Amazon KDP now offers both paperback and hardcover printing options for self-published authors. But which should you choose? In this guide, we'll compare costs, profit margins, reader preferences, and help you make the best decision for your book.
The Quick Answer
For most self-published authors: Publish both formats.
Paperback reaches the widest audience with the lowest price point, while hardcover appeals to collectors, libraries, and premium buyers willing to pay more. Offering both maximizes your market.
Cost Differences
Hardcovers are significantly more expensive to print than paperbacks.
- Paperback (6x9, 200 pages): ~$3.65 printing cost
- Hardcover (6x9, 200 pages): ~$8.80 printing cost
This means you need to price your hardcover at least $5-6 higher just to break even, and probably $10-12 higher to make a decent profit.
Distribution Differences
Paperbacks have wider distribution. They can be sold in all Amazon marketplaces and through Expanded Distribution to bookstores and libraries.
Hardcovers on KDP have slightly more limited distribution. They are available in major marketplaces (US, UK, DE, FR, IT, ES) but may not be available in all regions or through all Expanded Distribution channels yet.
Reader Preferences
- Fiction Readers: Often prefer paperbacks for affordability and portability.
- Non-Fiction/Business: Hardcovers signal authority and are often preferred for reference books.
- Gift Books: Hardcovers are far superior for gifts.
One Design, Two Formats
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