Hardcover vs paperback?

Question

Ok...a hardcover on average costs about 10 dollars more than a soft cover. So when you buy a book hardcover, you are paying 10 bucks for little bit of wood in the hardcover? It doesnt seem to make much sense to me...I know its also more expensive to publish your book hardcover, but why wouldnt everyone just publish softcover. Isnt it reasonable to think that more people buy 15 dollar books than 25 dollar books?

Answer 1

I prefer paperbacks, not because they are cheaper, but because they are easier to hold and carry around in a pocket... plus, my legs don't go numb if I'm reading in the can, lol

Answer 2

Usually the paper quality is better for a hardback. It doesn't turn yellow and brittle quite as soon as a mass-market (cheap) paperback does. However, trade paperbacks (the ones that are $15 and about the same size as hardbacks) often use acid-free paper too. Their covers still don't stay on as well as a hardcover's do, though.

If it's a book I plan on keeping for a while, I usually buy hardcover or trade paperback. Small, mass-market paperbacks just don't hold up over time.

Answer 3

I personally prefer hardcover books and if it is a book that I want for myself, and not a schoolbook, then I am willing to pay the extra amount. I buy paperback for a book that I only plan to read once or if the occasion calls for one, like for traveling on a plane. In my home library, though, I like hardbacks because they tend to last longer. Most people I know will go with the cheaper paperback which is perfectly fine, to each their own, but there are some of us out there who prefer to buy hardback when available.

Answer 4

I think it is a matter of choice or preference, I mean it is up to the reader/collector himself who would decide to buy a hardcover or a paperback. As for me, I prefer the hardcover since I feel it is really the book with good binding , elegant cover and high quality paper. Moreover, it can be literally collected for ever while the paperback might be good for care-free reading and collected within a limited time like some 20+ years then you have to donate or sell them cheaply, they are not meant to keep for half a century since their paper would be yellowish and brittle.

Answer 5

It's silly I guess but I prefer my books in hardcover. To me, that hardcover and dust jacket just says "BOOK". However most books these days never get published in hardcover - they go straight to trade paperback. Most small presses cannot afford hardcover. So in my library of about 1000 - 1500 books, there are several paperbacks too. Pax - C.

Answer 6

The only justification I can find (personally) for purchasing a book in hardcover is if I know I'm going to keep it forever and pass it on to my daughter. I really want it to withstand the test of time.

But, otherwise, I simply cannot afford to buy my books in hardcover. In fact, as a poor writer, I can't afford to buy many books at all - I'm one of my local library's best patrons.

Answer 7

Hardcover i guess lasts longer. I like paperbacks because there smaller and easier to read on a trip.

Answer 8

Def paperback here but if you buy the hardcover online you can usually save anywhere for $5 to $10. When purchasing reading material, I usually try to go with paperback to save $. I usually browse the bookstore to see what it is I want then purchase the book online for savings.

Answer 9

I like both, but I guess I prefer hardcover. They last longer and look more professional in my opinion. You are right though, they are more expensive which sucks.

Answer 10

Paperback, cos it's so much easier to hold!