2007-01-12 02:03:53 · 6 answers · asked by juamanpo 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Yes, it's all about money. That isn't a bad thing, it's how publishers and printers and authors stay in business. Releasing hardcovers and paperbacks at the same time would be like selling a DVD the day the movie premiers.
People who really want to read the book as soon as it comes out will pay the premium - or go to the library.
2007-01-12 02:43:50 · answer #1 · answered by BobbyR 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those who are heart set on reading the book will usually buy the hard cover edition. Once the maximum of hard covers are sold, the publishing house will produce paperbacks, which is a lot cheaper to manufacture and about a third less the price in book stores. So those who are interested but not so die-hard about reading a book are more likely to spent the money on a paperback rather than on a high-priced hard cover edition.
2007-01-12 10:51:18 · answer #2 · answered by mac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because if it is a good book and word gets out how wonderful it is, or if people have been waiting for the sequel etc., they buy the hardback right away. Publishers get tons of money this way.
For instance, with the release of each new Harry Potter book, it was always in hardback right? Well, how many people could not wait for it, lining up at midnight for hours etc. to get their copy.
I waited a day or two then bought my copy. I'm not one who likes to pay that much for a book but I've got lots of kids who were waiting to read it so we hurried up and got it.
Now, the darn series is in paperback and I see the hardcovers at the thrift stores often for a few bucks. Ugh.
It's all about money.
2007-01-12 10:15:24 · answer #3 · answered by 7aliens 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I just want to say this in defense of hardback books. Yes, they're expensive but they last. I get so frustrated with paperback books that can barely last through one reading because they're so poorly made. And it's not every book either. Occasionally they're well made. But it is always a gamble to see if the book can hold up to more than one reading. I've had covers fall off after reading one or two chapters and that just isn't right.
2007-01-12 11:18:05 · answer #4 · answered by laney_po 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Expensive first edition hardcover copies fuel the collectors market, and many times these are autographed by the author and sell for a premium.
2007-01-12 10:07:38 · answer #5 · answered by Kokopelli 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To make money!! I agree though, they should release both versions at the same time so people have a choice. Hard-backs would still sell because there are people who prefer the hardback editions, but obviously they wouldn't sell as many!!
2007-01-12 10:07:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋