Introduction
Before the era of digital books, paperback and mass market paperback books were the most popular choices for avid readers. Nowadays, although eBooks and audiobooks have become quite mainstream, there are still many people who prefer the traditional paperbacks. However, when it comes to choosing between paperback and mass market paperback, things can get a bit confusing. In this article, we will take a closer look at both types of books and try to make a fair comparison between them.
Paperback Books
Paperback books, also known as softcovers, are books bound with a paper or cardstock cover rather than a hardcover. These books are more flexible and lightweight than hardcovers, making them easier to carry around. Paperback books are also cheaper than hardcovers, which makes them more accessible to a wider audience. They are perfect for people who like to read books on the go or want to save money on buying books.
Paperback books are often released after the hardcover edition, which means you won’t have to wait as long to read the latest bestseller. You can also find paperback editions of classic books, making them an affordable option for students and casual readers.
Some of the downsides of paperback books include their fragility. The covers are easy to rip, bend or fold, which means they may not last as long as hardcover books. Additionally, the text may be printed on thin paper, which can sometimes be a bit distracting if the ink bleeds through the pages.
Mass Market Paperback Books
Mass market paperbacks, also known as pocketbooks, are a smaller version of a paperback book. They are typically about half the size of a paperback book, making them even more portable. They are also cheaper than regular paperbacks and come with a durable, yet thin, cover.
Mass market paperbacks are perfect for people who want to read a book while commuting, traveling or waiting in line. They take up very little space, which means you can carry several books with you at once. Additionally, mass market paperbacks are often printed on higher quality paper than regular paperbacks, which means the pages won’t be as thin or fragile.
There are some downsides to mass market paperbacks, however. The small print and cramped design can make them harder to read, especially for people with poor eyesight. Additionally, some books may not be available in mass market paperback format.
Comparison between Paperback and Mass Market Paperback
When it comes to choosing between paperback and mass market paperback, the decision often comes down to personal preference. However, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision.
Size: Mass market paperbacks are much smaller than regular paperbacks, which makes them more portable. Regular paperbacks are a bit larger, which can make them easier to read.
Price: Mass market paperbacks are usually a bit cheaper than regular paperbacks. However, this can vary depending on the book and the seller.
Cover: Both types of books have soft covers, but mass market paperbacks are usually more durable and can withstand more wear and tear.
Paper quality: Mass market paperbacks are often printed on higher quality paper than regular paperbacks, which can make them easier to read.
FAQs
1. Are paperback books better than mass market paperbacks?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Paperback books are larger and easier to read, but mass market paperbacks are more portable and cheaper.
2. Why are mass market paperbacks cheaper than regular paperbacks?
Mass market paperbacks are printed in large quantities, which helps to lower the cost of production. Additionally, the smaller size and lower quality paper reduces the production cost.
3. Can you find all books in both paperback and mass market paperback format?
No, not all books are available in both formats. Some publishers only release certain books in one format or the other.
Conclusion
Both paperback and mass market paperback books have their advantages and disadvantages depending on what you are looking for in a book. Paperback books are larger and easier to read but may be more cumbersome to carry around, while mass market paperbacks are more portable and cheaper but have smaller print and are more susceptible to wear and tear. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific book you are looking for.