Print books - cover preferences?


Gamer Life General Discussion


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.

Sovereign Court

I dont always buy physical copies anymore, but when I do, I prefer hardcover.


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.


Brian E. Harris wrote:
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.

RPG Superstar 2015 Top 8

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).

Sovereign Court

Hardcover all the way. This is partly because i tend to re-read books a lot and destroy anything not made of vanadium. And partly because i love hard covers.


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.


Laithoron wrote:
  • >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.

Shadow Lodge

I prefer books that have covers.

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