July 12, 2010 | By: Tracy

Revenge of the E-book

I’m going to make a concerted effort to get back to posting 3-4 times a week. I warn you all I’m likely to be random though, but I’ll also do my best to start making my posts a bit shorter. After all who doesn’t like a quickie every now-and-again?


For a long, long time (the past year, basically) I swore I’d never enjoy reading a book that wasn’t made of paper & ink. Then, in early May, I was bedazzled by the wonder that is Barnes & Nobles’ Nook and bought one for myself.

In early May, I swore I would still buy more paper than electronic books. My Nook was to be used, I said to myself, only to avoid buying hard covers (which I despise). Since early May my ebook to paper book purchasing ratio is 4:1.

Furthermore, I’ve discovered that when it comes to exploring & reading new authors, I feel more comfortable taking chances on ebooks. Something about the paper version feels like a commitment, and I’ve become more selective about my bookshelf collection.

The moral of this story (aside from the fact that I can’t follow through with a single promise to myself, apparently) is that people’s perceptions change. Maybe not as quickly as mine, but they do change. Even if you aren’t a fan of the ereaders personally, make sure that when you do get an agent you find one who’s savy about contracts for electronic books.

Why? Because there may be more people like me out there than you think. ;o)

6 witty remarks:

JE said...

Quickie *snickers*

Hmmm, but I think you are right. I want a nook, or Kindle, or some type of Ebook reader, but I thought that even if I get one, I'll still purchase more books in paperback or hardcover than on the reader. I think I shall learn a lesson from you, get off my butt and by an Ebook reader and then buy more books!!

~JD

Tracy said...

Justine - just be forewarned - when you do get one - it can be addictive to be able to download a book whenever you want it. At least, in store, the weight of the stack I was carrying would remind me of the inherent money I was about to fork over.

Unknown said...

I can't wait to get a Kindle or a Nook. I haven't decided which yet. I'm already addicted to be able to download a book whenever via my Kindle app for PC, but reading on my netbook isn't *quite* the same. lol.

Saturday evening, I downloaded a book, and finished it by 1130 that night and I was so happy to see it had a sequel. I bought it right then. Now, I get ticked when I find a good book that isn't in e-format. I don't want to wait hours, days, or in some cases, weeks, for a book to arrive.

Misty Waters said...

I have the Sony Reader and I'm totally like you! I buy the books for my reader that I would never buy otherwise. I've discovered some good series this way:) Plus, the books are fairly cheap. Unlike you, I'm a Hardback gal. I never have the patience to wait for paper.

I never would have gotten it, either, but my hubby thought I would like it. Smart man. (It happens.)

DL Hammons said...

I'm holding out for an iPad for Christmas. Hear that Santa??

Jessica Bell said...

I wish I could drag myself away from the paper, but ... the idea tastes sour to me ...

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