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 1:57 PM
Nathan Bransford links to this blog, by someone who in publishing who's got a debut novel coming out and is wondering whether to publish it as a hardcover or a paperback original:
*Frequently, authors are upset by the idea that their books aren't going into hardcover. It just doesn't look or feel as nice. Then, their agents get upset because they think you're not giving the author star treatment. This becomes a serious author relations issue. Everyone WANTS their book to be a hardcover, after all...*But what about the opportunity cost? If the book breaks out, you would be giving up thousands (or more) dollars in hardcover sales. Think of Kite Runner and how long that was in hardcover!!!...
*The age-old review concern—historically, it's been said (has it been proved?) that paperback originals get less (or little, or no) press attention compared to cloth debuts. After all, if a book is a paperback debut, it basically looks like the publishing company isn't taking it seriously. And if your book gets no review attention, it doesn't matter how cheap it is, no one will find it, right?...
Ultimately, the decision was handed down from the publisher, against the editorial assistant's preference for a paperback original:
But what I can't overwhelm is the fact that the profit-to-cost ratio on hardcovers is, for the publishing company (and, after a fashion, the author) three times as high as it is for a paperback. What that means is that in order to be able to afford our first print run at all, we would have to be able to have good faith that we could sell at least three times as many paperbacks in the same time period as we would hardcovers. And unfortunately there are no safe numbers right now; there are no guarantees.
It's an interesting look inside the publishing industry, especially if you prefer paperbacks, as I do.
1
Paperbacks are just so much easier -- most people seem to read on buses, trains, and planes, or MAYBE at lunch -- paperbacks are made to be portable. Hard covers really only make sense for reference works that need to hold up to repeated use.
3
I have to admit to a preference for paperback as well. They just fit into my bag so much better and weigh less.
4
I hate hardcovers. They're sure classy, but I'm not a dick that thinks my books are furniture pieces to be neatly arranged at home. Standing on BART while a hardcover book jacket does that little thing where it half pops off... kinda makes me want to chuck the damn thing on the tracks. I have issues with respecting personal property, you see. I'd rather have a little paperback to throw in my bag for the commute.
If I were an author, I probably want my book to be released as a hardcover, though.
If I were an author, I probably want my book to be released as a hardcover, though.
5
I have been told by someone in the publishing business that the cost of printing a hardcover is only a few more dollars than a paperback, yet they can charge twice as much. Which means that there's more profit on hardback sales.
Also, technical hardcover books are published without dust jackets with the cover directly printed on the cover; why can't they publish fiction hardcovers without dust jackets?
Also, technical hardcover books are published without dust jackets with the cover directly printed on the cover; why can't they publish fiction hardcovers without dust jackets?
7
I prefer hardcover. Paperbacks always seem harder to keep open. Most of the paperbacks I own have their spines all beat up from me trying to get it to stay open.
9
Paperbacks. I don't know many people who actually buy hardcover books; I mostly get them from the library.
I tried selling some fiction hardbacks to the bookstore and they wouldn't take them because they're more difficult to shift.
I tried selling some fiction hardbacks to the bookstore and they wouldn't take them because they're more difficult to shift.
10
yes to paperbacks, as long as they're "trade" sized.
kind of amazing how this seems to be an overwhelming preference of readers, yet it's such a hard sell to writers.
kind of amazing how this seems to be an overwhelming preference of readers, yet it's such a hard sell to writers.
11
The average hardcover costs $25-30. The average paperback costs far less. I haven't bought a hardcover book in years outside of academic texts, and wouldn't be surprised if I never did again. But I buy paperbacks all the time.
The marketing issue is largely a construct of the publisher and author, rather than an actual obstacle that precludes readers from buying.
The marketing issue is largely a construct of the publisher and author, rather than an actual obstacle that precludes readers from buying.
12
Hardcovers look better on the shelf but I prefer the "over-sized" or trade paperback style. They are easier to hold and will often fit in my coat pocket (I have big pockets).
Too bad fiction doesn't come out like some cookbooks or crossword puzzle books and be spiral bound with a hard cover. My NY Times crossword puzzle book is done in this style and I never lose my place.
Too bad fiction doesn't come out like some cookbooks or crossword puzzle books and be spiral bound with a hard cover. My NY Times crossword puzzle book is done in this style and I never lose my place.
13
I prefer hardcovers- I absolutely hate it when books get beat-up, folded around and dog-eared! Paperbacks aren't just cheaper in the cost sense- they look, feel and behave cheaper, and they become old ratty monstrosities while hardcovers continue to look happy and good for many years. Give me a hardcover over a cheapback any day!
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