Mass Market Paperbacks vs. Trade Paperbacks: A Guide for Self-Publishers

Introduction
In the US we have three basic formats for print books: 1. Hardcover; 2. Paperback edition; and 3. Mass market paperback. This article is concerned with explaining the differences between the two types of paperbacks. As a self-publisher, you should be familiar with and understand the similarities and differences.

Mass Market Paperbacks
A mass market paperback is a small binding format, usually without illustrations, and less expensive. They are frequently published after the hardcover edition, and are often sold in non-traditional book sales places, such as airports, newsstands, drug stores, and supermarkets, etc., as well as traditional book stores. Many titles, most commonly fiction, are published as first editions in mass-market paperback format and never receive a hardcover printing. This is particularly true for books by new authors. Books found in non-traditional locations generally belong to the periodical distribution industry. These books are distributed by the same companies that place magazines in these places. In contrast, trade paperbacks are distributed by book wholesalers and distributors, or trade channels, hence the name “trade paperbacks.”

Mass-market paperbacks are also distinguished from hardcover and trade books by the different business practices that publishers and booksellers apply to them. Mass markets are “detachable”. This means that bookstores can tear off the cover and return just that for full credit. They’re supposed to destroy the rest of the book. Some publishers require booksellers to return the cover and first pages.

The minority of self-publishers, who are those who write and publish fiction, will publish mass-market paperbacks. They will typically be 4″ x 7″. The retail price is usually lower than that of the trade paperback. There are also “big cutout” mass market paperbacks that are the same size as the standard trade paperback.

paperback book trade
Trade paperbacks have thicker paper covers and paper similar to hardcovers. They are often the same size as hardcover books, but a little smaller because the binding is done differently and without the extra thickness of covers. There are also some trade paperbacks that look exactly like mass market paperbacks, but with better quality paper and covers. One way to tell if they are trade paperbacks is that the copyright page and back cover will have a notice that they cannot be removed.

Most self-publishers, which are those who write and publish nonfiction, will publish trade paperbacks. They will typically be 5.5″ x 8.5″ or 6″ x 9″, with less common 8.5″ x 11″. Children’s picture books are usually 8″ x 10″. The retail price of the cover is generally higher than mass market books and lower than hardcover editions.

An interesting recent feature of trade paperbacks is the “French flap”. It’s actually an extension of the front and back cover with a section that folds back on itself, just like the paper wrappers you’d normally find on hardcover books. His goal is to make the trade paperback more like a hardcover edition, but at a lower cover price. The use of foil and embossing is also found on some trade paperback covers, as are paper wrappers on hardcovers. These options are not typically available on print-on-demand printers. And these features are generally not found in mass market paperbacks.

A Quick Note on UK Paperback Formats
“Format A” is usually 110 mm x 178 mm (4.33? x 7.01?), similar to the standard US mass-market paperback;
“Format B” is usually 130 mm x 198 mm (5.12 x 7.80), similar to the large US mass-market paperback or small trade paperback;
“Format C” is usually 135 mm x 216 mm (5.32 x 8.51), similar to the standard US trade paperback.