More publishers have skipped paperback releases, affecting independent bookstores and their customers access to affordable books.
PORTLAND, Maine – Changing publication trends can make it difficult for some book lovers to find affordable options at their favorite local bookstores.
More publishers are skipping paperback releases of new non-fiction books. This can have great results for independent bookstores and their customers.
Affordable prices are important to Allison Lacivita, a regular visitor to Longfellow’s books in Portland.
“I bought a paperback because it wasn’t an investment of $35,” she said. “It was something one of the people here recommended and an easy way to support local bookstores.”
Like many readers, Lacivita usually chooses a paperback unless it’s a book she was eagerly anticipating. Longfellow Book staff Tuesday Shay says this preference is common.
“They’re cheap so people are much more accessible,” Shay explained. “It’s like a big upfront cost for people, as hardcover is between $30 and $35.”
A survey of printed material Bowker Books found that between 2019 and 2024, new adult non-fiction paperback books had a 42% decline in printing. According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, publishers are increasingly skipping paperback releases and are choosing to sell hardback or digital versions instead.
This change could pose challenges for independent bookstores where paperbacks make up a significant portion of their sales.
“I think it’s amazing,” Shay said. “The majority of what we sell is paperback.”
Traditionally, the book debuted in hardcover, releasing paperback releases at about half the price after 8-12 months. This model benefits publishers, retailers and authors by maximizing profits from hardcover sales, but eliminating paperback editions can marginalize customers.
“I feel that if you spend $32 on a book or don’t buy any books at all, then for many people, they’re not going to buy any books at all,” Lacivita said.
She is also concerned about the impact on emerging authors, as readers may hesitate to invest in expensive hardcover from unfamiliar writers.
“There is a big problem with people who can get their jobs to new readers that are not already established and successful authors.”
With e-books and audiobooks increasingly popular and less paperbacks in circulation, the industry is navigating major transformations. This makes it difficult for both independent bookstores and budget-sensitive readers to grow.
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