Paperbacks Vanish: Books Become Unaffordable

The beloved mass-market paperback, a format that democratized reading for nearly a century, is now facing extinction. Sales of these compact, affordable books have drastically declined, with unit sales plunging approximately 84% from 131 million in 2004 to 21 million in 2024. This shift away from mass markets is attributed not to publishers, but to readers themselves, who are increasingly willing to purchase books in larger, more expensive formats like hardcovers and trade paperbacks.

This trend has led major distributors, such as ReaderLink, to stop carrying mass-market paperbacks, signaling a potential end for the format. Industry insiders lament this change, viewing it as a loss of accessible literature and a contributing factor to a broader book affordability crisis. The decline means fewer options for consumers seeking inexpensive reading material, potentially impacting literacy efforts.

The mass-market paperback's affordability, once equivalent to a dollar or two, allowed widespread access to literature, from school book fairs to gas station purchases. Now, even trade paperbacks, which are 50% more expensive, and pricey monthly subscriptions are seen as inadequate replacements for the consumer who could previously afford a $10 book.