Trade paperback discussion/rant, okay rant

Stlight · Nov 24, 2008

I've tried to like them, but I can't. Here's why-

They are expensive - twice what mass market paperbacks cost.

They don't fit on paperback shelves - had them made to shelve more books

They stick together.

They won't stay open unless you break the spine which means they fall apart faster and have to be replaced.

They are expensive.

They fall out of your lap.

They don't fit in a reasonable sized purse (short person here.)

They are expensive.

Print rarely bigger than in mass market, though margins are. I have my own stack of blank white paper.

Did I mention that they are expensive?

I try to never buy them even if I want the book. I got along without the book before, I can do it now. Sigh.

NOTE:
HarperCollins website has a survey going that asks if you'd mind if they raised their prices. Just thought you'd want to know.

Stlight

gypsyscarlett · Nov 24, 2008

Yes- overly expensive.

Yes- they don't fit in my purse.

Quite annoying that.

Shadow_Ferret · Nov 24, 2008

I have no idea what a trade paperback vs. a mass market paperback is.

jennifer75 · Nov 24, 2008

I'm the opposite. I hate MMP's. Can't stand them. Will risk NEVER reading a book if I can only get it in MMP.

TPB's are my favorite. They look nice. Sure they cost a few extra books, but so what.

Hard covers make me wanna gag.

MaryMumsy · Nov 24, 2008

Strictly my own opinion. Hardbacks are preferable. Trade paperbacks if that is the only format available. Mass market paperbacks, almost never.

MM

Carmy · Nov 24, 2008

Stlight said:
I've tried to like them, but I can't. Here's why-

They are expensive - twice what mass market paperbacks cost.

They don't fit on paperback shelves - had them made to shelve more books

They stick together.

They won't stay open unless you break the spine which means they fall apart faster and have to be replaced.

They are expensive.

They fall out of your lap.

They don't fit in a reasonable sized purse (short person here.)

They are expensive.

Print rarely bigger than in mass market, though margins are. I have my own stack of blank white paper.

Did I mention that they are expensive?

I try to never buy them even if I want the book. I got along without the book before, I can do it now. Sigh.
... All of the above.

Stlight · Nov 24, 2008

I was just thinking the trade paperback market does have an affect on most writers. There are rich enough to not be bothered by the double cost. I congratulate them.
But there are others that don't have the options of doubling their "book money." In my world $14 does not equal $7.

The economics mean that a number, not all of course, but a number of people must choose between one book and two. Royalty wise if the two books were by the same author it doesn't matter whether they sell one trade paperback or two mass market paperbacks. Indeed, they could hope/expect the buyer to come back and buy another TP. But if the books are by two authors, one will get no royalities. I know, that's the way the cards fall - no big.

Are you as willing to try a new author's book for $14 as for $7?

Stlight

scarletpeaches · Nov 24, 2008

If I have the exchange rate correct, $14 is only £7 and as for $7 - if I could get a book for £3:50 I'd be very happy.

I buy most of my books from the local supermarket where paperbacks are £3:86 and trade paperbacks usually around £6-8. Hardbacks usually a tenner.

I certainly don't think that's too much to pay. I don't see the problem.

Captshady · Nov 25, 2008

Shadow_Ferret said:
I have no idea what a trade paperback vs. a mass market paperback is.

I have no idea what a paperback shelf is.

MsK · Nov 25, 2008

If it's a book I want to read and keep, hardback is my choice.
If it's a book I want to read and then pass along, it would depend on my budget- trade paper back would be my first choice, but I read plenty of MMP's also.
Maybe it's an optical illusion, but I do find the TPB easier on the eyes than the MMP.
I just took a look at my reading pile now and I have 2 hardbacks, 1 TPB, and 3 MMP's waiting for me.

Shadow_Ferret · Nov 25, 2008

After doing a little research (very little as a matter of fact) I can honestly say I've never even seen a trade paperback. I've only seen paperbacks that you get in supermarkets and bookstores.

Am I looking for love in all the wrong places?

astonwest · Nov 25, 2008

Shadow_Ferret said:
Am I looking for love in all the wrong places?

You should buy my book (strictly for research), which is a trade paperback. It's over at Amazon...

Truthfully, I prefer hardbacks most of all...and usually buy them off the remainder racks.
I prefer trade paperbacks to mass paperbacks...easier to keep open, easier to read...

Stlight · Nov 25, 2008

Thanks for the offer, Aston, your book does look interesting. I've seen them. My own book came out in 2002. It was a Trade paper back. It was the original source of my opinions of TPs.

It was the first one I'd seen. I was horrorified at the price. Small micro press, distribution not much. Since I wouldn't pay that much for a paperback I was embarrassed to ask anyone to - still am.

A paperback shelf is one that is made with shorter spaces between each shelf to shelf to hold more books. You have to make them yourself.

Stlight

vixey · Nov 25, 2008

I only buy Trade Paper Backs. I love the covers. The seem just a bit more sophisticated, are easier to read, and even though they don't fit in purses, I find them easier to hold.

astonwest · Nov 25, 2008

It's hard to beat the price of e-books, though...

scarletpeaches · Nov 25, 2008

I like the books that come with a five-fingered discount.

Trade paperback discussion/rant, okay rant

Stlight

ideas are floating where they will

gypsyscarlett

Ma fin est mon commencement

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

jennifer75

SupahStah!

MaryMumsy

the original blond bombshell

Carmy

Stlight

ideas are floating where they will

scarletpeaches

Captshady

What happened to my LIFE?!

MsK

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

astonwest

2 WIP? A glutton for punishment

Stlight

ideas are floating where they will

vixey

C'est la vie!

astonwest

2 WIP? A glutton for punishment

scarletpeaches