Curious about all our available book formats?
Learn about the variety of formats BookPal carries by browsing through our comprehensive descriptions below. For popular new releases and expected best sellers, the hardcover edition is the first format to be released. Typically, the "trade" paperback edition would be released the following year (or later) depending on sales. Then, lastly, the mass market paperback edition is released. Each edition would offer the same content at a lower price point than the last.
Available Book Formats
HARDCOVERS
Hardcovers or hardbound books are bound with rigid protective covers, usually cardboard covered with plain cloth or leather. Hardcovers frequently come with “dust jackets” that have the cover illustration and a synopsis on the back or inside flap. Typically, a book will first be released in a hardcover format. Although hardcover books are more expensive, they are sturdier than paperbacks.
PAPERBACKS
Paperbacks, or softcover books, are made with thick paper or paperboard covers and have spines that are glued, rather than stitched. Trade paperbacks, which are larger than the mass market (see below), are released after the hardcover. Trade paperbacks are generally 5.5 x 8.5 inches.
MASS MARKET PAPERBACKS
Mass market paperbacks are similar to the trade editions, but they tend to have thinner pages and smaller dimensions, as well as a lower list price. A standard mass market paperback will usually measure 4.5 x 7 inches.
BOARD BOOKS
Board books are printed on thick paperboard, which is used for both the interior pages and the cover. The pages are glossy and the binding is specially folded and glued together. Board books are durable and are designed for young children.
LIBRARY BOUND BOOKS
Turtleback library-bound books are paperback editions that have been rebound for use in schools and libraries. Unlike hardcovers, library-bound editions do not have dust jackets. Instead, the interior pages are rebound within a hard, glossy cover that features the original paperback artwork. Library binding extends the life of the books, as the new covers are sturdier and more resistant to wear and tear. All Turtleback books have a lifetime guarantee on the binding.
EBOOKS
eBooks, or electronic books, are digital content that has either been converted from print books or created specifically for electronic distribution. BookPal has its own proprietary platform for managing eBook purchases. The BookPal reader is available on all Android and iOS devices. Please note that eBooks purchased from BookPal are not available for resale.
JOURNALS
Journals are blank or lined pages bound in a hardcover or paperback format and are intended for writing or record keeping purposes. Contact us about customizing journals for your organization.
AUDIO BOOKS
Audio books are recordings of books or text being read. BookPal offers some editions of books on audio CD upon request.
PICTURE BOOKS
Picture books are books that consist mainly of pictures or illustrations, with little or no text. Picture books are available in many different levels for beginning and intermediate readers and can be hardcover or paperback.
SPIRAL BOUND BOOKS
Spiral bound books are secured with a metal or plastic binding instead of a sewn or glued spine. In most cases, spiral binding is used on training materials or educational guides. Spiral bound books usually have thin plastic or paper covers.
MIXED MEDIA BOOKS
Mixed media refers to books that have other components, such as stuffed animals or special items that relate to the text and encourage an interactive reading experience.
BARGAIN BOOKS
BookPal only sells brand new, in print, unused books. We do, however, offer remainder copies at highly discounted prices. These remainder copies, which BookPal refers to as bargain books, are new but include a small mark from the publisher and a price sticker identifying them as such. Please note that quantities are limited.