It's been a continuous debate for decades now - which do readers prefer: print books or eBooks? When deciding on the format for publishing your book, which one should you choose?
Back when eBooks were hitting the book scene, many experts agreed that they would wildly outgrow print books in popularity. And what's not to love? They are environmentally friendly, they are usually cheaper than their print counterparts, and they are accessible to those with visual sensitivities. For self-publishing authors, eBooks can be more cost-effective to publish than print books, they allow for higher royalty payments, and they can give an author worldwide reach.
On the other hand, print books offer a sensory experience that's unmatched. The act of touching the cover and pages, inhaling the scent, feeling the weight, and folding the corners of the pages creates a unique connection when reading a print book. Furthermore, print books offer a distraction-free reading experience. Unlike digital devices, they don't have notifications or other applications that can interrupt reading. For self-publishing authors, print books establish credibility and prestige. They are more likely to be eligible for awards, they can be sold in many styles of stores, and they can used for book events and signings.
So, what's the verdict? Which format do people prefer?
Well here are some statistics for 2024*:
Popularity and Usage of Print Books and eBooks
Print Books: Print books remain the preferred format among readers. Approximately 65% of U.S. adults have read a print book in the past year. This format continues to dominate despite the rise of digital alternatives.
Ebooks: About 30% of Americans have read an ebook in the last 12 months. This figure has seen a slight increase from previous years, reflecting growing but still limited adoption compared to print books.
Demographics: Younger readers, particularly those aged 18 to 29, are more likely to engage with both print and digital formats. However, the overall preference for print remains strong across all age groups.
Market Share and Financial Impact
Sales: Ebooks accounted for approximately 20% of all book sales in the U.S., showing significant but not dominant market penetration. The global ebook market is expected to generate nearly $1.6 billion by 2025.
Revenue: In the U.S., print books generated substantial revenue, with sales reaching around $27 billion. Ebooks, while popular, contribute significantly less to overall book sales revenue, reflecting their lower price points and different market dynamics.
Pricing
Cost Comparison: The cost difference between ebooks and print books has narrowed over time. For instance, new hardcover bestsellers often sell for about $19.80, with their ebook counterparts priced around $12, providing a modest saving for ebook buyers.
Backlist Titles: Older and less popular titles tend to be significantly cheaper in ebook format, sometimes even available for free, making them a cost-effective option for avid readers.
Growth and Trends
Audiobooks: Another digital format, audiobooks, has been growing rapidly, with a notable 40% increase in sales in recent years. This indicates a broader shift towards digital consumption of literature.
Reader Preferences: Despite the convenience of digital formats, a significant portion of readers still prefer the tactile experience of print books. Only 7% of Americans stated a preference for reading exclusively via ebooks.
So, in the end, ebooks are getting pretty popular these days, but print books are still holding their own and are actually what most people prefer. And of course, the growing popularity of audiobooks cannot be understated (more on that in another post). It's wonderful that we live in a world where readers and authors alike have the power to choose the format that works best for them.
Krista Hannesen - Owner, The Authors' Gathering
Krista, a graduate of York University's English program, has a decade of expertise in publishing, writing, editing, and research. Her songwriting talents have garnered over 60,000 views on YouTube, while her written works have been prominently showcased in CC Voice, YOUR, SoulFull Image, and various other publications. Krista has been the editorial lead of over 45 books through A Beautiful Life Books, and has been the Executive Editor and Editorial Director of A Beautiful Life Magazine since 2018.
*Sources:
Toner Buzz
WorldMetrics
Pew Research Center
ThinkImpact
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