Many authors publish an ebook first, since it is fast and inexpensive to produce, and then wonder whether a paperback would meaningfully add to sales, or whether it is worth the extra formatting and cost. There is no single correct order or combination; it depends on the kind of book, the readers it is aimed at, and what the author can realistically produce well.
This guide sets out what each format tends to suit, the real costs involved in adding paperback alongside ebook, and a structured way to decide rather than assuming that offering every format automatically means more sales.
Why format choice matters
A reader who only reads on a Kindle or phone will not buy a paperback-only book, and a reader who strongly prefers holding a physical copy, or is buying as a gift, will not buy an ebook-only title. Offering both formats removes that particular barrier for whichever type of reader encounters the book, but it does not automatically increase demand from readers who were never going to buy either version.
Format availability also affects how a book appears on a retailer page: an ebook-only listing on Amazon can look sparse next to comparable books that show paperback, hardback and Kindle editions together, which may subtly affect how established the book appears to a browsing reader.
Genre and audience differences
Genre fiction with a fast-reading, digitally engaged audience, such as much romance and thriller readership, often sells disproportionately through ebook and Kindle Unlimited page reads. Memoir, literary fiction, illustrated non-fiction and gift-style books tend to see stronger relative interest in print, partly because they are bought as physical objects to keep, lend or give.
| Book type | Ebook tendency | Print tendency |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-paced genre fiction (romance, thriller, fantasy) | Often strong | Present but often secondary |
| Memoir and literary fiction | Present | Often meaningfully stronger relative to ebook |
| Illustrated or gift-style non-fiction | Often weak on its own | Usually essential |
| Business and practical non-fiction | Often strong for convenience | Often used for reference and gifting |
The real cost of adding a paperback
A paperback is not simply the ebook file exported differently. It needs its own interior formatting suited to a print page, a cover with a correctly calculated spine width based on page count and paper type, and a careful proofreading pass specific to the print layout, since pagination and line breaks change how errors are noticed.
On the cost side, print-on-demand paperbacks, whether through KDP or IngramSpark, deduct a manufacturing cost from the retail price before calculating the author’s share; this is different from ebook royalty mechanics and means the price needs to comfortably cover that cost while remaining competitive. See our guide on paperback, hardcover or ebook for the wider format comparison, including hardback.
Royalty mechanics: print versus ebook
At the time of writing, KDP paperback royalties are calculated as a percentage of the list price, minus the print manufacturing cost, which depends on page count, ink type (black and white or colour) and trim size. Ebook royalties are calculated differently, typically as a percentage of net sales within a given price band, without a physical manufacturing cost involved. This means the same list price can produce quite different actual earnings between the two formats, and it is worth checking current KDP documentation, or IngramSpark’s own calculators for print-only distribution, before setting a paperback price.
Distribution considerations
KDP paperback distributes primarily through Amazon’s own retail and, at the time of writing, offers an option for wider distribution to some other retailers and libraries. IngramSpark distributes more broadly to bookshops and libraries but generally involves its own account, pricing structure and, in some cases, setup costs. Which route suits a given book depends on whether reaching bookshops specifically matters, which is a separate question from simply "should this book exist in paperback".
What to check before deciding
Before adding a paperback to an ebook-only title, it is worth checking whether readers have actually asked about a print edition, whether comparable books in the genre are commonly bought in paperback, and whether the extra formatting and proofreading time is realistic given other priorities. None of these questions has a universally right answer; they depend on the specific book.
What not to assume
Do
- Check genre norms and any direct reader requests for a print edition before adding one.
- Budget the print manufacturing cost into the paperback price from the start.
- Give the paperback its own proper interior formatting and proofreading pass.
Avoid
- Assume adding a format automatically adds sales rather than simply removing one barrier for some readers.
- Reuse the ebook interior file unchanged for a print edition.
- Set a paperback price without checking the manufacturing cost it needs to cover.
Format decision worksheet
Private worksheet
Format decision worksheet
A private way to weigh up adding a paperback alongside an ebook, or vice versa, before committing time and cost to it. Nothing here is scored or sent.
Your answers stay in this browser tab only. Nothing is scored, sent or saved to an account.
Common mistakes
- Assuming more formats always means more sales. A new format removes one barrier for some readers; it does not create demand from readers who were never going to buy either version.
- Reusing the ebook file as the paperback interior. Print layout, pagination and proofreading needs differ enough that this usually produces a poor result.
- Pricing a paperback without checking manufacturing cost. A price set without accounting for print cost can leave very little, or no, margin per copy.
- Ignoring genre norms around print versus digital. Some genres sell disproportionately in one format; ignoring that pattern can mean effort spent on the wrong priority.
- Adding a format with no idea what it is meant to change. Without a specific expectation, it is hard to judge afterwards whether adding the format actually helped.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both a paperback and an ebook?
Not necessarily. It depends on genre, audience reading habits and whether the extra formatting cost and effort are justified for this specific book.
Is paperback or ebook more profitable?
It varies by book. Paperback royalties involve a manufacturing cost deducted from the price; ebook royalties do not, but genre and reader habits affect volume in each format differently.
Can I use the same cover file for ebook and paperback?
No. A paperback cover needs a correctly calculated spine width based on page count and paper type, which an ebook cover does not require.
Should I launch with both formats at once, or add paperback later?
Either can work. Launching with both avoids a gap for print-preferring readers; adding paperback later lets you gauge ebook demand first, at the cost of a delay for readers who wanted print from the start.
Does IngramSpark or KDP print handle paperback better?
They serve different purposes: KDP paperback is straightforward for Amazon-focused sales, while IngramSpark suits wider bookshop and library distribution. Check each platform’s current documentation for costs and terms.