10 Jan 07 Re-evaluating Book Editions

This entry by Brandon Sanderson stands in sharp relief to my little mini-rant the other day.  Coupled with Bryan Catherman’s comment and I am forced to step back and re-examine the issue. 

Now, I’ve always preferred hardcovers.  I like their solidity and durability, but in recent years I’ve fallen back on paperbacks due to a notable shortage of spare change.  But by the same token, being the book snob that I am, I’ve been remiss in my ‘obligation’ to purchase books that will actually weather the years well.  And it also only makes sense that if I like a book enough to buy it, I should be willing to support the authors whose writing I so enjoy by purchasing the hardcover edition and be willing to sacrifice quantity for quality.  If I were in their shoes (and I do hope I am one day), I know I’d prefer my readers to buy the edition that puts more money in my pocket.

I’m willing to admit I was hasty in my previous rant.  I’ll be taking a closer look at both hardcovers and tradeback in the future.  It’s the least I can do, right?

Tags: books, brandon-sanderson, hardcovers, mass-market-paperbacks, trade-paperbacks