Hardcover books are delicate...they don't look like they are but in the mailing process, their vulnerability can be evidenced. Seriously, when a seller packs a hardcover for mailing, it is important to observe a few simple "rules" of packing so the seller can get the book to the buyer in the best shape possible and the seller can get a positive feedback. Nothing is more frustrating to a book lover than having the book arrive all bashed on its corners; it conveys the thought that the seller did not care enough to think through how they would like a book to arrive. Because the book is most vulnerable to bashing in on the 6 points (2 each on front and back, and the 2 ends of the spine): here are some "best packing" tips: 1. use a box, one large enough so the book isn't squashed, yet small enough so you don't go over the postal limits, 2. leave enough room to cushion those 6 points...you don't need expensive packing materials, just balled up newspaper or recycled paper will do, 3. bunch the paper on those 6 corners so the book is firmly in the box; you don't want it rattling around, 4. put one layer between the front of the book and the flaps as you close it as this protects the front of the book from wiggling loose of those nice-packed corners. It is also a cushion if the buyer slices thru the flaps' opening with a sharp object when opening the box, 5. seal it with tape and you are done. If you are not going to use a box and will be using a mailer, 1. use one large enough to fit the extra cushioning you are going to need...this means at least 2 inches to spare around all sides of the book, 2. wrap one layer of flat paper around the book to keep the covers from opening and the pages from getting creased and tape it closed (this is more likely to happen in a bag mailer than a box), 3. unless you are using a waterproof Tyvek bag, put the wrapped book in a plastic bag and tape it (recycled bags are fine, like the kind that your newspaper may come in) . Paper bags fall apart in the rain and the book will get wet and damaged, 4. bunch up the paper cushioning into small balls and pack them in well, 5. seal the bag and you are done. Now you have done your best to make sure your buyer gets their book in the same shape it started!