I'm new to this, so can someone please explain media mail to me? Do I have to put the book in a box/envelope or can I just wrap it in brown Kraft paper? Where do you get the postage for media mail?

well you can wrap the books in paper (use a lot of tape!) or you can place the book into an box or envelope (itss really

up to you  which method works for you (I have done both myself  (I like the envelope route better (most because I use paypal

print my postage and shipping labels)

 

and can also get postage here on PBS or Paypal or you go to the post office to pay for your postage..

Thank you:-)

Media mail is simply a lower rate you pay to mail books and cd's. The rate is usually less than 1st class postage but not always accurate.  PaperBackSwap tells you the amount of postage you'll need to mail a book.  After you've been doing it a while you'll get the hang of it.  For small books you can print the address label and it covers the book completely but for larger books, you'll usually need an envelope. The address label prints the complete address for the book you're mailing out. 

It's easy and always fun to get new titles in your mailbox. Enjoy!

Kara

Thank you, Kara. :-)

Another thing to remember is that you cannot drop off a package with stamps that weighs over 13 ounces.  (The pre-paid postage labels are OK, because they have identifying information.)  This probably wouldn't affect any paperbacks since they weigh less, but if you ship out any larger books, you either have to hand them to your mail carrier or take them into the post office and hand them to the postal clerk directly.

I didn't know one could "hand" a media mail book over 13oz with one's own stamps on it to a carrier! I was told by my carrier and the area PO that I had to personally hand it to the PO. Wow! I'd surely like it if I could save the trip and just hand it to the carrier. Will someone clarify this for me? Thanks

It probably depends on your mail carrier-same as them taking books from the mail box. Some carriers will, some won't. 

What Mary said.  Apparently rural carriers are not required to pick up packages, although many of them do.  If your's will accept packages, make sure they feel appreciated   Otherwise your 13 oz. stamped packages must be passed over the USPS counter.