Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Choose based on cost and purpose
• Method 2 of 4: Choose based on appearance and material
• Method 3 of 4: Publish your own book in paperback or hardback
• Method 4 of 4: Consider alternative ways to read
• Tips

If you've ever bought a book, you've probably been faced with the question: paperback or hardback? Both have their pros and cons, and understanding them will help you make a choice so you can start reading!

To step

Method 1 of 4: Choose based on cost and purpose

1. Save money by buying a paperback. As all readers on a budget know, paperback is the cheapest option out there. Paperbacks can be up to € 10- € 15 cheaper. Mass market versions, cheaply made "short and fat" editions, can cost less than $ 10.
2. Buy a hardback if you want to read the book as soon as it is released. Most books are first released as hardback, and then re-released in paperback format a few months later, in order to sell more of them. If you've waited a long time for a book to come out, treat yourself to a more expensive copy so you can devour it right away.
3. Choose paperback if you want to read on the go. Paperbacks are lightweight and flexible, making it very useful for on the plane or during car journeys, or even for your daily commute. Tuck a paperback in your bag or even in your back pocket if you have enough time to read during the day.
4. Choose hardback if you plan to keep the book. Hardbacks are built to last, and capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear and the test of time. Paperbacks tear, wrinkle, and smudge more easily, and over time, the spine adhesive can weaken or the paper to decay. If you don't want to spend all that time and effort maintaining a paperback, choose a hardcover that will last longer.
5. Buy a hardback if it is a present. If you are giving a book to a friend or family member, try to get a hardback. They look nicer and are more fun to open as a gift, and your loved one will appreciate that you went for the more luxurious version.
   • Don't worry if you don't have the money for a hardcover, or if it's out of stock. Most importantly, you have chosen a good book for your loved one to enjoy!

Method 2 of 4: Choose based on appearance and material

1. Choose a cover that matches the other books on your shelf. Some readers like when all their books are the same height - it just looks better on the shelf, don't you think? Paperbacks often vary a bit more in height, so for an even effect on the shelf, opt for the more consistent hardback editions.
   • More expensive paperbacks are sometimes released in a hardback height, so check the dimensions of your shelf and your other books before excluding a paperback completely. If the height matches, you can save a few bucks while maintaining the even line of your bookshelf.
2. Choose an edition that matches the other in a series. If the book you are buying is part of a series, try to keep it consistent. If the rest of the series is in hardcover, get a hardcover. If the other books are paperback, choose a paperback. Almost all aesthetic book enthusiasts agree this looks better on the shelf!
3. Buy a paperback for its ease of use. The lighter weight and smaller size make paperbacks easier to hold with one hand. You can easily read them while relaxing in bed or on the couch, or while on the subway.
4. Choose a hardback for its ability to lay the book flat. Some paperbacks can be a problem if you'd rather not break the spine of a book, and long vertical wrinkles form - you may barely open the book to keep that smooth spine, which can make it more difficult to actually get the book. to read! This is not a problem due to the harder covers of hardback books. You can easily lay the book flat to read on a table or on your lap.
5. Choose the version with a more attractive cover. Hardbacks in particular are known for their beautiful designs. Even if a hardback version is not considered a "special edition," you may still end up with beautiful art on the dust jacket, the cover under the cover, and even on pages that are not included in a paperback version. The downside is that the paperback cover of a book will sometimes appeal to you more! If aesthetics are your main concern, just pick the book you like best.

Method 3 of 4: Publish your own book in paperback or hardback

1. Publish your own book in hardback to appeal to critics and aesthetic readers. Publishing your own book in hardback will be expensive, but many readers will appreciate the higher quality. It can also get your book picked up by the news and book critics, who are more likely to see a hardback as a more "literary" work - unfair as that may be!
2. Choose a trade paperback for good quality at a low price. Trade paperbacks are still heavy, about the same size as hardbacks, and printed on good quality paper. They have the advantage of good quality coupled with a lower price than a hardback edition. The book still looks good, so it may appeal to readers on a smaller budget, but care about the appearance of a book.
3. Save the most money by going for the mass production paperback. A small, mass-produced edition will be the cheapest to buy and manufacture. They are not as good as hardback or trade paperback versions, but publishers consider low-cost issues a great way to introduce new authors and help them gain a larger readership.
4. Consider e-publishing. This is a fast growing medium that can bring you many different readers online and will help you save even more money by cutting down on printing costs. You may not get the satisfaction of holding onto the physical book, but remember that e-publishing can serve as a stepping stone to publishing hard copies of your work. You are on your way!

Method 4 of 4: Consider alternative ways to read

1. Choose an audiobook to listen to while doing other things. Listen to an audiobook while you drive or do chores around the house, or close your eyes and lull you to sleep. While you don't feel like you're holding the book and moving your eyes around the page, an audiobook is a handy option for busy readers who like to squeeze in some book time whenever they can.
2. Try an e-reader for the ultimate convenience. E-readers are perfect for the traveling book lover. You can store an entire library in a tablet that fits in the palm of your hand and easily buy books while on the go. They are also more accessible to visually impaired readers, thanks to the different font sizes and line spacing options available. Ebooks are also usually cheaper than paperbacks or hardbacks, although some readers will prefer the feel of holding a physical book and turning the pages.
   • Buy an e-reader without lighting to avoid strain or fatigue on your eyes.
3. Use a reading application on your phone to read anytime, anywhere. The Dutch libraries have an app for audiobooks and e-books.

Tips

• Hardcover dust jackets will take the most damage over the years, but you can protect them with clear plastic or mylar covers.
• Strengthen and extend the life of paperbacks by covering them with a clear plastic film or even by giving them a hard cover.