Tossing some ideas around, and was curious what your thoughts were on covers.
Specifically:
Do you like the flexibility when a publisher offers a book in both hardcover and softcover?
Or, do you prefer that they simply choose one or the other?
- >160 pages: Case-wrapped hardcover
- <128 pages: Perfect-bound softcover
I was actually annoyed that one of the recent Kickstarters I participated in decided to do a hardcover of an adventure that's only about 128 pages. At that point, it will be so thin as to resemble a children's book — a needless waste of capital IMO.
I'd rather they just pick one. Although tangential, it's a pet kicktarter peeve of mine when the promoters try to cover every possible contingency via options/add ons/tellushowyouwantitinthesurvey or whatever.
Design your product as well as you can (with the assistance of pre-release "feedback" like this thread, perhaps :)) and then trust yourself.
I'm going to agree with Laithoron, largerbooks should be hard cover to properly hold their own weight and last long. Smaller ones i prefer as softcover making them easier to transport.
Alright, next question:
What are your thoughts on printing on the inside cover?
It's a good idea to use the space. For adventures, I think it's great to have the maps on the inside covers. For sourcebooks, frequently cited tables.
What are your thoughts on printing on the inside cover?
- Hardbound: I don't think I've ever seen this done. Personally I prefer to use such a page for writing a dedication (if I gift the book to someone).
- Perfect-Bound: For adventures or setting supplements, printing important maps or other quick-references on the inside of the covers is a godsend.
I agree, let it not go to waste, I don't understand why it doesn't happen in hardbound books.
I don't have strong preferences one way or the other, but I think I'd prefer them to stick with one than have both editions. One exception being that if they usually print softcover only, I can see a company issuing a limited edition hardcover.
I'd also say that despite any durability issues, I actually prefer softcover gaming books to hardcover ones (with some exceptions).
For printing on the inside cover, sure. I particularly like it when the cover opens for a 2 page map spread (see Exalted 1e for example).
hardcovers. no question.
paperbacks just feel overpriced to me. if i am paying $20+ for something, i want something nice. i think i'd rather just have a pdf than a softcover.
as for printing on the inside cover, i prefer maps or some sort of quick reference for adventures; either artwork or blank for other types.
- >160 pages: Case-wrapped hardcover
- <128 pages: Perfect-bound softcover
I agree with this.
Although if a game had to choose one or the other, paperback all the way. The only book in the HERO 5th edition that was hardcover was the core rulebook - everything else was paperback, and I was fine with that.
