Every book format, explained.
Learn about the variety of formats BookPal carries. For popular new releases and expected bestsellers, the hardcover edition comes first; the trade paperback usually follows the next year (or later), and the mass market paperback comes last. Each edition offers the same content at a lower price than the one before.
All formatsQuestionsCall 866-522-6657
- Hardcover, paperback, board book, library-bound and more
- Same content, a lower price with each later edition
- Every book new, straight from the publisher
- A specialist replies within 1 business day
Find the format that fits your readers.
Not sure which edition suits your group or your budget? A specialist can compare the formats available for your titles.
-
Hardcovers
Hardcovers, or hardbound books, are bound with rigid protective covers, usually cardboard covered with plain cloth or leather. They frequently come with dust jackets that carry the cover illustration and a synopsis on the back or inside flap. A book is typically released in hardcover first. Hardcovers cost more, but they are sturdier than paperbacks.
-
Paperbacks
Paperbacks, or softcover books, are made with thick paper or paperboard covers and have spines that are glued rather than stitched. Trade paperbacks, which are larger than mass market editions, are released after the hardcover and are generally 5.5 x 8.5 inches.
-
Mass market paperbacks
Mass market paperbacks are similar to trade editions, but they tend to have thinner pages, smaller dimensions and a lower list price. A standard mass market paperback usually measures 4.5 x 7 inches.
-
Board books
Board books are printed on thick paperboard, used for both the interior pages and the cover. The pages are glossy and the binding is specially folded and glued. Board books are durable and designed for young children.
-
Library-bound books
Turtleback library-bound books are paperback editions rebound for use in schools and libraries. Unlike hardcovers, they have no dust jacket: the interior pages are rebound within a hard, glossy cover that features the original paperback artwork. Library binding extends the life of a book, because the new cover is sturdier and more resistant to wear and tear. Minimums and longer lead times apply, so ask a specialist about the titles you have in mind.
-
eBooks
eBooks, or electronic books, are digital content converted from print books or created for electronic distribution. We offer them for a few titles, and eBooks purchased from BookPal are not available for resale. eBooks in bulk
-
Journals
Journals are blank or lined pages bound in a hardcover or paperback format, for writing or record keeping. We can customize journals for your organization. Custom journals
-
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are recordings of books or text being read. BookPal offers some editions on audio CD on request, so ask a specialist which titles are available.
-
Picture books
Picture books consist mainly of pictures or illustrations, with little or no text. They come in many levels for beginning and intermediate readers, in hardcover or paperback.
-
Spiral-bound books
Spiral-bound books are secured with a metal or plastic binding instead of a sewn or glued spine. Spiral binding is mostly used for training materials and educational guides, usually with thin plastic or paper covers.
-
Mixed media books
Mixed media books come with other components, such as stuffed animals or special items that relate to the text and encourage an interactive reading experience.
Every book we sell is new, straight from the publisher, and backed by our Brand New Guarantee.
Questions about formats.
Something else? Call 866-522-6657 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm PT) or contact us. A specialist replies within 1 business day.
Which edition of a book comes out first?
For popular new releases and expected bestsellers, the hardcover comes first. The trade paperback usually follows the next year (or later), and the mass market paperback comes last. Each edition offers the same content at a lower price than the one before.
What size are trade and mass market paperbacks?
Trade paperbacks are generally 5.5 x 8.5 inches. A standard mass market paperback usually measures 4.5 x 7 inches, with thinner pages and a lower list price.
Can I order library-bound editions?
Yes. We source custom library bindings mainly through Perfection Learning and Turtleback when the publisher has no library edition. Minimums apply, and fully custom bindings can take up to 16 weeks. We do not add library processing such as plastic spine or jacket covers or checkout cards. A specialist can confirm the options for your titles.
Do you offer eBooks or audiobooks?
For a few titles, yes — StrengthsFinder 2.0, for example — and our specialists can tell you which ones. But we're selective, on purpose, because we'd rather your budget go somewhere it works:
You pay for every code, not every reader. Group eBook and audio codes are billed when they're issued, and in our experience most are never opened — or are set aside after the first few pages.
Digital is harder on your people than it looks. Recipients have to redeem codes, create accounts, and manage yet another app and library on their personal devices. What was meant as a gift becomes a chore.
If digital appeals because it seems easier to distribute — let us make print just as easy. We'll set up a simple page where your recipients enter their own addresses, then deliver beautiful hardcovers and paperbacks to each of them, across the country or around the world. No spreadsheets for you, and a real book in their hands.
Our specialists are happy to talk through what will work best for your group.
The right edition, at the right price.
Tell us your titles, your copies and your date, and a specialist will compare the formats available. Prefer to talk it through? Call us Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm PT.
-
866-522-6657Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm PT
-
[email protected]Send a title list or a question
-
A specialist replies within 1 business dayA named BookPal specialist on every quote