Wondering what the differences are between paperback and hardcover books? Let’s dive into the paperback vs hardcover book debate and see which type is best for you at What We Reading!
Paperback Meaning
Paperback books is the term used to describe books that have thin or soft card covers. This is why they are also sometimes referred to as ‘softcovers’. There are different kinds of softcover books, with trade paperbacks and mass-market paperbacks being two of the most popular.
Hardcover Meaning
On the flip side, a hardcover book is one bound with a rigid paperboard with a flexible sewn spine that allows it to lie flat on a surface when opened.
Paperback Books vs Hardcover Books
Differences Between Hardcover and Paperback Books
Size
Hardcover books are almost always significantly bigger than softcovers in height, width and depth. This means they are sure to take up much more room on your shelves. The average paperback size is about eight or nine inches high by five or six inches wide. Hardcovers can range in size, but most fall between 6 x 9 inches and 8.5 x 11 inches.
Price
Arguably the most significant difference between hardcover and paperback books is the price range. The contents inside are the same, so this factor alone is usually enough to swing someone’s decision! Because of the materials and time taken for production, hardcovers usually cost around £15 – £20 ($20 – $25), whilst paperbacks clock in at £8 – £10 ($13 – $15), with the potential of going even lower once the initial launch rush has eased.
Durability
The chief reason why hardcovers are so much more expensive compared to paperbacks is that they are far more durable. The printing process is different, and the paper is usually of a higher quality for hardback books, and the materials used tend to be more durable, making it harder for them to bend and break. What’s more, the paperboard on a hardcover tends to form a lip overlapping the inside pages, giving them more protection. Paperbacks don’t have the dust jackets a hardcover does, and their pages do tend to fall out after enough handling.
Ease
Because they are smaller, lighter and more flexible, paperback books are almost always the most convenient type of book, especially for people on the go. Travelling with hardback books can become a bit of a nuisance, taking up more room and being a bit more cumbersome to sit with.
Design Covers
For us here at What We Reading, a book’s cover goes a long way in convincing us to pick it up and give it a chance. Most Collector’s Editions and special designs are reserved for hardcovers because of their price and durability. Important book releases or editions will be released as hardbacks as a way of enticing readers in. They may also feature unique tweaks such as imagery or foil stamping.
Availability
In order to capitalise on the punchier price, hard copies of books are almost always exclusively released first, sometimes months ahead of the paperback copies. This means if a reader wants to pick up the most popular titles as soon as they come out, they often have to pay a more premium price. Only after all the hardcovers have been purchased or the hype has died down will you expect to see softcovers on the shelves.
Paperback vs Mass-Market Paperback Books
Your normal paperback book is what we’re referring to when we say ‘trade paperback’. Alternatively, ass-market paperback books are smaller editions usually found in travel stores specifically designed for people on the go often.
Are there any other criteria to be aware of in the trade paperback vs mass market paperback book debate? Not really.
For us, your average paperback edition does us just fine. We’ve never found ourselves squeezed for room with a softcover book, so the gimmicky nature of a mass-market edition has never appealed to us.
The Verdict
Ultimately, whether you prefer a hardcover or a paperback is entirely down to your own taste. For us though, we have always picked up a paperback when they have been available. They are more flexible and lighter and the price differences are a welcome bonus – especially when you’re in the bookshop as much as we are!
The only times we have gone out and purchased a hardback book is when there has been a release that we have been absolutely desperate to pick up. We do also get the appeal of picking up special editions that have been reserved for a hardcover release, especially if you are already a collector.
For us though, we enjoy the feeling of breaking the spines and putting down a finished book having completely devoured it. It gives a sense of achievement hardbacks can’t match, and it’s why we’re sticking on the paperback side of the fence for the time being.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
