When I first began writing and then moved forward to publication, I contemplated format and assumed that the people who would want to read my books would prefer ones they could hold in their hands. A paperback or hardcover book, not an e-reader.
Then, after Marked was published, I was astonished that the majority of readers were buying the e-book, not the paperback. I understand the convenience, not to mention the lower cost. E-books make sense. They’re much easier to transport when moving, they don’t take up all your shelf space, and they don’t tear. However, I’m still inclined to prefer a book I can smell, feel, and mark with a magnetic bookmark.
I thought that maybe my desire for the old-fashioned kind has to do with my age. Yes, I’m fifty-something and not ashamed to say so. I’m not as skilled at modern devices as the younger generation, but I pride myself in learning. I’m grateful for the advances in technology. Years ago, I wrote my first manuscript on a typewriter. I much prefer my laptop!
So, to test my theory that only us ‘old folks’ prefer paper books, I queried a group of high school students I recently spoke to about my writing process. These students were, for the most part, aspiring writers. I was curious as to what they like to read, but then when I asked whether they preferred e-books or real books, they unanimously said real. Like me, they said they like to hold a book. Granted, you can hold an e-reader, but it’s not quite the same. Of course, they spend most of their time on electronic devices, so a paper book is a nice change.
So now I throw it out to you. What do you prefer? Are e-books a fad that will fade, will they continue to be simply an option, or do you feel that eventually the paper books will be obsolete and there will no longer be a choice? Curious minds want to know …
I prefer a paper book!
Jeanne Hardt 