The American Association of Publishers (AP) recently reported that sales of e-books rose to $90.3 million in February 2011. E-book release accounted for 20.4% in total book sales that month. In the first two months of 2011, e-books sales rose 169.4% while print books declined by 24.8%. In 2010, online retailer Amazon also reported that it sold 115 million e-books, compared to 100 million print books.
From these figures, it looks like e-books have gained a foothold in the market that will only increase. Despite this, there still remains a firm customer base for printed paperback books.
Advantages of E-books
E-books provide convenience and instant access to the consumer. Users can download books anywhere. They are also convenient and flexible. Most are light, easy to carry, and can interface with mobile phones and computers for wider reading. Many titles can be purchased at a cheaper price than print books. E-books can store hundreds of books electronically and saves on having to warehouse books someplace. Despite these advantages, print paperback books do have their benefits.
The Pros Of Paperbacks
On the surface, it would seem that an e-book release would negatively impact paperback sales. But the paperback book has its own strengths that attract customers. Some customers enjoy the feel of an actual book. The phrase “curling up with a good book” is timeless and some enjoy having a book in bed at night or on the beach.
Paperback books are more reliable than e-books and are readily accessible if the reader wants to read it again or reference something in the book. There are some users who actually like the fact that they own the book and can do what they like with it such as donating it to the local library.
A Broad Audience
When publishers conduct an e-book release after the paperback has been in the market, sales can increase for both. Publishers are reaching out to a broad range of customers to meet their needs and interests. This audience parallels outdoor enthusiasts and their navigation equipment. The e-book is comparable to the GPS unit an electronic gizmo that has several applications that people enjoy. However, if the battery runs out or if there is no reception it cannot be used.
The paperback book is like a map and compass. It may seem outdated but is reliable and some swear by it. An e-book release with paperback sales can complement each other by satisfying what readers want.
Groucho Marx is quoted as saying that like a dog, a book is man’s best friend. An e-book release combined with print books in the market means publishers connect with a wider customer base.
This article was written by Matthew Schmidt, an expert
in the Freelance Writing category at http://www.yoexpert.com
Filed under: 1 | Tagged: e-book, e-book impact, printed book, self publishing | 1 Comment »
