[Mara]

So, my FLGS just got in something: a Paperback copy of SR5. It is a little cheaper in how it is
marked, but..I like the hard back. However, this got me wondering: what is up with a paperback?
I thought those were only for the Origins Edition? Is Sr5 switching to paperback for the BBB to
save money or something? To provide a cheaper price point for new players who like books
but don't have the extra 5 dollars to spend on the Hard Back? What is up with this..I am confused.

[ShadowcatX]

I'm not on the inside so I can't say as to why they might have went soft cover, but some people do prefer soft cover books. (I do myself, if the binding is done well.)

[AJCarrington]

IIRC, when SR5 was first released, there were some paperback copies included in each case sent to distributors...which ultimately found their way to store shelves. More of a promo item, I think...but it's been a while.

Found a quote from Bull back in Sept 2013:

Only the short run of books sold at Origins are soft covers. The main run are all hard cover.

Not quite true, Peter.  Apparently there's a run of soft covers that were done, and every X books that game stores order, tehy get a soft cover free.  I think the idea was to have copies available for in store use for demos, or to let players flip through, or whatever.  Though I've already seen one or two instances where the shops are just selling them.

Something along those lines, anyway.  They're not something we're selling though.

[pariah3j]

Rare paperback edition - probably more rare then the limited ed. - Buy it quick before others catch on