Should you buy a paperback or a hardcover? And should you order from my author website, thecheerleaderbookclub.com, or from big distributors like Amazon?
I’m Alison Sack. With over 20 years in the cheerleading industry – and somehow now an author too – I’m here to give it to you straight: no fluff, just useful tips and all the quirks from life on the mats and in the books.
So, grab your coffee (or jug of water) and let’s turn the page.
Paperback or Hardcover?
Honestly, it comes down to personal preference. Do you like the feel of a paperback or the sturdiness of a hardcover?
For me, I prefer hardcovers. They’re just more hard-wearing. If you’re buying something like the journal, or even Bow to Toe, and you know your athletes or children will be taking them on car rides or to competitions, then hardcovers will definitely last longer.
Distributor Prints vs Author Website Prints
Let’s talk about quality.
- Global Distributor Prints (IngramSpark):
These are the versions you’ll find on Amazon and other big retailers. The print is good quality, absolutely fine, but… - Author Website Prints (BookVault UK):
If you buy directly through thecheerleaderbookclub.com, you’ll notice the difference right away. The paper is thicker, the colours sharper, and the finish more consistent. You even get extras:- The exclusive journal with a ribbon (only on my site).
- The Little Cheer Library hardcover box set – again, only on my site.
When I first opened the delivery box of the BookVault prints, I could tell immediately they were top quality. The pages feel thicker, shinier, and more durable.
Colour & Finish
Here’s where the biggest difference shows:
- Distributor prints sometimes have a slight orange tone to the colours.
- Author website prints are cleaner, sharper, and closer to how the illustrations are meant to look.
If you’re particular about presentation (and who isn’t when it comes to treasured keepsakes for your kids or athletes), then the website versions are worth it.
My Personal Take
At the end of the day, it’s up to you where you buy from. Both options are good, but my personal preference is to order through my author website. BookVault’s printing is just higher quality, and those little details – thicker pages, the ribbon, the colours – really make a difference.
So, happy cheer reading – whichever version you choose!
Thanks for sticking with me until the end of this chapter. I hope you found something useful – or at least had a little smile along the way.
If you’d like more, dive into other episodes, grab one of my books, or check out freebies at thecheerleaderbookclub.com. You can also find me on socials at The Cheerleader Book Club.
And if you’ve got a wild topic you’d like to hear my take on, send it over. Really – thank you so much for being here. I appreciate you.
See you in the next Cheer Chapter.
