I know there is much talk about e-sales increasing at amazing speeds. And yet, when I talk to people, even those that are big readers, I am amazed at how many still prefer a printed edition to an e-reader.
I love my Kindle and read on it 75% of time compared to hard copy. The instant gratification of getting any book I want with the click of a button, regardless of day or night is my biggest draw. If reading a synopsis intrigues me, my impulse buying kicks into high gear and I have to have it on my Kindle in minutes. Truth be told, I have over a dozen books on my Kindle I have yet to read. My other favorite feature to the Kindle is the Sample section, where I can read a chapter or two of the story before I decide to purchase. This has saved me a few pennies when I realized the story was not what I expected. I have an older version of Kindle and it is awesome for reading on the beach, which is one of my favorite spots. My cover has a built in light so I can read in bed and not keep my hubby awake. It is also handy to be able to have several books with me when I travel without the bulk of many printed copies. Ahh, the font size. When I have been reading or writing for hours and my eyes are tired, I LOVE being able to increase the font size so I can keep reading. (Below is the first page of “For I Have Sinned by Kathleen Irene Paterka)
Still, I must agree with my friends that are true-blue to holding a printed copy in their hands. The words are always the same. I love the smell of a new book, the feel of the pages between my fingers. The sound of rustling paper as I turn the page. Reading a printed copy is very sensual. My very favorite books, even if I have read them first on my Kindle, I still buy in hard copy to keep on my shelf. I am one of those people that can read my favorites over and over again. (when I get the time). I also tend to buy printed editions of non-fiction and e-versions of fiction.
Do you own an e-reader, whether it be Kindle, Nook or I-Pad? What percentage of books do you read as an e-reader compared to printed editions? Inquiring minds want to know.
Writing Under Fire 