Does anyone know the approximate cost of sending a 188 page paperback book? TIA

It depends how much they weigh, including the box you put them in.

I was just going to wrap it in brown paper. Thanks for your answer.

The postal service doesn't prefer brown paper, it can easily be torn and then damage the contents as well as render the address unreadable.

Pack it in a small box and send it media rate. A paperback book would be considered media rate. That is the cheapest, but also it is slow. The charge will depend, as the other poster stated.

dl

Media rate in the cheapest, usually. You might put some cardboard on the front and back to stiffen the book a litte, but I wrap and send in brown paper all the time.

Copied from the USPS site:

Helpful packaging tips include:
Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents. Leave space for cushioning inside the carton.
Pack the contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam peanuts. Plain air-popped popcorn is also good for cushioning. It's inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Pack tightly to avoid shifting.
Always use tape that is designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive tape, nylon-reinforced craft paper tape, or fiberglass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape. Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape or cellophane tape.

dl

Your best bet is to go to usps.com and use the postage calculator. Media isn't always the best way to send a book anymore....

cj/

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paperbackswap.com uses printer paper to wrap most books in shows you how to wrap and stuff. only had one arrive that i'd sent that was messed up but the tape and saran wrap kept it together. I've never received one mangled in the 138 books I've gotten the paperbacks i mailed today ranged from $1.89 to $2.02

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Thanks all . There is a place here in Md where you can get free books and I wanted to send some to a friend in New York. Since I get them for free if a few got lost it wouldn't be a big loss.