Comments on: Hardcover or Paperback-The Best of Both Worlds

By: Rositas

Rositas — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:06:58 +0000

I’m still in limbo between paperpack and hardcover. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to each, which makes it difficult to say which is better. I am very anal, so my books are always mint condition- hardcover or not. I used to believe that hardcover were the best and would buy as many hardcover as possible. Cost isn’t the deciding factor for me. However, lately, I have realized that paperback books generally look and feel better (if that makes sense!). They are also more portable. Some books come in hardcover first then paperback so sometimes, I don’t know if i have the patience to wait 6 or so months. I also like a set of books either hardcover or paperback – not mix and match. Did I say I am anal?!! I am actually Googling whether to buy books in paperback or hardcover and came across your blog! If only there is black and white, yes and no, paperback or hardcover answers to everything haha. Oh gosh, I take this whole thing a little too seriously!

By: Robin Burcell

Robin Burcell — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:57:05 +0000

I’m with you on the smaller size/price thing, Shawn.

As far as e-readers, I think that they will be evolving as time goes on, so that they aren’t so proprietary. The interesting thing I hear is people complaining about paying anything but a nominal fee for a book, because they think that it costs nothing in the electronic form. The truth is that the production costs of the book still remain the same. And that is far more expensive than the paper or cover of a book.

Eventually it will all even out in the wash… I hope!

By: Shawn

Shawn — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:12:29 +0000

As a reader, I much prefer paperbacks. I prefer the smaller size and I prefer the smaller price. I read A LOT, and I read fast, so I am always looking for more authors and more books. When a hardcover is twice to three times the price of a paperback, picking up HC means I have to put back one or two books by other authors. I limit my HC purchases to absolute favorite authors. In fact, I won’t even look at the HC racks unless I’m looking for a specific new release. Even then, there is grumbling involved.

I’m interested in ebook readers, but so far, the prices for the books are higher than paperbacks and until I can buy any book I want from any source I want regardless of the model of reader I have, I won’t make the investment.

On the other hand, as an aspiring writer, the day that my stuff might come out in hardcover would probably set me off to Happy Dance Land. Smile.

By: Robin Burcell

Robin Burcell — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:49:42 +0000

Glad you’re now converted, Dottie! Just think of all the good books you would have missed, had you only bought hardcover!

By: Dottie Taylor

Dottie Taylor — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:02:46 +0000

Hi Robin

I used to be one of those readers who only bought hardcovers, but as my library has grown to well over several hundred books, hardcovers have been too cumbersome. I’ve started donating my hardcovers to my local library, and buying paperbacks for my keepers shelf. Some authors only are released in paperback, maybe as their careers grow, hardbacks will be in their future. And some authors don’t want to release in hardback.

I don’t know which is the best, but I do know that I will continue to buy books in any shape that they come in. I have started to pick up ebooks as the selection becomes larger. It’s a great medium for reading on the go and when it inconvenient to have a book out. It’s also a great way to receive ARCs, much less expensive that sending out a hard copies.

Dottie

By: Danna Wilberg

Danna Wilberg — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:28:33 +0000

Robin,

Valuable information for a new writer, such as myself. I have heard so many different views on this topic, and you have clarified things quite nicely.

I prefer to collect my favorite authors in hardback!

By: Robin Burcell

Robin Burcell — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:35:17 +0000

I’ll admit to being one that likes paperbacks best, just because they’re lighter. You’re right about the growing 3rd alternative, though. It’ll be interesting to see how the e-book market evolves.

By: Patricia Mathews

Patricia Mathews — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:33:23 +0000

I prefer buying in paperback because that format fits into a purse or pocket whereas hardcover is a pain to haul around. These days I buy or re-acquire in hardback those I want to keep forever.

However, I recently solved both problems, plus the problem of what to do when your keeper is a ratty paperback you can’t find new? I bought a Sony reader and have happily downloaded many old beloved pbs. Which is off the point, I know, but is a growing 3rd alternative.