Whether you’ve been riding along with the Johnstones since our very first Western hit shelves back in 1983 or you just started your reading adventure, we can’t thank you enough for being a part of the Johnstone family. Now, there are a few changes coming down the trail, and we want you to hear about them straight from us.
- “How are Johnstone books changing?”
Starting in 2026, Johnstone Westerns won’t be coming out in the smaller, pocket-sized editions called mass market paperbacks anymore. Instead, you’ll see them in a bigger format — about 60% larger than before. That means more room on the page, bigger print, and a sturdier book to hold on to.
With that size upgrade comes a price change too — the new paperbacks will be $15.95. But don’t worry, we’re working hand-in-hand with retailers to keep offering plenty of discounts and sales so you won’t always be paying full price.
- “Why the change?”
For nearly 40 years, Johnstone books have been available in the small, low-cost format. Truth is, we held onto that tradition as long as we possibly could. But times are changing, and most stores have decided to stop carrying those smaller-sized paperbacks.
In order to make sure you can keep finding Johnstone Westerns on shelves across America, we have to move to the larger trade paperback format that retailers are willing to stock.
- “Will the books be worth this higher price?”
We know times are tough — everything from groceries to gas bills has gone up, and the last thing we want is to burden our readers. That’s why we’ve worked hard to make sure every dollar you spend gets you more value, not less.
Here’s what you’ll be getting for that price:
- Bigger pages with larger, easier-to-read print and wider margins
- A sturdier, longer-lasting book you can share or collect
- Premium cover art and upgraded design inside and out
- A sneak peek: every book will now include a preview chapter from an upcoming, not-yet-published Johnstone adventure
So when you pick up a new Johnstone paperback, you’re not just paying more — you’re getting a better reading experience and more to enjoy.
- “Will ebook prices increase too?”
eBook prices have always bounced around depending on the retailer, and that won’t change. We’ll keep working to offer plenty of deals, sales, and 99¢ specials so there’s always a budget-friendly way to read Johnstone stories.
- “Will audiobook prices change as well?”
No changes here. Johnstone novels will keep coming out in audiobook format at the same prices you’re used to.
- “I used to see new Johnstone books every month, but now some months don’t have new releases. Are you publishing fewer books?”
Good eye. We’re slowing things down a bit to focus on quality and make sure every book is the best it can be. Starting in March 2026, we’ll be publishing three new books every other month instead of releasing them every single month.
Also, you’ll notice we’re no longer reissuing older titles for a while. That means every Johnstone book you see on the shelf will be brand-new, never-before-published — no more second guessing whether you’ve already read it.
- “Why doesn’t Walmart have any Walmart-exclusive Johnstone books anymore?”
Don’t worry — Walmart will still carry plenty of Johnstone Westerns. The only difference is, now that we’re making these bigger, better books, we want them to be available everywhere, not just as store exclusives.
One Last Word
At the end of the day, you can count on every Johnstone Western to deliver the same hard-hitting, action-packed adventures you’ve always loved — tales of grit, honor, justice, the American way, and survival out on the frontier. Thank you again for joining us on this journey. The trail ahead looks mighty exciting, and we’re glad to have you with us.