UK Publisher to Release Novels in Hardcover and Paperback Simultaneously

Posted on November 5, 2007

The BookSeller.com reports that British publisher Picador is planning to publish literary fiction in hardcover and paperback editions simultaneously. That's unusual because novels are typically released first in hardcover followed by a paperback edition six to twelve months later.

Picador has unveiled plans to launch its new fiction in dual hardback and paperback editions, in a bid to combat the ailing market for hardback literary fiction. The move raises serious questions about the future of the hardback literary novel, which Picador publisher Andrew Kidd described as a "moribund format".
From spring 2008, "the majority" of new titles from the literary imprint of Pan Macmillan will be released in limited, high-end hardback editions and B-format paperback editions simultaneously.
Picador's initiative follows falling sales for literary hardbacks, and a disappointing response to efforts by all publishers to attract more buyers by changing the timing, pricing or presentation of the hardback launch.
"While it has never been the easiest end of the market, over the last few years publishers have witnessed sales reaching new lows," said publisher Andrew Kidd. "All of us find it depressing, and there are, frankly, no reasons to think the situation might soon reverse itself."

The article says the first book to be release simultaneously in both hardcover and paperback will be Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet by Joanne Proulx. This book will be released in the UK in April.