Being primarily an e-book author, I’m extremely curious to know how many readers of this blog have read and/or will read an e-book. Recently Yahoo! ran a one-day (extremely unscientific) survey of visitors to see what the rough percentage of e-readers was. I believe the figure ended up around %10 of all responders.
I’ve read statistics and have concluded that even though sales of e-books are rising every year, they still account for a very small percentage of overall book sales, not even the %10 the Yahoo! survey results might suggest. Do I believe e-book sales will ever overcome tree-book sales? Perhaps someday, but probably not in my lifetime. Like DVD movies compared to movies viewed at the cinema, e-books might someday offer additional content the tree-book version does not. But, continuing the movie analogy, there will still be those who prefer the tactile sensation of holding and reading a tree-book, just like there are those people who still prefer to sit in a movie theater, munch popcorn and watch a film on the “big screen.”
It seems among folks over the age of about 25 years there are two camps: The dedicated tree-book readers who will never read an e-book; and those who are open to e-books but still prefer to read tree-books. A third position–the people who prefer e-books over tree-books (like myself, by the way) constitutes an extremely small percentage, based on my personal experience.
There are a number of reasons why folks don’t care to read e-books. They don’t own a PDA or reader and don’t want to sit at a computer to read. They don’t want to spend $100 or more for a reader when they can spend $6 on a paperback. They need the tactile experience,–the feel, the scent of paper–when they read. Then there are those who say they’ve tried an e-book and felt the quality was not as good.
I don’t want to focus too much on that last one, but I will touch upon it. I realize this topic can get heated, but I’m confident we can have a friendly discussion without things getting out of hand.
Because starting up an epublishing company requires very little cash, it’s possible for an individual to launch an epublishing company and produce less-than-stellar books. It is difficult to find educated, qualified editors and it is equally difficult to attract quality authors to a new and unknown publisher. This is why I recommend readers who are curious about e-books to be selective. Read excerpts if they’re available. Read reviews. Get a feel for which publishers produce quality books that are edited carefully. Get a feel for which authors write quality books too. They will stand out from the crowd. They often write for traditional book publishers under the same name or a pseudonym. Okay. Finished with that hot-button topic, however, I’m open to answering questions or comments if you’d like to post.
As far as the other reasons why readers don’t buy e-books, I can see their point. Again, I am primarily an e-book author. While I have roughly eight books out in paperback now, I have twice as many available in e-book. Still, I wouldn’t want to sit at my computer to read. My computer chair isn’t all that comfy and it doesn’t recline  And if I wasn’t able to use my PDA for other functions, I wouldn’t have wanted to shell out $200 to read e-books. It’s a given fact that the industry will not grow significantly until there is an affordable e-book reader that will be able to display a variety of e-book formats. Something that is marketed with the finesse of the iPod. I can’t wait for that day. It will come.
In Asia, commuters are reading e-books on their telephones as they ride the trains. In addition to folks in Asia, American teens are more technology-friendly. They like gadgets with buttons and screens. Gadgets that do a lot of fun things–take pictures, record short video clips, play music. It’s interesting to note that currently one out of five hits to my website is from a college campus somewhere in the U.S.. In my opinion the present and future readers of e-books are walking the halls our schools and universities.
Why do I prefer e-books over tree-books? It’s a matter of practicality for me. I’m a wife and mommy who spends most of her reading time in a dark room. My hubby gets up for work at 3:00a.m. and so if I’m not reading in the room with a sleeping man, I’m reading while nursing a sleepy baby. I can’t have a reading light on and those little clip-on lights don’t last more than a week before burning out. The backlit screen, one-handed reading, and huge memory capacity make my PDA the perfect solution. I can enjoy my favorite books anywhere, anytime. And I can buy them anytime, even in the middle of the night when I’m holding a toddler with an earache.
And so, I ask, do you read e-books? Why or why not? Who are your favorite authors? What are your favorite sites to purchase from? I welcome everyone’s opinion and would like to encourage an exchange of opinions here. I will draw one reader randomly from the list of responders and will give them two e-books of their choice. Any e-books by any author.
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I like them because I travel, and with my laptop, I can have a HUGE book collection with me anytime, anywhere.
If you have a PDA or some sort of hand-held device you can read ebooks on, they are also great for commutes. Never fear, you won’t run out of books.
I usually buy from Fictionwise, because they have really great prices.
by May
on April 25th, 2006 at 6:53 am
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I don’t have a PDA, but I do have a laptop, and so I have delved into the world of ebooks, but I still love a good, old-fashioned book in my hand. For me, probably because I haven’t allowed myself to get used to them, it takes more of an effort to read an ebook. I know that sounds like I’m not trying, but I think it goes back to the fact of being on the computer all day for work (and some play).
So far the only author I’ve read on ebook is Shiloh Walker, and that’s because there are several of her stories that haven’t been published in pb yet. But I am trying, however my tbr pile is another argument….LOL. And I’ve only read ones from Ellora’s Cave. I know I should give other publishers a chance - I do feel guilty about that because I’m sure there are a lot of great authors out there that I’m missing. And I work p/t at a bookstore, so I have an affection for the physical look and feel of a book in my hands 
by Stacy ~
on April 25th, 2006 at 7:08 am
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Hi Tawny,
I felt I had to answer this post, since I am not an ebook reader as you know. I had won an ebook from you last time (not realizing that was the prize) - and you were so kind to send it to a friend of mine.
I know this is getting to be very popular but I like to have that book in my hand and pass most of my books along to my mom and aunt who do not have a computer. I find it hard to read from a computer and don’t want to invest in a device to read the ebooks.
So you were right on. I wish you and all the ebook writers much success. I know I am probably missing out on some good reads but I am almost 60 and find it hard to change my spots, so to speak.
by Pat
on April 25th, 2006 at 7:39 am
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Hi May, Stacy and Pat! Thanks so much for sharing your opinions! I’m not here to judge, so there’s no reason to feel guilty about anything. I was merely hoping to enjoy a friendly discussion on the topic.
May, I’m with you. A PDA can carry a whole lot more books than your standard-sized bookbag I haven’t tried Fictionwise. I usually buy directly from the publishers’ sites, but I do understand Fictionwise offers great prices. I’ll have to try them sometime.
Stacy, Shiloh Walker’s stories are great! I’m sure she’d be thrilled to hear you enjoy them enough to try an ebook. I hear that alot–about the feel of a book. The scent and texture is for many people associated with cozy, happy memories and they don’t feel the same way about snuggling up with a PDA, LOL. I work part time in a bookstore too, and rarely come home without at least a couple tree-books, even though it’s more practical for me to read e-books. I too have an extremely short list of e-publishers I’ve tried. I don’t have a lot of time to read and haven’t exhausted all the great reads at those publishers yet, so I haven’t felt compelled to try any others.
Hi Pat, you inspired this post. I hope you don’t mind I was curious to see how many others here felt the same way. I respect your opinion and preferences. There are lots of readers who feel like you do, I’m sure.
by Tawny Taylor
on April 25th, 2006 at 9:19 am
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I learned about ebooks several months ago but was initially quite shy about trying them. I do love the tactile feel of a print book and getting an author signed copy of a book that I love is like acquiring a small treasure. However, I find that there is much to be said about ebooks: they do not take the space that print books do, they do not mold in high humidity, and I can change the text size on my computer to suit my own comfort.
I think that the ebook publishers are generally easy to purchase from and are very helpful if one runs into a problem. The person who first introduced me to the idea of ebooks was Sarah McCarty and I love the books that I have read of hers as well as various other authors. Ellora’s Cave is the site that I have tended most to purchase from.
In truth, with all the questions that we have starting out with ebooks, I am surprised that the ebook publishers and authors do not more often have a section on how to use the most common of the ebook readers, and how to fix the most common problems with such. I am technologically defficient and it is daunting to try to figure much of this out.
Little Lamb Lost
by little lamb lost
on April 25th, 2006 at 9:42 am
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I do understand why so many people like treebooks better. And I do see that they have their good points–like less eyestrain.
The great thing about Fictionwise, for me, is that it has a ‘library’ and you can redownload your ebooks.
The one thing that prevents me from buying ebooks exclusively is Digital Rights Management, not all the big NY houses e-publish their print books, and the fact that there isn’t one dominant ebook software–so I pretty much don’t buy unless it comes in HTML (I’m not a fan of the PDF format).
by May
on April 25th, 2006 at 10:07 am
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I am open to ebooks, but I personally prefer the print edition. I like to collect stories that I love and keep them on my bookshelves. I love sitting on the beach with a book and having the ease of transporting it in my bag wherever I go. I’m in my thirties and I feel the whole world is so technology advanced, maybe too much so. Reading a book for me is a relaxing experience. I’d prefer to sit under a tree with a print edition rather than a PDA or laptop.
I believe ebooks will continue to gain more success in the future though since the young people today are so technology advanced. They are growing up with the internet, cell phones, game boys etc.
by Sandra M.
on April 25th, 2006 at 10:15 am
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I am very new to ebooks. I have read a few from Dee knight, Rachel Carrington, and Ava McKnight. I think I fall in the second group. I am open to ebooks but for now still prefer a paperback. I guess it is because I spend so much time on our laptop working on other stuff that in the evening I would rather hold a book then have that laptop rest on my lap any longer. I think ebooks would gain in popularity if there was an inexpensive reader out there. I know it would make me more inclined to experiment some more since I really can’t afford a PDA right now. i think ebooks are the wave of the future however. I am amzed by how technology savvy my teenage niece and nephew are. As for the people who feel ebooks are inferior writing, I can’t understand that thinking. I have not read many ebooks so far, but out of the few I have read, a couple I have read have brought tears to my eyes and have really touched me.
by Cherie Japp
on April 25th, 2006 at 10:57 am
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Hi Tawny,
I read both print and ebooks. The big advantage of ebooks is that they are easier to store and that they are released faster than print books. I read my ebooks on my Dad’s PDA, which I borrowed more than one year ago and never gave back:oops: I had plans to buy an ebookwise reader, but unfortnuately I had to postpone my plans. Most of my ebooks are from Ellora’s Cave, Loose ID, Samhain, NCP and Triskelion.
by Danny
on April 25th, 2006 at 11:00 am
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I don’t read e-books for the reasons listed,when I’m on my computer I do a lot of things but reading a book isn’t one of them. I could see in the future maybe getting a device to read them if they were more affordable. So please don’t put me in the drawing because I wouldn’t be able to read it. I wish the e-books were also put in print format because I’ve read a lot of excerpts from e-book authors and the stories sound interesting.
by Dena
on April 25th, 2006 at 11:03 am
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i do not read any e books, i like to read paper books. i can’t look at the computer for too long.
by KIM H
on April 25th, 2006 at 11:35 am
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Hi Tawny!! I think you bring up some valid points. I’m about in the middle. In some aspects I prefer paper books, in fact I bought yours in paper form when I had the option of either ebook or print. I love to take baths and read in the tub, and it’s probably just not smart to drag my laptop in with me 
Still, I have been getting more and more into ebooks. I buy most of them at Ellora’s Cave, but have begun to branch out. (Especially since I’m writing for another epub now!) But I have seen some bad ebooks. And some of the covers on ebooks my gag reflex go into action.
But I always remember the excitement and shock I experienced, when I was speaking with a RWA chapter friend. I asked her if she was looking at the erotic romances section when we were at Borders. And she said she preferred to buy her erotic romances in ebooks. I’m not sure why it shocked me, but it did. Totally didn’t expect that from her. I think there’s a lot more people out there reading ebooks then we’re aware of.
Wow, did I ramble or what!? 
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I belong to the third group who prefer ebooks to tree books for a number of reasons: 1) I’m running out of space for more books. I dread the day when I have to move because books are heavy. With ebooks, I can keep them for as long as I like. 2) Print books deteriorate over time and with use, especially in hot, humid climates where I live. It’s difficult to find a replacement copy when a book goes out of print. 3) Many of my print books have to be packed away. Ebooks are easy to move around and to locate a title that I want without the hassle of moving, opening and closing boxes.
Like May, I have concerns about DRM (not being able to access my books when I’ve used up the number of activated devices allowed) so I don’t buy ebooks exclusively. I too am not a fan of PDF. HTML is my preferred format.
Some of my favourite ebook authors are Shiloh Walker, MJ Davidson, Delilah Devlin, Lora Leigh, Nicole Austin, Charlene Teglia, Mackenzie McKade, Shannon Stacey, Melissa Schroeder, Stephanie Vaughan, Kally Jo Surbeck, JJ Massa, Sable Grey, Kira Stone, Lacey Savage, Kate Hill, Morgan Hawke etc. I shop mainly at Ellora’s Cave, Loose-Id, Changeling Press and Extasy Books.
by Jenny
on April 25th, 2006 at 1:27 pm
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:smile:No, I dont mind - I kind of figured I inspired this topic. And how could I not respond.
By the way, my friend recd. the ebook and was thrilled.
by Pat
on April 25th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
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Some of my favorite ebook authors are: Lora Leigh, Mary Wine, Shiloh Walker, Sally Painter, Jaci Burton, Jaycee Clark, Delilah Devlin, Mackenzie McKade, Lauren Dane, Nicole Austin, JJ Massa, Denise A. Agnew, Sarah McCarty, Eve Vaughn, Kate Hill, Camille Anthony, Kit Tunstall, Lena Matthews, Maggie Casper, Alexis Fleming, Ann Jacobs, and Kate Douglas. Favorite e-publishers is Ellora’s Cave, Loose ID, Changeling Press, Venus Press, Titan Press, New Concepts Publishing, and Midnight Showcase.
by Amy S.
on April 25th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
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I’m so glad you’re not upset, Pat.
The direction this conversation has taken has surprised me, frankly. I expected more people to post that they were firmly anti-e-book. Perhaps those who don’t care for e-books are not posting? Since they have no interest in the prize? I wish they’d post anyway. I’d like to hear their thoughts.
Regardless, it’s nice to see so many folks are trying e-books, or even choosing them sometimes over tree-books, at least for certain genres.
Shelli, I think some people feel funny about walking into a bookstore and buying steamy romances. There are those who feel they’ll be judged harshly for their choice of reading material. I was a little skittish too, I admit, about buying steamy romances from a bookstore. I’ve long overcome that. The sudden flurry of news broadcasts and newspaper articles have made it easier too. I agree, there is a large population out there who are devoted ebook readers. Many of them are silent. They don’t post on blogs or forums or Yahoo! groups.
Jenny, your post made me laugh. In 2003-2004 we moved four times. No, we’re not military. We were trying to settle into a new part of town and find a house we could rent-to-own. My husband griped EVERY SINGLE TIME we moved, pleading with me to get rid of the boxes and boxes of books we had to haul from house to house. I admit, all those books added a lot of work to our already overwhelming burden. But I couldn’t bring myself to throw them away! Those were my books. I wasn’t going to part with them. Fortunately, we’ve stopped moving and we’re settled into our home. My books are cozy on their shelves and I’m hoping they won’t have to be moved again for a long time.
Kim H, thanks for sharing. I can honestly say I wouldn’t want to read e-books if I had to sit at my computer either. That wouldn’t be any more practical than trying to read a tree-book in the dark
by Tawny Taylor
on April 25th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
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Nah, why would I be upset. Different strokes. Like I mentioned, I am slow to change. LOL. And I do love the tree books - never heard them called that before. LOL.
Now time to change and hit the treadmill so then I can eat my dinner and ….READ a tree book.
Have a good evening all.
by Pat
on April 25th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
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I read both ebooks and paperbacks. I can see pros and cons for both. Most of which have already mentioned. I do think a cheaper PDA or some type of an ebook reader would helf some, but the issue of not being able to share or trade is one that I think stops a lot of people. At least the ones I know. It’s tough to convince them. I think that more readers might have tried ebooks if the prices had remained lower. Since they are pretty close to paperback pricing now, it’s a tough sale. For me, I love to be able to read at night in the car and load up my Palm for vacation. Plus, there are some terrific writers that only publish in ebook format. So, I’m in the middle on this subject. haha!
Some of my favorite authors are Lora Leigh, Joey W. Hill, Shelby Reed and a whole bunch of others including yourself.
by KimW
on April 25th, 2006 at 8:11 pm
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Hiya Tawny!
I like reading. End of story  So whether it’s a print book or an ebook, it doesn’t phase me. I am struggling to store all my treasured print books, and quite frankly, there are print books that I would (a) never part with and (b) never purchase in ebook format. But I wouldn’t turn down a book just because it was electronic. Heck, I write for an epub. I’m not even going to touch on the topic of quality because I have read really bad print books and wondered how in heavens they got pubbed. 
It’s interesting when you watch futuristic movies to see how much of the future is predicted to be digital. A friend of mine has a fridge that’s hooked up to the internet and does her shopping by selecting grocery items on a touch screen and then orders at the end of the week! I also worry about the environment and wonder how many trees are sacrificed in the name of reading each year. While trees are replaceable and while forestry is a sustainable resource (provided it’s managed properly), it takes time and the bottom line is, I’d rather have oxygen in the atmosphere than a book in my hands, especially if I can get that same book in e-format.
It is fascinating to see which authors do eformat. I recently bought James Patterson’s Mary Mary in ebook, so it’s now in my TBR file (not a pile ) on my PDA. You can get the Bible, The Da Vinci Code, and even the common dictionary in ebook now. But I do agree that until we have a user friendly multi format ereader, there’s only so much progress that can be made. (I can download books onto my phone too )
Good to see so more ebook readers though!
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I do read e-books, but I must say that I prefer print books. I can stare at the computer screen only for so long.
by Minna
on April 26th, 2006 at 4:27 am
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Thank you all for your comments! I will post the winner of the drawing later today. Great discussion!
by Tawny Taylor
on April 26th, 2006 at 7:48 am
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Congratulations to Cherie Japp!
My toddler, Jacob, picked your number out of a hat.
Please email me at tawnytaylor@sbcglobal.net with your prizes. I’ll need the title, author and publisher of two ebooks.
by Tawny Taylor
on April 26th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
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Big congrats Cherie!
by Danny
on April 26th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
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wtg cherie
by KIM H
on April 26th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
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Thank you Tawny! I am so thrilled. The hard part will be choosing out of all the great authors. I will email you my choices ASAP.
by Cherie Japp
on April 27th, 2006 at 10:10 am
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