One of the most common problems for authors trying to figure out if they should opt for eBooks vs a print book in the dynamic world of publishing. Formats are not equal as both have merits and drawbacks and most of the best choice does also depend on what you want, your audience, and your budget.
No matter if you are an author looking forward to starting publishing your first book or an experienced writer that just released his latest material, you have to understand the pros and cons of each format. With printing on demand getting easier and easier, as well as mass produced formats still having a lot of popularity, how do you select the right context for your situation ?
So let’s distinguish eBooks from print–books and maybe you will be able to figure out which one is more suitable for you in your publishing road.
The Rise of eBooks
The way we read is going through a massive transformation thanks to eBooks. Via smartphones, tablets, e-readers, even desktop apps readers are able to consume an extensive library of books almost anywhere they are. Perhaps the biggest convenience of eBooks has become popular, especially among the young and for anyone who travels a lot.
Publishing eBooks is pretty cheap and simple. There are no printing costs, shipping, or storage worry. So, once your book is formatted correctly and you upload it to a distribution platform like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing it will be read by everyone around the globe just like that.
The big pro being time to market. Print books take weeks and months to print + distribution but eBooks can go live in less than a day. This suits well for time critical topics or if you have to get into sales right away already.
For a custom book publishing service, if you are working with one that also handles eBook formatting and digital optimization on 3rd party platforms, it will almost wrap the work so your book is more available for reading by all those devices at once.
The Timeless Appeal of Print Books
Print did not go out of fashion with the digital revolution. There is something — some cordural experience that you just cannot shake from holding a paper book in your hands, turning those pages, and seeing it on a shelf as opposed to the soft-format-ness of the digital.
Even with many readers, It’s especially in academia and also for more older demographic final readers still love print form over digital.
Even a bit of a marketing angle, digital books are not the same as physical ones. Sign and sell copies at events, give them to your influencers or use as giveaway prizes.
The illusion of archives and proper toothsome hardcopies in-person to share (essentially cheating) with a real author.
With that being said, print books have new difficulties of their own:
- Big initial investments for print and then distribution
- Efficient inventory control, shipping logistics.
- Longer production timelines.
However, even for authors who are interested in publication longevity and those in certain genres (children’s or picture books to coffee table bound cookbooks), a well done print edition can be a winner.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Format
Factors to take into account when deciding between eBooks and print books:
1. Your Target Audience
Know your readers, and that’s your secret. The high tech younger kids are more likely to read an e-book, as opposed to the print version or older readers who may want more tangibility.
While academic/ professional markets or readers tend naturally for note-taking and quick reference, genre fiction (romance/thriller/scifi for examples) lends itself more readily to eBook formats where the book can be consumed quickly.
2. Budget and Resources
Ebook is practically more like a lasso for self publishing when you think of starting up if your pocket is not that deep. Granted you’ve eliminated the expense of print and shipping, so you can test things out with a lot less risk.
But, if you have a marketing budget and are reaching out to do book signings or retail, then investing in a print version can be more profitable.
3. Distribution Goals
Ebooks Better Access Globally Print only allows you to reach international buyers without shipping. Just in case, print books may provide more lucrative (read: self-published) options in the brick & mortar arena e,g bookstores, libraries or events.
You could even look at doing both as a way of getting the most mileage with differing reading habits.
Hybrid Publishing: Why Not Both?
More authors are choosing the hybrid option, releasing their work on both eBook and print. This approach lets you enjoy the best in both worlds without encroaching on your audience. Kind people can download the eBook, but for fellows that love physical products they can opt-out the print edition.
A hybrid model: A dual-format strategy bolsters discoverability. Your book may be found online by some readers, others might find it at a library or book fair. Providing the formats gives you to your readers where they are.
This dual-format strategy can be founded on straight professional publisher providers to show you the way. They help to keep you consistent between platforms, expose the best metadata for discoverability and provide service with distribution and design.
Environmental and Accessibility Considerations
Another thing that can be important is sustainability. They eliminate paper and ink and physical shipping, meaning they’re an eco-friendly means of publishing. As a consequence, this could help your decision if sustainability matters to your brand or customer.
By contrast, eBooks are electronic devices that can barely be used by all demographics. Even Print books are required for people without access to digital platforms or those with vision disabilities that have trouble reading text out loud.
Conclusion: Choose What Aligns With Your Goals
At the end of the day the choice of eBooks vs paper books is not right v/s wrong — it simply depends on what fits into your goals as an author.
If you want super speedy, low cost and global access then just go for eBooks If you want to make a lasting impression, elevate your credibility or provide a premium product in-person then print books might be the best choice.
Even better, publish for both mediums to take advantage of what the formats have to offer.
No matter your route, by the time you complete this process you should have already added a hefty investment in professional editing, cover design and marketing services for your book. A good strategy (and some planning) to reach your ship, anywhere in format.
