As many of you know, I’m planning on going the indie publishing route with my novel, Blue Sky Days. That means the majority of my books will likely be read on e-readers, even though I’ll eventually have a print copy available. But you wanna know a secret? I don’t even own an e-reader.
I would love to have one, but I am, after all, just a poor writer (emphasis on the poor part), and I can’t afford one right now. I do read e-books on my computer when they’re sent to me for review, and I’ve downloaded one or two books from Amazon for my computer’s Kindle App. I think an e-reader would be handy, especially for traveling so I don’t have to carry a boatload of books with me wherever I go, and also for the times when an e-book is available before the print book, or is the only option because there is no print book.
That being said, I LOVE print books. I love the feel of them, the look of them, the smell of them - I love everything about them. One day a few months ago, after I’d been to the library, a friend asked me jokingly ‘do they still have books there?’ I think as long as there are people like me – and I know for a fact I’m not alone in this feeling – there will always be books in print. I support the electronic book movement 100%, but I would never want people to think that just because I’m publishing an e-book means I don’t support traditionally published authors, or people who only make their books available in print.
My question is: why does it have to be either/or? If you love print books, it’s not like having an e-reader is the equivalent of having a scandalous affair behind your books’ backs. And it’s not cheating on your e-books if you suddenly decide you must have a certain book in paperback or hardcover. I grew up in a house full of books, and my children will grow up in a house full of books, but there will also be e-readers available to them if that's what they want. If the whole electronic movement had happened 20 years ago, I’m sure my parents would have happily bought me an e-reader if it meant I’d continue my love affair with reading. I really don’t understand the either/or mentality some people have. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that much I do understand, but times are changing, and if you don’t at least have an open mind, I think you’re going to be left behind wondering what happened.
How do you feel about this issue? Are you an either/or person? Why? Do you think 'real' books will soon become a thing of the past and that e-readers will take over completely, or do you think paper books will always be around? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
I'm a "both". I just want to read. I am surprised by the fact I often pick ebooks over print books when offered the choice. I always thought I would pick the tangible book over an e-copy, but I can read so much faster using an e-reader so I find myself picking ebooks more often.
ReplyDeleteI don't have an ereader, but I do read a lot of ebooks on my computer (for reviews and such). I think I'm a "both" too. "Curling up with a good book" is better than "curling up with my computer." The latter makes it feel more like work. But I do want an ereader for travel and such. Cause I'm like you, half the weight of my bag is books when I travel!
ReplyDeleteCourtney
Fuzzy.Coffee.Books
I view eReaders as simply another way to get the product to the consumer. While I certainly have my issues with eBook pricing I don't think it's an either/or situation.
ReplyDeleteI have a nook and still read paper books. I don't think eReaders will replace paper books anytime soon - yes, they'll cut into their sales but consider that many eReader users will not buy those paper books anyway.
However, we live in a country of extremes where the pendulem swings to the left or right but never stays in the center - and that's te way we think.
By the way: you got an answer to your post on my blog http://manoflabook.com/wp/?p=3244#comment-16887
I know what you mean, I love my books, I may have some OCD issues going on with them having to match and not breaking the spine, and i have 5 bookcases full of them. But I have just got myself an e-reader, mainly so its easier for me to read books for review, but its so much easier to carry 50 book on one thing, than carrying an actual 50 books.
ReplyDeleteI can also change my mind, I may start a book but decide I want to start another one, and rather than having to hunt through my shelves all I have to do is press a few buttons and i'm done.
I think in my heart though I will always be an actual book person. :D
I can't say I have had any experience with e-readers other than PDF files from college classes - HOWEVER...for a quick find my pdf file is great for class but when I am trying to actually study and get something from it I like to have paper in front of me to write, highlight --- take notes on ETC....I cannot figure out how to do so in Adobe with class PDF's....
ReplyDeleteI'm totally for either one and not an either or type person - it's whatever serves the moment best for me :)
I'm an "all of the above" gal, actually. I have an e-reader, a smart phone, and I read them on my computer. I love books--mostly hard covers, but I do read paperbacks as well. I love a good story and the format matters not. If it's good, I'll read it and review it.
ReplyDeleteI love paper books, always have and always will. But I think the e-book boom is one of the best things that has happened. There are a lot of wonderful authors I would never have discovered if not for the indie way.
ReplyDeleteThe regular publishing way takes a long time, and personally, I don't have that kind of time. I work full time and have a lot of responsibility with my family. Even if I did have enough free time to query publishers, I wouldn't have enough time for other expectations (book tours and signings, etc). If I would publish my book as an e-book, I can get the process started.
I think that most e-book authors do want to see their book make it to the printed page. So I completely agree with you on people still wanting printed books. E-books have their convenience in many ways, but they don't completely replace books.
I'm definitely a both person. Although most of my book purchases of late have been ebooks, there are a few releasing coming out that I will get in paperback. I guess i tend to save paperback now for authors I love and want to show off on my book shelf. Not that I don't love the authors I buy ebooks from. They just aren't my all time favorite I have to have this book by them authors.
ReplyDeleteAm I making sense? lol
I read both. I have an ereader and I enjoy it but I still regularly borrow real books from the library and purchase them for my collection. An ereader almost encourages me to spend more money on books. If I read a ebook and love it, I will go out and buy the hard copy.
ReplyDeleteSix months ago I would have said I loved print books only. But then I had some of my work published electronically and I bought an e-reader. Now I love both. If it's a book I want to keep and treasure forever, I'll buy print. But if I want to try something new, review some ARCs etc, I'll use the e-reader. I would say I now work on a 50/50 split between the two and I love the freedom of choice that offers.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of both. I read faster with my ereader, and love the exposure to self-published authors that it gives me. But I also love sharing books with my sister, and being able to read and pass along books. I also find that physical books are better for little kids. I read a lot of them with my son.
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you. I'm a fan of both. Sure there is nothing like a real book but seriously who can house so many books? I love buying eBooks. PLUS you're so right, it's great for traveling. Great post.
ReplyDeleteBTW, LOVE your header. I've always been a sucker for doors in trees.