Template:PublicationFields:Format

• Pub Format - This is the binding format of the publication. For books, commonly used formats are:

• hc - hardcover. Used for all hardbacks of any size. A book is a hardback if it is constructed so that the cover is intended not to be flexible; there exist leatherbound paperbacks, for example, and these should not be marked 'hc'. Unlike other formats, this notation takes preference over "dos" for the case of hardcover dos-a-dos publications, such as Up to the Sky in Ships / In and Out of Quandry.
• tp - Trade paperback. Used for anything larger than a paperback, except when the format "dos" or "ph" (pamphlet) applies, in which case those notations take precedence. Except for those cases any book that is at least 7.25 in (or 19 cm) tall, or at least 4.5 in (11.5 cm) wide/deep, and is not a hardback, is a tp. ("height" and "width/depth" are the dimensions of the cover; neither should be read to mean "thick".) 7.5 in x 5 in is a common size, but there exist many variant sizes larger than this, all of these should be simply recorded as "tp". This includes large format artbooks in paper covers, for example.
• pb - Paperback. Typically 7 in x 4.25 in (18 cm x 11 cm) or smaller, though trimming errors can cause them to sometimes be slightly (less than 1/4 extra inch) taller or wider/deeper. For books as tall as 7.25 in or as wide/deep as 4.5 in see Trade Paperback (tp). Low-height paperbacks such as Ace Books from the fifties, and similar publications are about half an inch shorter. Such variations in size below the typical 7 in x 4.25" do not need to be noted unless significant. ("height" and "width/depth" are the dimensions of the cover; neither should be read to mean "thick".) If a book qualifies as a "dos" or "ph" (pamphlet), those notations take precedence over "pb".
• ph -- Pamphlet. Used for short (in page count), unbound, staple-bound, or otherwise lightly bound publications.
• Digest -- includes both standard digest size, at about 7" x 4.5", and also large digest, such as recent issues of Asimov's, which are about 8.25" x 5.125".
• dos - Dos-a-dos. Use this for books published in dos-a-dos format, such as Ace doubles and Capra Press back to back books. We do not use this format for hardcover dos-a-dos books.
• ebook -- all electronic formats. Specify the particular formats available in the publication notes.
• audio -- use for all audio books, followed by an indicator of format, as:
  • audio (CD) -- Compact Disk
  • audio (CAS) -- Cassette tape
  • audio (DAT) -- Digital Audio Tape
  • audio (LP) -- Long Playing record (vinyl)
  • audio (MP3) -- Digital recording in MP3 format

• For magazines, use one of the following:

• Digest -- includes both standard digest size, at about 7" x 4.5", and also large digest, such as recent issues of Asimov's, which are about 8.25" x 5.125".
• pb -- For magazines published in a paperback format.
• Pulp -- the common pulp size: 6.5" x 9.5"
• Bedsheet -- e.g. early issues of Amazing; or the 1942-43 version of Astounding: 8.5" x 11.25"
• Tabloid -- e.g. the British Science Fiction Monthly: 11" x 16"
• A4 21 × 29.7 cm or 8.3 × 11.7 in -- Used by some UK and European magazines
• A5 14.8 × 21 cm or 5.8 × 8.3 in -- Used by some UK and European magazines

• For publications which don't fit the above categories, use the closest approximation and make a note in the note field. If a magazine is between sizes for the above categories, use the closest one and make a note. Small variations don't need to be noted; e.g. Interzone is generally a quarter-inch or sometimes more away from the standard bedsheet size, but can just be listed as bedsheet.