Trade editions are books published for general publication and distribution to retail stores for public consumption by bookstores or other retail outlets. They are typically mass-produced and less costly than limited editions, which tend to be produced in smaller numbers and are sold directly by their author or publisher.
Trade editions tend to have lower quality printing, binding, and paper quality than limited editions; less care is taken with their printing, binding, and paper selection for publication. Furthermore, they tend to be less collectible as authors need to sign or number them personally.
Trade editions aim to make books widely accessible for general consumption. This differs from a limited edition, which may only be published in small batches for collectors, or first editions intended solely for critics and academics. Trade editions are available through bookstores and online retailers, while limited and first editions may only be sold through publishers or specialist outlets.
Though trade editions are the most commonly found books in stores, other editions exist, such as review copies, galleys, and advance reader copies (ARCs). Review copies are sent out to reviewers who work at newspapers, magazines, or websites to generate publicity for a book; galleys are early versions sent to booksellers, librarians, and reviewers to generate excitement before it is even published; advance reader copies (ARCs) can also be sent out with similar intentions of increasing excitement for an upcoming title before it ever comes out in print form! Advance reader copies (ARCs) allow reviewers and others alike in advance before its release!
The Trade Edition is one of the most affordable and widely sold book formats. Published simultaneously with hardcover editions by publishers, often sharing an ISBN, their main difference being binding made cheaper using less-than-ideal papers – yet the Trade Edition remains the preferred form.