Seventy-five percent of Americans sixteen and older, according to a Pew Internet survey, said they've read a book in 2012. That's a decrease of three percent from 2011. Eighty-nine percent of the readers said they read a print book. Thirty percent of the readers said they read an e-book. Seventeen percent said they listened to an audio book. (According to the survey, readers read a median of six books.)
What does it all mean?
To me, it means that if you want to reach readers, you have to have your book available in multiple formats. As technology continues to advance, and readers purchase more smart devices, we -- authors -- risk the possibility of losing, or not even attracting some readers, if they can't get our books the way they want to receive them.
We've all heard about print vs e-books for years. But, I think what surprised me about this survey was the increase in audio books (increased from thirteen percent to seventeen percent.) As our schedules get tighter, and time becomes more precious, will audio books be the new trend?
I still love curling up with a good book (print or e-book.)
What do you think?
(If you want to read more about this survey check out http://libraries.pewinternet.org.)
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I agree that books need to be marketed in the different formats - it fits so many different lifestyles from the jogger who listens to an iPod as they run, the busy traveler who only has to pack a Kindle in their suitcase or the traditional relaxer who curls up in an old chair with a good book. Audiobooks are also especially helpful for those with vision problems who still want to "see the world". To make a very bad play on a cliche, we can't bring the mountain to the book, we have to bring the books to the mountain in whatever mode possible.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Chelle. We have to be able to reach readers in the format of their choice.
ReplyDeleteI love books on tape. Re: audio books, I don't know how it works. I guess I'll have to call Ms. Cordero or get info from Ms.Austin so I can listen.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea. Love your publisher and mine.
Nothing beats flipping over a three hundred page paperback; the smell of paper wafting through your nose, the leaves clapping between your fingertips. But the fact is that print is going digital, and so is data preservation, because it can simply store more information within such small, manageable spaces. This is what we'd really find ourselves adjusting to, as much as reading in 'e-formats' from now on..
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