standalone book; single-volume publication
Refers to a book published as an independent volume, not part of a series or anthology. Used for novels, non-fiction, and other standalone works.
この小説は文庫ではなく単行本で買った。
I bought this novel as a standalone hardcover, not as a paperback.
tankōbon; individual manga volume
In manga publishing, a tankōbon is a collected volume of chapters previously serialized in a magazine. This is the most common everyday use of the word.
最新巻の単行本が来週発売される。
The latest tankōbon volume will be released next week.
この漫画は単行本で全12巻出ている。
This manga has been published in 12 tankōbon volumes.
The popular serial was finally compiled into a tankōbon.
The novel is scheduled to be published as a standalone book next month.
The author released a new standalone book after a long absence.
I buy the latest volume of my favorite manga every month.