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Hardcover Quotes

What authors say about format, sales, and getting taken seriously.

For several authors quoted here, moving to hardcover means more than a format change; it signals legitimacy and wider attention. For more on the books themselves, see our Books quotes.

The Strand prides itself for its '18 miles of books,' and they are not kidding - that store goes on for da-a-a-a-ys. There are carts outside with dollar books, all sorts of fun merchandise inside, and an extensive selection of...

Quotes by Adam Silvera

My hardcover sales are 17% down in books but up 400% in electronics.

Quotes by Lisa See

To move up to hardcover is a way of getting more attention for my books. It means a lot to me: It means my books are legitimate.

Quotes by Karen Robards

Getting 10,000 listeners for a free podcast novel is a lot easier than selling 10,000 hardcover novels at $25 a pop.

Quotes by Jeremy Robinson

Books Quotes

I've never been on a paperback tour before, you know, because usually you go on tour when a hardcover comes out.

Quotes by Hector Tobar

I cannot read on a Kindle. I love the physical experience of holding a book, cracking it open, and the process of making the right half weigh less than the left half. I only read hardcover books because I like...

Quotes by Elizabeth Diller

I've come to think of Europe as a hardcover book, America as the paperback version.

Quotes by Don DeLillo

We couldn't predict what would happen with 'Roots.' You knew there were powerful moments that were going to affect people. We were making the film while the book was being completed. We were fortunate because the hardcover book was out...

Quotes by David L. Wolper

When I wake up, I'm like, 'I gotta go to Whole Foods.' I'm constantly reading cookbooks; I bring hardcover cookbooks with me on the plane and tag pages. I just have this crazy food obsession.

Quotes by Chrissy Teigen

Emotion Quotes

At home, I tend to read print, and most of the time, that means recently released hardcover novels. I enjoy the feel of paper and board; I like turning pages, dog-earing my spot, jotting notes in the back.

Quotes by Chris Pavone

I'm floating between multiple media. I really wish you could buy the hardcover book and it would come with the digital download and audible version. I spend stupid amounts of money because I'm usually buying my books in at least...

Quotes by Atul Gawande

The paperback is very interesting but I find it will never replace the hardcover book - it makes a very poor doorstop.

Quotes by Alfred Hitchcock

This paperback is very interesting, but I find it will never replace a hardcover book - it makes a very poor doorstop.

Quotes by Alfred Hitchcock

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does moving to hardcover matter so much to authors in these quotes?
It's tied to legitimacy and attention; one author says the format shift itself signals that their books are being taken seriously.
Do these quotes mention actual sales figures?
Yes, one gives a specific breakdown showing hardcover sales down 17 percent while electronic sales rose 400 percent, a striking contrast.
Is a hardcover release always the first format an author tries?
According to one quote, yes, describing a hardcover release as the usual first step before a later paperback tour.
How does podcast or audio distribution compare to hardcover sales here?
One quote notes that reaching 10,000 free podcast listeners is far easier than selling that same number of hardcover copies. For more on the books themselves, see our Books quotes.
Do these quotes suggest hardcover book sales are declining overall?
One personal example shows a decline alongside a surge in electronic sales, though it's presented as one author's experience rather than an industry-wide claim. For more on lasting standards, browse our Quality quotes.

The actual sales figures mentioned here are refreshingly specific, showing how format shifts affect a career in concrete terms. For more on lasting standards in publishing, browse our Quality quotes.