The Explosion Heard Around the World

Earlier this morning, I was reading the industry articles in RWA eNotes, and ran across several links to discussions about e-books and e-readers. When I signed my first book contract in 2006, I worried about the feasibility of having my book available both as an e-book and print. An avid reader, I had always loved being surrounded by shelves full of books, visiting book stores, libraries, and waiting eagerly for the next release by my current fav author. Never, would I have dreamed how e-books would become such a popular item only four years later!

With the recent developments in e-readers, competition has ramped up, and prices are falling. And, this means a big change in the mindsets of those who read. The younger generation is going for the latest technological devices, and part of that is being able to read books on their device of choice. This explosion has been heard all around the world.

My first experience with reading electronic books was on an ancient Palm Pilot, no bigger than the size of my palm. I loved carrying it with me and reading in the doctor's office, while waiting in line to vote, on my lunch hour...the list goes on. This year I made the decision to purchase a Kindle. I LOVE it. I can purchase a book I hear about instantly!  I love the fact that I can read my Kindle in the brightest of sunlight. I can make notes about specific passages, look up the meaning of a word, all on the same device. It's fantastic.
And, my decision about e-books? I'm sold. And, I'm very happy as an author to gear my career in the arena of e-books.

One thing I caution any new writers about is to research your publisher carefully before going into contract. There are so many new small publishers popping up that one must be very cautious.

Here is a link furnished in my RWA eNotes which I found amusing and interesting.
Of Two Minds About Books

Which do you prefer: print book or e-book and why?