What Is the Difference Between a KDP Paperback and a Hardcover Book?

 When self-publishing through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), authors now have the option to release their print books in two primary physical formats: paperback and hardcover. While both serve the same basic purpose—delivering a printed version of your book to readers—they differ in terms of production, appearance, cost, durability, and reader expectations.

Understanding the differences between a KDP paperback and a KDP hardcover is essential for making the right publishing decisions. This article breaks down the key distinctions and offers guidance on when and why to choose each format.

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1. Binding and Construction

The most noticeable difference is in the binding—how the book is physically constructed.

A paperback (also called a softcover) uses perfect binding. The pages are glued together at the spine and enclosed with a flexible cardstock cover. This makes the book lighter, thinner, and more affordable, but also more vulnerable to wear and tear.

A hardcover book uses case laminate binding. The pages are glued to a rigid cardboard cover that is wrapped in a printed, laminated sheet. This gives the book a solid, durable feel and a more premium appearance.

In KDP's case laminate hardcovers, there is no dust jacket. The cover art is printed directly onto the hardcover material and then laminated for protection.

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2. Appearance and Perceived Value

Paperback books tend to have a more casual, everyday appearance. They are common for mass-market fiction, self-help, poetry, and many nonfiction genres. Readers often associate paperbacks with affordability and portability.

Hardcovers, on the other hand, signal a sense of permanence and quality. They are typically used for first editions, special releases, textbooks, and professional or collector’s editions. Many readers view hardcovers as more prestigious or durable, and are often willing to pay a higher price for them.

Authors who want to present their book as premium or offer multiple options may benefit from publishing both formats.

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3. Durability

Hardcover books are far more durable than paperbacks. The rigid cover protects against bending, creasing, and spine damage. This makes hardcovers ideal for:

• Libraries

• Bookstores

• Collectors

• Gift editions

• Books expected to have a long shelf life

Paperbacks, while still reasonably sturdy, are more prone to damage through regular handling and transportation. They can crease, bend, or wear down more easily, especially if they are carried around frequently.

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4. Printing Costs and Royalties

Because hardcovers require more material and a more complex manufacturing process, printing costs are higher than for paperbacks. As a result, the royalty you earn per sale may be lower unless you price the hardcover significantly higher than the paperback.

Here’s a basic comparison:

• Paperback printing cost: Lower

• Hardcover printing cost: Higher

• Paperback retail price: Typically $9.99–$19.99

• Hardcover retail price: Typically $19.99–$35.00

• Royalties for both: 60% of list price minus printing cost

On KDP, your royalties are calculated the same way for both:
Royalty = (List Price × 60%) – Printing Cost

If your hardcover’s printing cost is $8.00 and you sell it for $25.00:
Royalty = ($25.00 × 0.60) – $8.00 = $15.00 – $8.00 = $7.00

The key to earning well from hardcover sales is pricing your book appropriately while still offering value to the reader.

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5. Trim Sizes and Page Counts

Not all paperback and hardcover sizes are available in KDP. There are also minimum and maximum page limits for each format.

Paperback options:

• Available in multiple trim sizes (e.g., 5" x 8", 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9", etc.)

• Page count: Minimum 24 pages; Maximum around 828 pages (depends on trim size and paper type)

Hardcover options:

• Fewer trim sizes available (e.g., 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9", 6.14" x 9.21", 7" x 10", 8.25" x 11")

• Page count: Minimum 75 pages; Maximum around 550 pages (depends on paper type)

If your book has fewer than 75 pages, you cannot publish it in hardcover on KDP.

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6. Cover Design Requirements

Paperback and hardcover books require different cover files.

Paperback cover:
You’ll need a full wraparound PDF cover that includes the front, back, and spine. The spine width depends on page count and paper type.

Hardcover cover:
Similar to paperback, but with slightly different dimensions and extra bleed space. You must also account for the rigid case and hinge areas. KDP provides downloadable templates based on your book’s specs.

You cannot reuse a paperback cover file for a hardcover without adjustment. You must upload a separate, correctly sized PDF cover for each version.

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7. ISBN Requirements

Each format requires a unique ISBN.

• If you use Amazon’s free ISBNs, you’ll receive one for your paperback and another for your hardcover.

• If you purchase your own ISBNs, you must assign a separate one to each edition.

You cannot use the same ISBN for both a paperback and hardcover version.

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8. Availability and Distribution

Both formats are available through Amazon’s online stores globally.

However, Expanded Distribution is currently only supported for paperbacks. This means that:

• Paperbacks can be sold to other retailers, bookstores, and libraries (if you opt in to Expanded Distribution).

• Hardcovers, as of now, are not eligible for Expanded Distribution through KDP.

If you want to offer your hardcover in bookstores outside Amazon, you may need to use a platform like IngramSpark, which supports wider hardcover distribution.

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9. Use Cases and Reader Preferences

Paperback books are ideal when:

• You want a low-cost print version.

• You’re targeting budget-conscious readers.

• You’re releasing fiction, poetry, self-help, or casual nonfiction.

• You want to enable wide distribution through bookstores and libraries.

Hardcover books are ideal when:

• You want to position your book as premium.

• You’re creating a professional, giftable, or collector’s edition.

• Your audience prefers durable, long-lasting books.

• You are publishing academic, historical, or business works.

Some authors choose to release the paperback and hardcover simultaneously. Others stagger the release, offering the hardcover first to drive initial revenue before introducing a lower-priced paperback.

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Conclusion

While both paperbacks and hardcovers are excellent options on KDP, they serve different purposes and appeal to different types of readers. Paperbacks are cost-effective, widely accepted, and ideal for most genres and audiences. Hardcovers offer durability, prestige, and higher price points but come with higher production costs and limited distribution on KDP.

As a self-publisher, offering both formats can enhance your professionalism, expand your market, and give readers more choices. Carefully consider your goals, budget, genre, and audience to decide which format—or combination—is right for your book.