Mass-market paperbacks are sometimes called “pocket-editions” because they are small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag. This book format is printed and promoted to attract a large number of people at the lowest cost.

They have an inexpensive binding and are typically not illustrated. On the other hand, mass-market paperbacks are cheap, small editions of books (4” x 7”) that are printed on low-quality paper that may discolor over time. Paperback books can be found at traditional trade outlets such as bookstores, book distributors, and book dealers, hence the name “trade paperback.”ĭifference between a Bobcat and a Mountain Lion This means that if nobody buys them, the distributor simply returns the unsold books to the original publisher for credit. Paperback books are not “strippable.” This means that the front cover cannot be stripped by the distributors when they remain on the shelf after a long period.

Often, books are released in advance in paperback and are sent to scholars and institutions for review and feedback. Its purpose is to make paperback books look similar to its hardcover edition but for a more affordable price. Nowadays, a paperback book can be identified by its “French flap,” an extension of the front and back covers that is folded over inside (similar to the paper cover of hardcover books). Some paperback size are even of the same size as their hardcover editions (5.5” x 8.5” or 6” x 9”), while others are slightly smaller. They are priced lower than hardcovers, but often have the same pagination, type of paper, and illustrations as the hardcover edition. The term paperback refers to “trade paperback” or “trade paper edition.” Paperback books are typically printed as a softcover edition of a previously printed hardcover edition but can also be printed as an independent release (no preceding hardcover). Can be printed without a preceding hardcover edition copies that are sent in advance for review and feedback are often printed in the paperback format Some self-publishers and new authors of romance, thriller, mystery, and fiction books print their first works in this format, which may or may not be succeeded by a paperback or hardcover edition Descriptions A paperback and a mass-market paperback edition of the same title Paperback Mass-Market Paperback High-quality paper typically have the same illustrations, pagination, and size as their hardcover editions or may be slightly smaller usually have a “French flap” Low-quality paper usually not illustrated smaller or “pocket-sized” no “French flap” More expensive Cheaper Printed in order for the readers to have the same reading experience they have with hardcovers but without the heavy cover Printed to appeal to the public at the lowest cost for the largest distribution Not “strippable” unsold paperbacks should be returned for credit “Strippable” unsold mass-market paperbacks can be stripped of the front cover (and sometimes the first few pages) which will be returned to the publisher for credit the rest of the book should be shredded and recycled Can be bought from bookstores, book dealers, distributors, and resellers Usually found near the checkout lanes in drugstores, supermarkets, airports, etc.

Paperback vs hardcover