A hardcover (hc), also known as a hardback, is a type of book with rigid protective covers made from cardboard and then covered with cloth or heavy paper. They are flexible and sewn together at the spine to lie flat on surfaces when opened. This type of book is identified by the abbreviation “HBK” or “HC” following its ISBN sequence numbers.
Hardcover books usually use acid-free paper for printing since they last longer than paperbacks due to their durable covers, which often get damaged easily because of their flexible book covers made from thin paper. Hardcovers have higher manufacturing costs to make them more resistant than other book types.
When publishers anticipate high sales for a particular edition, it’s pretty common to release first in hardcover (hc) format, followed by paperback versions (except mass-market paperbacks, which are moderately inexpensive).
Dust jackets may be used as an artistic shield. However, it’s becoming increasingly popular not to use one, especially on “case-bound” books where the image printed on the binding material is visible even if closed.
To protect the pages and spine while adding durability so that it lasts longer – this is what having a hardcover does for your book.
Hardcovers (hc) are significant in various ways.
- You’ll see them being perceived as better quality than their counterpart paperback. Why? People usually print these editions on better types of paper and give it attention with a more robust binding mechanism- making sure that when dropped or mishandled, it still won’t fall apart as those cheap ones do.
- Hardcovers (hc) tend to last much longer than most paperbacks – another reason why they’re essential.
- Most people consider them more collectible than their relative paperback counterparts. Authors themselves could sign selected copies; most often, they cost more money, too – all reasons why some people would go out there and purchase one instead of just borrowing a copy from their local library.
- They have better resale value than those flimsy, less expensive-looking paperbacks – thanks to being seen as higher quality and more collectible editions.