The Hard Choice

Have you ever wondered why books are first released in hardcover and then only a little later can you buy the lighter (cheaper) paperback version. It's an annoying fact of life but perhaps somewhat necessary? Actually who knows.

Luckily Google has the answers! When does it not? 

The Economist has an interesting article on the economic (as you would expect) reasons for this production method.

"Hardbacks' durability means they are also popular with libraries. And they hold a certain snob value, too: literary editors traditionally don’t review paperbacks. Once hardback sales have slowed, a paperback edition is released. Printed at a higher volume than the hardback, it usually sells in greater numbers, but at lower margins. Some publishers time their hardback editions to come out just before Christmas, eyeing the gift market, before publishing the paperback edition in time for the summer holidays."

Sorry for not doing any hard hitting journalism (just saw Spotlight. It's good go see it), basically just digging up some articles for all you lovely readers. This can just be called research. 

Meanwhile this other guy (nice photo though) sheds more light saying that the 'four main customers for hard cover books.'
1. Book Clubs.
2. Libraries.
3. Critics & Book Reviewers.
4. Remainder Distributors.

Provide clues as to why this occurs. Actually the more you read the reasons why the more sense it makes. I definitely prefer either hardcover or paperback over e-books and not just because I work in a bookshop! Personally I prefer hardcover for my non fiction books - beautiful books on art, design or photography and occasionally cookery books while paperback is sufficient for me for my fiction. It feels like it should be read while hardcover seems too serious and ornamental.

 

If you're really having trouble deciding which one to pick, luckily Wikihow has created a page on How to Choose Between Paperback and Hardback Books for you.