Matherno OP t1_j6kg8j7 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 11:25 PM

Reply to comment by honestlyicba in I don't understand why publishers tend to release larger versions of books first. by Matherno

Hardbacks I understand. They are more durable, and most people prefer them over paperbacks. I'm talking about the ~23cm tall paperbacks vs the standard ~19cm paperbacks.

Purple1829 t1_j6lb4qh wrote on January 31, 2023 at 3:12 AM

I like the larger ones.

TheMadIrishman327 t1_j6nih83 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 4:18 PM

Same here

HugoNebula t1_j6mf14z wrote on January 31, 2023 at 10:47 AM

Again, it's a scale for maximising profit. As mentioned elsewhere, all of these formats cost relatively the same amount to print and bind, so the earlier, more expensive formats make more money for the publisher, and offer the consumer a choice, both in format and early access.

Usually, the hardback and the larger paperback are released together, the paperback being slightly cheaper. Then the B-format paperback comes some time after that. There used to be an A-format, or 'mass market' paperback that was the cheapest of all, but those have fallen out of fashion.