How I Chose Between Ebooks and Print Copies (Article) - 8/23/2014 9:39:45 AM
When I first started publishing online, there were only ebooks. My first novel sold well to those savvy with the Internet at that time. When POD came along, it was the rage and my next novel came out in print form. Those print copies sold and the harder to read ecopies declined. The publishing industry remained in control of bestsellers and best-selling authors, even though Stephen King published an ebook early on that sold very well because it was highly advertised and he was so well known for his books and movies.
Along came Kindle, followed by Nook and iPad, and suddenly, ebooks were back in favor again. As you've written, like YouTube for the music industry, electronic books are here to stay because of their convenience.
As for me, my paralysis (hands and arms) as well as neck strain causing numbness in my extremities has made it very difficult for the past 15 years for me to read hard copy unless the book opens flat on a desk, making it possible for me to keep the pages down--rather impossible with tightly bound paperbacks.
When I discovered Microsoft Word about 1985, I quickly abandoned paper and pen, secretaries and markups, and started doing all my writing on the computer. The ease of transport, editing, and formats for viewing have always made my reading easier on a computer than with a hard copy. Because my abs lost their stability about 1998, I lost the ability to hand write, even with my hand splint, but, thanks to the computer, I read more than ever, write prolifically with voice dictation, and find success as a writer.
I still have copies of my books in paperback that I scribble my signature on and mostly give away because their prices are set very high and most people willing to read my books don't have the price of admission. As you can see, I'm a happy camper because of the Internet electronic revolution.
Ron
