It has taken a long time but electronic publishing
is now considered acceptable. Except by
a few die-hards.
There is nothing - and never will be - anything to
replace the joy of printed books. They
are easy to read and, in bed before going to sleep, are comforting to hold.
There are many reasons why people enjoy e-readers,
be it Kindle, I-Pad, Kobo or one of several others now on the market.
1. They
are very portable, which makes them useful for commuters and travellers. Having a small, slim and lightweight e-reader
means you don't have to pack a load of books when going on holiday. Think of the weight you save - especially
when flying.
2. If
you read a lot and rely on the library, e-readers are invaluable. With small local libraries closing or
reducing their hours and stock, more people will have to rely on
e-readers. Especially if they don't own
a car and so cannot reach another library.
3. Many bookworms either don't have room to
keep more than a few books - which can make for boring reading after the third
or fourth time - or cannot afford to buy books, even from a charity shop.
4.
E-readers are also very good for the disabled. Apart from the convenience of not having to
keep going to the library or bookshop, as they are lightweight they are easy to
manage.
This I know from personal experience.
I have RSI which affects my hand, arm and shoulder. When they are particularly painful holding a
book and turning the pages can be very difficult. My Kindle is a blessing.
E-Publishing for Writers.
At one time if anyone e-published their books -
without it being previously in print - it was assumed they weren't really
writers. Or, as one newspaper editor
said to me, "Anyone can publish a book whether it is any good or
not."
What doesn't seem to be realised is that books do
get vetted.
From the author's point of view, e-publishing is
easy but selling the books can be difficult.
As you don't have books to sign you cannot go and meet your fans. So you have to create your own publicity.
The good news for self-published authors is that
publishers are now e-publishing their clients' books so, once you have, say,
three e-published books you have begun to create your portfolio. This proves to agents and publishers that you
can produce more than one book!
..........
My books are available on Amazon, I-Pad, Kobo, Diesel and Others.
