That’s exactly why paperback books became a favourite. They’re light, easy to carry, and don’t cost a fortune, making reading feel effortless again.
For authors, that’s a win too. More readers can afford paperbacks, which means more sales and more people discovering your work.
Let’s look at why paperback books still outsell the rest, and why they’re here to stay.
Paperback books, also called softcover books, are a staple for readers everywhere. Their defining feature is the flexible cover, usually made from paperboard or heavy paper, which makes them much lighter than their hardcover counterparts. This design is not just about feel; it's a key reason for their success.
Important features of a paperback include:
You can find definitions and examples of paperbacks just about anywhere, as they are used for a huge variety of publications. Here are some common uses for paperbacks:
Not all paperbacks are created equal. When you browse a bookstore, you might notice that some softcover books are small and compact, while others are larger and feel more substantial. These differences often indicate the type of paperback format you are holding.
The mass-market paperback is the most common and affordable type you’ll find. As the name suggests, these books are designed for wide distribution and are printed in larger quantities to keep the price as low as possible.
They are typically small in size, around 4.25" x 6.87" (10.8 cm x 17.5 cm), making them perfect for slipping into a bag or pocket for reading on the go. These books are sometimes referred to as "airport novels" because they make ideal companions for travel.
Within the publishing world, paperbacks come in a range of standard sizes, each serving a different purpose. One of the most common is the B-format, a mid-sized paperback (around 5" x 7.75") widely used in the UK, Europe, and other international markets.
It’s a favourite among fiction and trade publishers because it offers a balance between portability and readability, easy to carry, yet large enough for comfortable text and attractive cover designs.
Trade paperbacks offer a step up in quality from their mass-market cousins. They’re usually larger in size, around 6" x 9" (15.2 cm x 22.9 cm), often matching the dimensions of the hardcover edition and are printed on better, more durable paper. Because of these improvements, trade paperbacks come with a higher price than mass-market editions.
Trade comics, also known as trade paperbacks, are the standard format for collecting and reading graphic novels and comics. They usually measure around 6.63" x 10.25" (16.8 cm x 26 cm) and compile several individual comic book issues into a single volume, making it easier for readers to enjoy a complete story arc in one place.
Are you designing your book cover? Read this ultimate guide to book cover size to get the right dimensions.
Making a paperback book might look simple from the outside, but there’s a lot of care behind it. The process is designed to keep things affordable and efficient while making sure every book feels sturdy in your hands, looks good, and is easy to read.
The process begins with printing the book’s interior pages. For large print runs, publishers typically use offset lithographic printing, which transfers ink from metal plates to paper, ensuring consistent quality and sharp text.
For smaller or print-on-demand orders, digital printing is often used because it’s faster and more cost-effective for short quantities.
Once printed, the sheets are cut to the correct trim size and stacked in the right page order to form what’s known as a “book block.” This step requires precision so that the final pages line up cleanly when bound together.
The cover gives a paperback its recognisable look and feel. It’s typically printed on heavier paper or cardstock, then trimmed to wrap perfectly around the book block. Publishers often apply a matte or gloss lamination for extra protection and a polished finish.
Most paperbacks use perfect binding, where the pages are glued together along the spine using a strong, flexible adhesive. Once the glue dries, the cover is attached to the book block, creating a smooth spine and professional appearance. The image below shows both perfect bound and staple bound paperback books.
After binding, the entire book is trimmed on three sides to ensure clean, even edges. Some publishers may add UV coating, embossing, or spot finishes to enhance the cover’s look and durability before the book is packed and shipped.
Paperback books are made using materials chosen for flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and comfort while reading.
The cover is made from cardstock or thick paper, flexible enough to bend but sturdy enough to protect the pages. Some covers have lamination or a UV coating to resist wear and tear.
The inner pages are printed on various types of paper stock, typically uncoated or lightly coated for easy reading. The paper’s thickness can vary depending on the book’s purpose, thinner for novels, thicker for illustrated works.
Finally, the binding adhesive plays a crucial role in holding everything together. Modern bookbinding uses strong, heat-resistant glue that keeps pages secure while allowing the spine to flex during use.
Are you deciding between a hardcover and a paperback for your next read? Or maybe for publishing your own novel? Here’s what you should consider.
The advantages of paperbacks include:
The limitations of paperbacks include:
One of the biggest drawbacks of perfect bound paperbacks is the restricted spine gutter, which can make the innermost part of the page difficult to view when the book is opened. Because pages are glued together at the spine rather than sewn, the book doesn’t naturally lay flat, causing artwork, text, or margin content to disappear into the curve of the spine. Over time, repeated pressure on the gutter can weaken the adhesive, leading to cracked spines or loosening pages. This issue is especially noticeable in thicker paperbacks and heavily illustrated books, where full-bleed imagery or captions close to the inner margin can be partially obscured. For designers, it means planning layouts carefully with generous inner margins — and for readers, it can occasionally make long reading sessions less comfortable.
Heads and important content, like text, should be kept out of this area. Below is an example of a book which had a lady's face too close to the spine gutter.
In the UK, printing paperbacks costs a lot less than printing hardcovers, and you can see that difference in the price tag. A brand-new hardcover might sell for ÂŁ12 to ÂŁ50, while the paperback version that comes out later could be around ÂŁ6 to ÂŁ10. That big gap comes down to one thing: paperbacks are much cheaper to make, especially when printed in bulk.
A few key things affect how much it actually costs to print a paperback:
The more books you print at once, the cheaper each copy becomes. Big print runs spread out the setup costs, while smaller runs or print-on-demand books cost more per copy.
The type of paper you choose makes a big difference. Thicker, high-end paper looks and feels great but costs more. Many publishers use lighter or recycled paper to keep prices down while still offering a good reading experience.
Paperbacks use perfect binding, and the pages are glued together at the spine. It’s much simpler (and cheaper) than the stitched or board-based method used for hardcovers. Adding extras like lamination, embossing, or foil details can raise the price a little, but they also make the book look more polished.
Bigger books, more pages, or full-colour interiors all increase printing costs. A short black-and-white novel is going to cost far less to produce than a large, illustrated art book.
Even after printing, there are other costs like packaging and transport. Since paperbacks are lighter, they’re cheaper to ship and easier to store, another reason publishers love them.
In short, paperbacks are popular because they’re budget-friendly to make and easy to sell. They cut down on materials, production time, and shipping costs, making books more affordable for everyone, from publishers to everyday readers.
At Ex Why Zed, we use top-of-the-line printing technology to ensure every book meets the highest standards of quality, from crisp text to vibrant cover art. Your paperback will have the professional polish it needs to stand out.
Publishers release books in paperback format to reach a wider audience, and choosing the right printing partner is key to success. When it's time to bring your own book to life, you need a service that guarantees quality and provides outstanding support.
We offer a wide range of customisation options, from paper types to cover finishes, allowing you to create the perfect book for your vision and budget. Our digital printing capabilities are ideal for both small and large runs, giving you flexibility.
Contact us today to start your printing and publishing journey!
Paperback books offer a unique blend of affordability, portability, and accessibility that makes them a popular choice for readers everywhere.
While they may not be as durable as hardcovers, their advantages often outweigh the drawbacks, making them a versatile option for anyone looking to dive into the literary world.
You can buy cheap paperback books from online retailers like Amazon, Book Depository, or local bookstores. Discount stores, secondhand shops, and library sales are also great places to find affordable editions.
The latest paperback books are often newly released softcover editions of bestselling titles. Publishers usually release paperbacks months after hardcover editions, giving readers a more affordable, accessible option to enjoy.
Publishers release books in the paperback format primarily to reach a wider, mass-market audience. The lower cost of production translates to a more affordable retail price, increasing the book's accessibility. This strategy often follows a hardcover release, allowing publishers to maximise sales by catering to different consumer budgets.
Paperbacks emerged in the 19th century, but they were popularised in the 1930s by publishers like Albatross Books in Germany and Penguin Books, founded by Allen Lane in Britain. They revolutionised publishing with affordable, high-quality books. In the U.S., initiatives like the Armed Services Editions during WWII cemented their popularity.
The most common binding method for a paperback book is perfect bound. This process involves stacking the printed pages and applying a strong, flexible glue to the spine. The paper cover is then wrapped around the pages and adhered to the glue, creating a flat spine and a durable, flexible book.
A novel is a type of book, a long, fictional story. A paperback is a format, books with soft covers, often cheaper and lighter, and can include novels or other genres.
Yes, most paperback books can be recycled because they’re made of paper. However, remove non-paper elements like plastic coatings, spiral bindings, or laminated covers before recycling to ensure proper processing.
