Why is it that you can only find hardcover editions of books when they first come out, then later on, over the years, you can only get them in paperback??
2006-07-25 08:02:21 · 8 answers · asked by Lisa 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
You've already gotten good answers, but I did want to add that it mostly has to do with the business side of bookselling. If you own a bookstore and the majority of your customers that would buy a certain book in hardback already have (you've sold 100 or so), then the book comes out in paperback, you're not going to stock the hardback anymore, you're going to put them on clearance. The reason is you must make room for new books in hardback. You have to dedicate the space in your store to books that will sell the most, in order to make a profit. They'd be glad to order the book in hardback for you or you can get it online.
Try half.com, you can get hardbacks there (sometimes unread) for a really good deal.
2006-07-25 08:39:43 · answer #1 · answered by MEL T 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Most people do not realize that a softcover book is only a little less than a hardcover (but will last a lot longer) & unless they are actually a collecter of books they usually just want "the cheapest edition available".
I prefer hardcover books. But you are right that you usually have to buy them when they first come out or have to settle for softcover unless it is something that is a mega-seller & has many printings & book-club editions et al . The books I read are nonfiction & usually only have one printing. I really can't stand when they publish in softcover only.
2006-07-25 15:15:50 · answer #2 · answered by Selkie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hardcover books are considered "Upper Market"... Only after a book does well in hardcover, "selling through" the print run, will the publisher consider doing a second print run, either of more hardbacks, "Trade paperback" (the bigger paperback) or "mass market" (The small paperback.)
They don't always do a second run of hardbacks. That's why after its been out you find paperback and not hardback.
2006-07-25 15:36:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're not. Generally they cost more, books go from hardcover to softcover when they get more popular so stores may just have sold all the hardcovers-or they know that people don't want to pay extra for the hardcovers so they just order the softcover. If you go to Chapters, Indigo, Coles, etc. you can ask them to order it for you and they'll give you a call when it's in.
2006-07-25 15:06:24 · answer #4 · answered by reza h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the reasons these people give are all valid, but if you are really just looking for hard cover books, sign up for book clubs, check out the thrift stores, look around at used book stores, hunt the garage sales and flea markets -- all those types of obvious things. And don't forget the library sales!! Good hunting!
2006-07-25 17:55:13 · answer #5 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think most people prefer soft covers because they are cheaper and easier to carry around. I like to collect books so i try to only by hardback books. You can always special order them from a bookstore or through the publisher.
2006-07-25 15:28:28 · answer #6 · answered by cass 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your public library and get answers. They have the answer you need.
2006-07-25 15:07:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are better to fold back to read
2006-07-25 15:18:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋