What are Paperback Books
A common question trending on the internet is ‘What are Paperback Books’? Are you looking for an answer to the same? Well, if yes, then you have landed on the right place. This blog will help you know more about paperback books. Read more below.
Paperback books are no different from regular books, but they are more lightweight and flexible. The approach used to design such a book is quite different from traditional books, and thus, that makes it a favorite among book readers. These books also differ on the basis of affordability, but what they offer is ease of carrying around. Paperback books are something unique and better, offering more to the readers.
With this, today, we will be finding the answer to ‘What are Paperback Books’. You will read about their usage, advantages, and characteristics. We have also shared details on different types of paperback books. So, check the full blog here.
About Paperback Books
Paperback books were first introduced in the 19th century. At that time, hardcover books were dominating the book publishing industry. But there were many issues with those books. Hardcover books are not only costly to produce, but readers also find them not fit to carry around. So as a solution, paperback books were introduced to solve these problems.
With the introduction of paperback books, there was a sudden change in the publishing world. Now, producing a book has become easier for the publisher, and readers also find it easy to carry around. Later, these books made their place in the market by giving tough competition to the hardcover books.
Today, a large number of book publishers produce paperback books as they are comparatively cost-effective. Readers prefer books in this form because they are more flexible and compact to carry around. Overall, paperback books have made their place in this industry without compromising the quality of the reading experience.
Characteristics of Paperback Books
To understand what paperback books are, you must know their characteristics. Then only you will be able to differentiate it from traditional books, as a reader. These books are made up of flexible paper and covered with cardstock. Mostly, paperback books are finished with matte or gloss coating. It depends upon the publishing company and the aesthetic of the book. The pages of the book are perfectly bound with the glue. Depending upon the project needs and publication, paperback books come in different sizes. You will see mostly a standard size, but there are also customised sizes of these books.
Types of Paperback Books
Generally, there are three different types of paperback books available in the market. Let’s learn about them from here:
Trade Paperback
When a paperback book comes in the same size as a hardcover book, or in a similar format, they are marked as a trade paperback book. They are as durable as hardcover books, but also bring flexibility to them. Authors prefer their novels and special edition books to be printed in type. Trade paperback books provide quality along with affordability to the readers.
Mass-Market Paperback
A smaller and more affordable version of paperback books, mass-market paperbacks are the most accessible book format in the market. When a publisher is required to produce books in mass production, this type is used. These books are produced in mass, so the cost and price are both comparatively lower than any other type of book. That is why these books are affordable to the readers.
Digest-Sized Paperback
A type of paperback book, keeping a balance between mass-market and trade paperback books, this is the most used type in the market. These books are more portable, while their standard-sized ones are preferable in the market. They are used when the publication requires the production of compact and lightweight quality books. As a reader, you will see digest-sized paperback books, generally in comics and graphic novels.
Advantages of Using Paperback Books
Why should one use a paperback book over traditional hardcover books? Well, today, a major part of readers prefer this type of book over other books, and the reasons are quite common. Let us understand those reasons with the advantages of paperback books.
Easy Handling
Compared to the traditional hardcover books, paperback books are lightweight and flexible. This makes a paperback book easy to carry and handle for the readers. Your favourite storybook or educational book will always be there if it is printed as a paperback book.
Cost-Effective
One of the main reasons why readers prefer paperback books is that it is affordable. No doubt, when we compare the cost to the traditional, hardcover printed books, the paperback books are cheap. The paper used to produce them is comparatively cheaper for the publisher, and so the average price of books is also affordable. This made the paperback book an affordable option to readers who don’t want to spend more on books.
Better Reading Experience
Even coming at a comparatively cheaper rate, paperback books have never compromised their quality. These types of books have always given a better reading experience to the readers. You will feel the difference between a paperback book and a traditional book while holding it in your hand. And no doubt a paperback book will provide a better reading experience and ease of holding. When author releases limited editions of their books, they prefer paperback books only to make them special.
Also, Check – 7 Types of Characters in Fiction
Conclusion
This was our detailed blog, answering ‘What are Paperback Books’.
We hope you have found this blog relatable to your search. Above, we have tried to cover all relevant details in the paperbook. Now, it’s your turn to share your views on the same with us. The comment section is open for you. Also, we recommend reading other blogs on our website on a relatable topic.
