Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Routledge Paperbacks Direct?
It is a new publishing initiative to publish the best of our hardback research programme in paperback format. The books will ONLY be available for individual (i.e. non-institutional) purchase as print-on-demand paperbacks directly from the Routledge website - www.routledgepaperbacksdirect.com

What is the commercial thinking behind the programme?
We published these books initially in hardback only as it is increasingly difficult to generate the level of sales needed to justify an initial publication in simultaneous hardback and paperback of specialist research books. This is due to a variety of commercial factors, from bookshops refusing to stock advanced level academic titles, to students only buying essential textbooks (if at all).

We understand authors' concerns about the high prices of our hardback only research monographs. The prices are high because the market for specialist research is not as strong as it once was and so publishers are forced to publish smaller print runs at higher prices to make the books commercially viable.

With Routledge Paperbacks Direct, we can make our research books available at affordable prices for authors and individual customers to buy but without undermining our sales of the hardback books to the institutional academic library market. By selling the books directly ourselves on the Routledge Paperbacks Direct website we can pass on the cost savings to individual customers brought about by advances in technology and make the paperbacks available at more affordable prices.

You mention that the books will be available 'print-on-demand'. What does this mean?
With recent advances in printing technology, it is no longer necessary for publishers to hold physical stock of their books in a warehouse. An electronic version of your book is held in a 'virtual' warehouse. Once an order for your book is received on the Routledge Paperbacks Direct website, a printer will be notified and they will print a paperback copy of the book using the electronic file. The book will be printed within 48 hours of the order being received and then dispatched shortly afterwards.

How many books will be available as paperbacks in the Routledge Paperbacks Direct programme?
Initially we will make about 100 titles available, subsequently, further titles will be made available every few months.

Which subject areas are covered by the Routledge Paperbacks Direct programme?
We will concentrate initially on our publishing programmes in philosophy, politics and international studies, military and strategic studies, Asian studies and economics. Over time we hope to broaden the programme to encompass all of Routledge's research publishing.