Why not more Hardcover print-on-demand options?

[Brian]

Over the last three years or so I became a hardcover collector. Reading and loving my paperback fantasy books, I came to realize how much they have meant to me for nearly 40 years. I would pick them up again every 10 or 20 years and smile all over again. That's when I recently decided to 'properly honor' this love and started building out a nice little hardcover library with probably a third or so signed. Now, when I hold my 1974 hardcover of The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, 2000 White Wolf 'Count Brass' or super gorgeous collector edition of Centipede Press Elric books, I hear angels singing. And of course if you're not the hardcover sort of person, you might have enjoyed them in paperback just fine. I did too years ago.

So as I continue to add to my collection, I always want hardcover and am constantly thwarted by 'ebook,nook,ereader,kindle' only books. I don't and will not read books in this way. (Heck, I don't even own a cell phone either).
Then, I find paperback included with a lot of those and grimace a little when that's my only option for purchasing.

With so much self publishing and Print-on-Demand available, why not make your book available in all formats?

Sites like Barnes&Noble https://press.barnesandnoble.com/ where anybody can publish their own hardcover cookbook and have it available for sale as well makes me feel like fantasy novels deserve the same availability.

I recently just purchased Lords of Dyscrasia, Rogues of Merth and Snake-Man's Bane and at least they were available in paperback so thank you for that but I would have much preferred a hardcover with dust cover option. Then I would have searched out Seth at a con for a signature too! ; )

see also www.lulu.com etc

Is there some seriously limiting factor allowing for this option? I realize there is formatting but if the book is already formatted for 6x9 paperback, couldn't the same be used for 6x9 hardcover?

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

Brian, great question about hardcovers. Has me thinking... and I just offer some quick thoughts.

I use Lulu for my Dyscrasia books. There are some design and proof-copy costs that can be significant. Designing the paper wrap is more difficult than a paperback cover too. But still very doable, as you mention..

You may be special, since many people are not willing to pay extra for hardcovers (even for established authors). Independent publishers have a difficult time selling any books, even the Kindle versions. So some prioritization is needed. And the formats for print and eBooks take priority and can be exhausting enough. Or they used to be.... every yr the process gets easier.

Btw, thanks for trying out Lords of Dyscrasia. I’m a regular at Gencon and volunteer at the Writer's symposium there. Also, I have a book for beer/coffee
program ... so if you find me I may buy you a beverage.

[Brian]

Thank you for your response Seth! Keep thinkin' man. If you were to offer your Dyscrasia series in hardcover, I'd be first in line!

I've seen on Kickstarter various authors run a small campaign to raise funds to create 'a nice hardcover' edition of their work too, so maybe this is an option for some.

I go to Origins of course but have not been to GenCon. My brother, however goes every year and works the Catalyst games booth. (he does their graphic design work and has done book covers as well though I don't think he's done dust cover designs).

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

I should try Origins. It’s pretty close. We’ll see. Do you play games only? I think Aaron Rosenberg helps organize a writers symposium there.

[Brian]

As for Origins, I generally go to get games signed and just shop around. I don't play games there (too chaotic for me). Again, since my bro wants to meet up with Catalyst, we go together and schlep-around. I'd say Origins is pretty fantastic. It's grown a huge amount in the last couple years. We just drive down from Clevleand for the day. I'll be taking my Tales from the Magicians Skull with me this summer for signatures and to personally thank the Skull of course.