Do readers prefer e-books, now that reading devices are becoming more readily available and more publishers are stepping into the e-book market? Or is the traditional paper print book still a winner?

I’ve just heard that Google is about to start selling electronic books that can be read on any device that connects to the internet. Another news article – same day – says Apple just sold its millionth iPad only a month after launch.

The predicted escalation of consumer acceptance of e-books is about to become a reality, it would seem. But what does that mean for the author in terms of marketing, sales and readership? And even more important, what does it mean for readers?

I’m about to have one of each type of publication under my belt. Secrets Volume 28 SENSUAL CRAVINGS came out last year as a trade paperback, while my erotic romance, Pandora’s Gift, will be published in July as part of Red Sage Publishing’s growing e-book range.

I’m particularly interested in reader comparisons between the two publishing formats. Before signing the e-book contract with Red Sage I did a bit of research and discovered two very distinct sides in this ongoing debate.

My personal preference until recently has been for a paper book, but that said, I don’t own a Kindle, iPad or any device other than my computer to download and read e-books. I love to curl up in bed at night with my latest good read, and it’s almost impossible to do that with computer in tow.

However, when I do take the plunge and buy an e-book reader, it may be a different story. The idea of storing loads of books on the one small device is extremely appealing, and of course, with the lower price tag on e-books it means potentially you can have access to more books for your buck than the print version.

One of my friends commented recently, “How do you market a book that you can’t even hold? Aren’t you disappointed that only one of your books will actually be real?”

Hell-o? Well, we know where she stands in the debate!

I must agree that it was unbelievably exciting to receive my author copies of Volume 28 via snail mail and to have something concrete to hand to family and friends.

This time around, the distribution and (hopefully) enjoyment of Pandora’s Gift will be via the internet. But does that make it any less real?

Of course not!

There’s as much blood, sweat and emotional angst in the creation of Pandora’s Gift as there was in the first story. And hopefully, there’ll be just as many readers who like it. It just makes this publication a different journey to the first, and one that will once again be a huge learning curve for yours truly as I learn how to market a story that is purely electronic. But still real!!!

I’d love to hear from you as to your preference. E-book or paper print? Is there a place for both? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Jen