Printed Book or eBook?

Which do you prefer?

I guess that there is no right or wrong answer here – it’s a very personal preference as to which each person prefers. I’ve spoken to many people about this, and from what I can gather, although many older people seem to prefer a physical book, there is now a growing number of young adults who have learnt to appreciate the printed word too despite growing up in a digital world. Some of the comments include how special it is to hold a book in your hands; the simple act of the turning the pages, the smell and feel of the paper that somehow makes the story more real.

From a personal point of view, although I love to hold a printed book and appreciate the artwork gracing the cover, eBooks are such a wonderful option, especially when travelling, or you are running out of shelf space at home! An eBook is instant, affordable and they can be turned into audiobooks. Other attributes include being able to alter the font size and the backlight, as well as being both lightweight and compact. As authors, we must acknowledge how eBooks have expanded access and allowed more people around the world to discover books and enjoy reading.

That being said, there is just something so pleasurable about holding a physical book. The tactile feel of the paper, highlighting meaningful passages, being able to easily go back to a page that you want to read again, and the satisfaction of seeing your progress with each turn of the page. We must also remember that for young children, books are invaluable for their development and crucial for building language skills, expanding vocabulary and cognitive function. As an author, there’s something deeply humbling but satisfying knowing someone is holding your book in their hands and are reading the words that you put there. Perhaps a printed book creates a personal connection that an e-book cannot…

In summary, from a writers point of view, I think offering both formats is the best approach, and that there is a firm place in the world for both. We must consider that each reader has different preferences and the goal is to make our books as accessible as possible.

But there's just something so special about a book...

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