Subscribe to RSS 2.0Too big and pointy
I've said it before, but I don't like reading hardback editions of books, for the most part. They're too big, heavy and unwieldy compared with paperbacks. But of course many big publishers will only let you have the hardback for the first six months or so of a new book's life. I assume other justifications are sometimes offered (such as the supposed preferences of reviewers) but I see it as a way of charging more money from those readers prepared to pay more, before the paperback edition comes along to mop up the remaining demand at a lower price. And some will say that the hardback is a toe in the water before committing to a paperback release which might not be viable, but that makes very little sense to me. If you suspect the book won't sell, keep your costs down with a paperback-only release. But, if you refuse to publish the paperback simultaneously and you absolutely must attempt to fleece the public with an exclusive premium edition which precedes the paperback copy, why not offer an elite 'travel' edition, with higher-quality paper stock, some sort of softback cover and perhaps a gimmick like rounded corners. That way I'd be able to read it in comfort and pop it into a bag to take with me. Pretty please.
Comments: 3
Yes, I agree. Hardbacks are awkward and also too heavy to comfortably hold while reading in the bath.
Maybe with your idea there and the addition of waterproofing the pages, hence reducing the problems of relaxing in the bath with a good book.
Posted by: Verity Ann on May 31, 2010 03:10 PM
100% in agreement, Rob. What are the point of hardbacks? Perhaps they're for collectors - I can get that - but, as you say, why not up the ante for a collector's edition?
As much as I love Rupert Thomson, and have read every damn thing he's written, I still absolutely refuse to pick up his latest on hardback release. In fact, the only hardbacks I remember buying have been from Bargain Books, seriously reduced from their original price.
Must be a market for it, mind. And, of course, I have to admit to aspirations of a hardback release for one of my own titles, some time in the future.
But that's just for vanity. Not shrewd marketing :)
Posted by: WayneSimmons on May 31, 2010 06:06 PM
I love physical books, hardbacks more so than paperbacks. The durability alone is worth the price. Paperbacks just get tatty with prolonged use. From a design point of view you can do so much more with hardbacks; copper/silver blocked edges, coloured end papers, heavier weight paper, ribbon binding, leather bound, etc, etc. Sure, they may cost more but the end product is so much more satisfying. But for mass market I’d say it’s better to release both standard hardback and paperback together instead of forcing the punter to pay a premium begrudgingly.
Posted by: Wayne Blackhurst on May 31, 2010 09:19 PM