softbacks
Books with bendable covers
Softbacks are books with flexible paper or cardboard covers, as opposed to hardcovers with rigid boards.
The term is interchangeable with paperbacks.
Publishers typically release softback editions after hardcover sales have run their course, at lower prices: I'll wait for the softback.
For widespread commercial sale
- pocket editionCompact-format publication
- perfect bindingGlue-based book assembly
- dog-earedCorners folded from use
- well-thumbedWorn from frequent handling
cover art · blurb · ISBN · backlist · frontlist · reprint · pulp · dime novel
New and unusual
- fictionImagined narrative work
- nonfictionLiterature about real events
- anthologyCollected literary works volume
- memoirWritten personal recollection
romance · thriller · mystery · science fiction · fantasy · self-help · cookbook · guidebook
Lacking mass or importance
- compactTightly packed together
- travel-friendlySuited for journeys
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
- carry-onBag kept in cabin
packable · beach read · commuter-friendly · tote bag · backpack · bendable · foldable · space-saving
Low in cost
- inexpensiveLow in cost
- economicalUsing resources sparingly
- cheapLow in price
- bargainFavorable purchase price
discounted · remainder · used · secondhand · thrift store · accessible · mass-produced · disposable
mass-market
For widespread commercial sale
- pocket editionCompact-format publication
- perfect bindingGlue-based book assembly
- dog-earedCorners folded from use
well-thumbed · cover art · blurb · ISBN · backlist · frontlist · reprint · pulp · dime novel
novel
New and unusual
- fictionImagined narrative work
- nonfictionLiterature about real events
- anthologyCollected literary works volume
memoir · romance · thriller · mystery · science fiction · fantasy · self-help · cookbook · guidebook · textbook
lightweight
Lacking mass or importance
- compactTightly packed together
- travel-friendlySuited for journeys
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
carry-on · packable · beach read · commuter-friendly · tote bag · backpack · bendable · foldable · space-saving
budget-friendly
Low in cost
- inexpensiveLow in cost
- economicalUsing resources sparingly
- cheapLow in price
bargain · discounted · remainder · used · secondhand · thrift store · accessible · mass-produced · disposable · replaceable
softbackshardbacks
Books with rigid covers
hardcovers · deluxe editions · collector's editions · leather-bound books · board books