Up until now I have been sending my books in bubble wrap envelopes purchased at the dollar store (2 for $1.00).  That adds .50 to the cost of each book I ship, but it protects them from the elements.  Today I discovered that paperback books (except for really thick ones) fit perfectly in Quart Zipper Stor[it] plastic bags.  They are 7x8" and close easily on most paperbacks.  So, now I am shipping them in these ziplock bags and then wrapped in the paper wrapper with a clear conscience and saving money to boot!

I just used one also and they do work well..I have to admit I still put it in a bubble envelope though..I'm too worried the paper will rip and the bag will get a hole in it..lol.that would be my luck!

I purchase 2 750ft roll of plastic wrap for $8.99 at Costco or BJs.  I wrap the book in the plastic wrap and then wrap it in USPS brown shipping paper or poly envelopes.  With the poly envelopes  (learned this from another member) I split either side and the bottom.  Depending upon the size of the book I will split the other side and use it as I would brown paper or the paper wrapper.  I use the paper wrapper for the smaller books.    I just sent 2 books out in bubble wrap envelope, the corners were sticking out and I had to use alot of tape to secure the sides and corners so the book did not bust through. 

I have sent about 145+ books and (knock on wood) I have not had one damaged by the elements or ripped in anyway.  The exception for me is - hard covers and some trade paperback.   I will ship them in a box. 

As long as you are comfortable that the books are properly wrapped then it is fine. 

Oh, for the record, PBS doesn't require plastic wrap or plastic covering for shipping, however, I thank you!  I am in New England and the rain and snow can be crazy sometimes.  One book was damaged because they did not wrap it in plastic.  There were other issues with the book, but all the ink from the printer (I am only assuming) stained the book black. It was too wet to see if I could sand it off and when it dried it was so wrinkled that I didn't bother.   I have received many books that weren't wrapped in plastic and they survived the journey.    

I have mailed out probably 450 paperbacks ... all in the printer paper wrapper, and I have never received a message that any have ever been damaged.

Also, I have never received a book (300 + books, probably half in paper wrappers) in the paper wrapper, damaged. The only damaged packages that I have received have been either wrapped in brown paper or put into too-large bubble wrappers.

I do wrap in plastic wrap before the paper, and I will re-use bubble wrappers if they have been sent to me.

The most important part of the packaging is wrapping it tightly around the book(s), no matter what type it is. And, taping all the seams with packing tape. If you do that, the printer paper wrapper is perfectly sufficient.

Just like Robin, I purchased two 750' rolls of plastic wrap at Costco.  And we have a lot of brown USPS wrap at home left over from one of my husband's projects, so I have quite a supply of that.  I also sometimes pick up bubble wrappers at Sams Club from time to time.  Just last time I was there I got 25 size 0 wrappers (perfect for one paperback book) for $4.70.  Makes them about 19 cents each...for when I'm feeling lazy.

The medicines that I order from Medco arrive in heavy-weight plastic bags that are fine to reuse.

Just fold as necessary to fit tightly around the book(s), paste or tape on a new label, tape like mad, and use self-adhesive stamps.

FYI for those who use bubble envelopes.  If you have a Sam's near you (and possibly Costco (I dodn't know as I don't have one), but you can get a box of 25 of the size 0 envelopes (fits a PB book great)  for less than $5.00 and the size 2 envelopes (fits almost all HB books) for less than $7.00 a box of 25.  Pat