If you’re an avid reader and love buying books, you’re probably familiar with the term ‘paperback’. However, did you know that there are several types of paperbacks out there? Two of the most popular ones are Paperback and Mass Market Paperback. While they may seem similar, they do have their differences.
Let’s start by defining what exactly a paperback is. A paperback is a book that has a soft cover rather than a hardcover. It is usually less expensive than a hardcover book and is more lightweight and easier to carry around. Paperback books are usually printed on thicker and more durable paper than what is used in magazines making them more resistant to wear and tear.
Mass Market Paperback, on the other hand, is a subset of paperback books. They are more compact in size and are usually about 4.25 inches wide by 7 inches long. They are commonly sold in grocery stores, airports and drugstores to be displayed in a spinning rack. They are much cheaper than other paperback books even hardcovers due to the smaller size and lower quality of paper books.
Now that we have a general idea of what paperback and mass market paperback books are, let’s dive into their differences:
Price:
One of the main differences between paperback and mass market paperback is their price. Mass market paperbacks are cheaper, usually ranging from $5-$10, while regular paperbacks are pricier, ranging from $10-$20. The difference in price can be attributed to the size and quality of paper used in mass paperbacks. The smaller size of the book and lower quality paper used reduces the cost of printing.
Size:
Mass market paperbacks are smaller in size and are usually less than 400 pages long, whereas normal paperbacks can be larger and can hold more content. The physical size of the book may also affect the reading experience. Mass market paperbacks are lightweight and easy to carry around, making them a great option if you’re traveling or on-the-go.
Quality of Paper:
As mentioned earlier on, the quality of paper used in books can affect the price. Mass paperbacks are usually published on lower quality paper to reduce the cost of printing. This makes them more susceptible to wear and tear, whereas regular paperbacks are printed on thicker and more durable paper, making them more resistant to wear and tear over an extended period.
Availability:
Another difference between mass market paperback and normal paperback books is their availability. Mass market paperbacks are usually released first and in greater numbers than regular paperbacks. This is because their smaller size makes them more accessible and easier to sell in grocery stores or airports.
Conclusion:
In summary, the main differences between regular paperbacks and mass paperbacks are their price, size, quality of paper and availability. Regular paperbacks are usually bigger and more expensive, while mass market paperbacks are smaller, lighter and less costly.
When deciding between a regular paperback and a mass-market edition it is important to decide on your preference based on your need. If you want a book that’s easy to carry around and doesn’t weigh you down, then a mass market paperback is your answer. However, if you want a book with better paper quality and a more lower price is not a concern, then regular paperbacks make a better option.
Overall, whether you choose to buy a regular paperback or a mass market paperback, the goal is to enjoy the book and to have a great reading experience.