To satisfy my demographic, I need the novels I write to be available in paperback as well as electronically. Many people who read my books will want to hold the book in their hands, see the page numbers and even skim to the end if they so desire. However, the argument has been made: How important is the bookshelf?
I never really thought about this as such a difficult question until today. I had a friend on vacation that read my first book and wanted to get her hands on the second book. Although my books are available in some stores on some shelves, they are not universally available. She was unable to get the book and I will have to get it to her when she gets home. Of course, I am happy to do it, but I was disappointed that she had to wait. That being said, someone called me on the phone today from a local bookstore and asked me why he can’t find my novel on the shelves.
There is no doubt that the future of bookstores is uncertain. There will probably be a time in the not-so-distant future where electronic books will be more of the norm and less of a luxury. But until that time, bookstores are still in business and people are still buying hardcovers and paperbacks. So how important is the shelf? What do you think?
I really don't think print books are going to become a thing of the past. I think having your book available in both mediums is important. Give people more options and more ways to find your books. Just my opinion though.
ReplyDeleteUntil print books are completely obsolete, my opinion is get both formats out to as many places as possible--having a print book to get to someone who wants it will still be a sale for you and will build your fan base (hopefully). People are still buying print and until the generation comes that has no concept of the printed word, they probably will continue to do so. Make sense? JMHO!
ReplyDeleteKelly and PJ thank you so much for your comments. I agree. I think the more mediums you have available the more sales you will make. Now it's just a matter of getting them on the shelves everywhere. That is still so far a challenge for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Kelly put in the first comment, which made an obvious truth dawn: Kelly writes books for children--can any of us imagine a world where we didn't read a physical book to our kids? I hope that tradition never disappears.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I suspect many adult readers are moving to e-books for the savings. If you read voraciously it's much more affordable. But I'm still releasing my novels in both formats to ensure I'm reaching readers of both e-books and paperbacks.
Good point, Christine. Books for children are very visual and need to be in their hands. I too use both mediums. Just wish I had more "shelf access."
ReplyDeleteJudy, I wouldn't worry too much about shelf access. Readers who prefer paperback are happy to order books online. Sadly, many bricks and mortar bookstores seem to be disappearing. Many avid readers don't appear to care, not when the Next Great Read is a click away and downloads immediately or arrives within days in the mailbox.
ReplyDeleteI think both formats are important for the sale of as many books as possible for us authors, however I prefer paper books, especially in childrens picture books. I have not ventured out and bought a kindle or nook because there is nothing like holding a real book in your hands. But I'm sure someday, I will. I pray that book stores don't go away altogether but it may be in our futures. But oneday, I am still hoping to see my own book on a real-life bookstore...bookshelf!!
ReplyDeleteAllyn, I totally agree. I have met a few people who only publish ebooks but I think for some genres that would be counterproductive. And although I own a Kindle, I prefer the actual paperback in my hand. Silly, I know.
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