paper books versus ebooks

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E-Books vs. Print Books: What's the Difference?

E-books vs. print books: an overview.

In the last several years, e-books have become a mainstay of the publishing industry. However, the demise of printed books as a result of the introduction of e-books has not materialized as predicted.

According to the Association of American Publishers, e-book sales in the U.S. declined slightly to $983 million in 2019 from a year earlier. The lower growth rate followed several years of double-digit declines in e-book sales. Hardcover and paperback books still rule the market, with approximately $3 billion and 2.5 billion in sales in 2019, respectively.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic was a boon to print publishing. Sales rose 8.2% year over year to a total of 751 million copies, according to Printing Impressions, a publishing industry journal. More leisure time and a need to educate children at home were cited as reasons for the book-buying spree.

While e-books are helping the publishing industry, they can be a bit daunting for readers. If you are used to going to a local bookstore, browsing the aisles, and perhaps reading the first chapter before purchasing, you still can with e-books, albeit with a little adjustment.

Key Takeaways

Print books have the feel of a book that many readers love. You can hold it, turn the pages, and feel the paper.

• Illustrations on paper are generally higher quality than even high-end e-readers can reproduce.  
• E-books come with font style and size flexibility.
• E-readers can store thousands of books on a single device.

Print Books

People who love to read spend a lifetime acquiring books. They may find it wrenching to abandon their shelves of books for a single slab of plastic.

Readers may also compare the quality of illustrations between the two formats and find the print versions superior. The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes can be bought in either hardcover or Kindle versions but readers may find the Kindle version lacking due to the shrunken size of the illustrations and the relative clumsiness of toggling between story text and annotations.

Some readers also experience some eye strain using an electronic device instead of a printed book.

A Cost Comparison

Print books are still a little more expensive than e-books, but not all that much. President Barack Obama's memoir, A Promised Land , is currently $17.99 for the Kindle edition, and $23.96 for the hardcover. John Grisham's past bestseller, The Guardians , is $9.99 for the Kindle edition, $9.64 for the paperback version, and $14 for the hardcover.

Classics are the real bargain in any format. You can get Charles Dickens: The Complete Works for Kindle for $2.99, while Bleak House alone is $5.95 in paperback. Both prices are bargains, of course, because the publishers don't have to pay anyone for the rights.

Books on paper are difficult to carry around, especially hardcovers. If you're an avid reader and you're going on a trip, or if you're just stepping out to a coffee shop, an e-reader or iPad is a far lighter burden than a book or a stack of them.

The price gap is closing. An e-book might be priced about the same as the paperback edition but less than the hardcover.

There's also the satisfaction of having an entire library at your fingertips, not to mention an infinite supply just a click away, ready to download instantly.

In addition, e-book buyers have the advantage that the internet gives consumers of any products: No space constraints. Just about everything ever published is available, all the time.

There are some drawbacks. You must recharge an e-reader or any other electronic device. Some screens are not easily readable in sunlight. And, if you are one of the millions who spend the entire workday in front of a computer, reading your favorite author on a computer screen in the evening may not appeal.

The Shrinking Price Difference

E-books aren't much less expensive than their paper counterparts, at least when it comes to new books from major publishers. Amazon, the dominant online bookseller, was forced by the major book publishers to increase their e-book prices, raising prices by an average of $5 per e-book over time.

Publishers have to price in a significant amount of overhead, including office space, utilities, benefits, and salaries for employees. Other costs include the printing, editing, marketing, and distribution process. Only some of the costs, particularly those related to printing and distribution, disappear with e-book editions.

The trouble is, many readers assume that e-books should be free, or at least much cheaper than their print counterparts. Some publishers respond that printing a book accounts for only about 10% of its cost.   By eliminating this step, the cost of a book would only drop about $2.70, bringing the average price of a book down from about $27 to $24.30.  

Beyond Amazon

Avid e-book readers can stray beyond Amazon or Barnes and Noble and read for free.

The nonprofit Project Gutenberg offers 60,000 free downloadable books, most of them classics well beyond their copyright protection expiration dates. The site Free Classic Books offers just that, in an alphabetized list from Alcott, Louisa M., to Wodehouse, P.G.

Google Books brags that it has more than 10 million books available to download for free, including textbooks and government documents as well as literary classics.

The Initial Cost of E-Books

You don't have to buy an e-reader to read e-books. You can just use your laptop, an Apple iPad or other tablet device, or even a phone app.

That said, Amazon's e-readers are currently priced at around $89.99 to $279.99, with the upper end containing the full features of a tablet. The Barnes & Noble Nook comes in a couple of versions starting at $119.99.

Kobo readers, currently priced at about $133 to $168, are particularly designed for readers who borrow e-books from libraries. The Onyx Boox Note, at under $500, is a full tablet built for students who need to wade through textbooks and documents.

Special Considerations: The Publishing Business

E-books may omit some of the traditional costs of publishing, but it imposes other costs. Added technology costs involve formatting the e-book so that various electronic devices and browsers can properly download and store the book.

Whether it's printed or downloaded, a percentage of the e-book price must be paid to online sellers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This can be anywhere from 30% to 50% of the sale price.

The Independent Route

Smaller publishers and independent authors have more leeway with pricing, but they still have many of the same costs. They must give a percentage of their e-book sales to the online distributor, and unless they are graphic designers, they must hire an illustrator to create their cover art.

Most independent authors have to hire someone to convert their books into e-book format. Plus, they still have the marketing and promotional costs that are required to get their books noticed. However, e-books are overall lower in cost to produce, and that is typically reflected in their lower price than print editions.

Association of American Publishers. " AAP StatShot: Trade Book Publisher Revenue Increased by 4.6% in 2018 ."

Association of American Publishers. " AAP DECEMBER 2019 STATSHOT REPORT: PUBLISHING INDUSTRY UP 1.8% FOR CY2019 ."

PIWorld. " Pandemic Drives Printed Book Sales in the US to Highest Level in a Decade ."

David Derrico. " Cost Breakdowns: E-Books vs. Printed Books ."

School Library Journal. " SLJ’s Average Book Prices for 2018 ."

Barnes & Noble Press. " Make More Money by Self-Publishing with B&N Press ."

Kindle. " Digital Pricing Page ."

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Home » Blog » Print 101 » EBooks vs. Printed Books: Which Are Better?

EBooks vs. Printed Books: Which Are Better?

In the case of eBooks vs. printed books, have you ever wondered which is better? The answer may surprise you.

Some people might think that whether books or eBooks are superior is an open and shut case. But then again, the fact that you are reading this indicates that there are two sides to this debate.

As a printing company, we certainly like books, but at the same time, we strive to innovate and embrace change, so this requires us to look carefully at the arguments both ways.

First off, in measuring books against eBooks, it is important to define which factors we are comparing. The arguments over the superiority of books or eBooks consist of several categories:

• Convenience and Ease of Use

Retention of Information/Learning

Impact on the environment.

There are good arguments on both sides for all categories listed above. Without getting too academic, here is a short list of pros and cons for eBooks vs. books.

EBooks vs. Printed Books: Discover the Better Option

Ease of use.

eBooks can be used in most places, so long as you can keep the reading devices charged. Most eReaders can even be used to read in the dark. It is also convenient to download an eBook since you can have it in seconds as long as there is Wi-Fi or a good cellular signal.

Most eBooks will hold your place, so whenever you open your device, you can automatically see where you stopped reading. eBooks can also contain thousands of books at all times, allowing you to carry an entire library with you.

Books require no power to operate, so you can read them in any environment with light. You don’t need power to “recharge” a book. You can also easily write, highlight passages, or dog-ear pages in a book, although some book lovers may frown upon doing so.

Many users report having more eye strain reading digital editions than physical books. In addition, it is much easier to work with multiple books and sources (for example, to write a research paper) when dealing with physical books. Is it also usually easier to keep track of specific pages or passages in physical books since the pages never change.

There are some specialized situations where eBooks outperform physical books. Some of this depends on the personal preference of individual readers. In addition, some readers with physical limitations, such as poor eyesight or dyslexia, may find electronic text easier since they can magnify the font and enjoy some of the interactive features of eBooks.

Many studies confirm that reading comprehension is better with physical books than with eBooks. Although young people may read more quickly on an eReader, the speed and potential distractions of links, scrolling, and advertisements usually mean people remember and retain what they are reading better in physical books. Many readers also enjoy the touch and feel of holding and turning the pages of a book.

Taking it at face value, you would think that eBooks win when it comes to the environment. However, evaluating the environmental impact of books and eBooks is complicated. For one, it depends on how many books you read on an eReader.

eReaders take a lot more carbon to produce than books, so studies indicate you need to read between twenty-two and one hundred books on an eReader to be more environmentally conscious than simply reading hard copy books. In addition, you need to consider that eReaders need to be recycled properly, have to recharge regularly, and contain some toxic metals requiring proper disposal.

When you buy a book, you can get it new or used, and used books are certainly more environmentally conscious than new. Borrowing books from a library is even more environmentally friendly. In addition, when you are done with a book, you can sell it or gift it to the next reader… a feat which is nigh impossible with eBooks. Lastly, if a book reaches the end of its life or falls into disrepair, you can recycle the book.

Additionally, many printing companies who produce books follow “green” printing practices that prevent harmful chemicals or excessive amounts of waste from entering the environment.

Typically, eBooks are priced lower than new paper books. This reflects the fact that there are no printing costs associated with creating eBooks.

You don’t truly own eBooks when you buy them. For instance, if your eReader breaks or your account shuts down, you lose all the books you purchased.

Physical books can be borrowed, gifted, or sold. You can also borrow books easily from the library. Also, in the case of a book that has special value to a reader or is an antique, it can be retained for a lifetime without worrying about eReader compatibility or eBook formatting. Lastly, books have some decorative value as they are placed on bookshelves for later use.

Can You Print An EBook?

Have you written and self-published an eBook, and then you realized that you’d like to have physical copies of your book? Do you want to sell copies or distribute them to friends, family, or business associates? If so, you’re probably wondering, “Can you print an eBook?”

If you’re an eBook author who wants to print physical copies of your eBook project, keep in mind that the process is more complicated than simply pressing the “print” button on your computer. Digital books typically consist of dynamic computer files which allow the reader to change print size, zoom in on images, leave virtual bookmarks, highlight passages, and otherwise interact with their book. Files used to print books, on the other hand, are typically static files such as PDF files created using Adobe InDesign .

When considering eBook printing, think about the following challenges.

The eBook printing process is not as simple as saving your eBook as a PDF file and then printing it, as you must keep considerations such as bleed in mind. Bleed, which consists of an image running off the edge of a page, is a key aspect of printing products such as books.

After all of the pages in a book are printed, they are then cut down to a uniform size, and the bleed is the extra space at the edges of the page that is cut off. Adding bleed in print files is vital, as it ensures that the pages in the printed book will contain correctly-sized margins and that all pages will be the exact same dimensions.

Typesetting

Typesetting is also a serious consideration when trying to print eBook files. The code for some characters in eBook files does not easily transfer to static file types, fonts might not be compatible, and file conversions can alter how the text is arranged on the page.

As a result, you might need to spend hours or days manually typesetting the entire book, finding custom characters, and ensuring that every line is exactly as you intend it. If you’ve ever had to typeset — or re-typeset — a book, you know that this process is a headache!

Legal Considerations

Many eBooks are protected intellectual property. As such, be sure that you have the proper permission to print an eBook, whether you are the author or not. Many publishing houses control the copyright to their books, so contact them with any questions before printing an eBook.

If you are self-publishing your own book, this task might be easier. Before printing an eBook, consult with a lawyer who is knowledgeable about copyright law and digital rights management and can help you navigate the process.

The Print Authority Can Print Your eBook for You

If you’re feeling discouraged, we have good news: The Print Authority can print your eBook for you and take care of all of the potential pitfalls we’ve described! Our expert team has experience converting eBook files to stable PDFs that contain the correct bleed and which can be easily printed. We convert eBooks into professionally-printed paper books with a variety of bindings , letting you sit back, relax, and enjoy your beautiful finished paper book.

Which Should You Use?

There are obvious pros and cons for both eBooks vs. books, and both media are in high demand. Interestingly, recent articles point out that sales of both books and eBooks are increasing .

Additionally, there are more new ways of printing and distributing books than ever before. Self-publishing is extremely common, and there are more niche publications than ever.

If you need help with designing or printing a book, please don’t hesitate to contact us at The Print Authority . We have decades of experience and will be glad to help!

eBooks vs Printed Books – Which is better?

In the early 2000s, eBooks were seen as a major threat to traditional printed books. Many predicted that they would soon replace physical books altogether. However, recent trends have shown a decline in eBook sales, while printed book sales have been steadily increasing.

In 2009, eBooks outsold printed books on Amazon and reached a peak in 2014. But since then, the trend has shifted. In 2018, figures showed that book sales had almost doubled in the previous decade, and the book printing industry was thriving.

So, what has led to this shift? There are several reasons why people may be opting for physical books over eBooks. Some may prefer the feel and smell of a real book, while others may prefer the convenience of being able to highlight or make notes in a physical book. Additionally, some may have concerns about the long-term availability and preservation of eBooks.

Overall, while eBooks were once thought to be the future of reading, it seems that printed books are here to stay. The book printing industry is thriving, and it seems that many people still prefer the traditional experience of reading a physical book.

eBooks vs Printed Books – What’s better?

Physical books offer a unique and enjoyable reading experience that can’t be replicated by eBooks. The texture of the paper, the cover design, and the overall feel of a physical book all contribute to the reading experience. For many people, the physical aspect of a book is an important part of the reading process. Without it, the experience is incomplete.

Sharing physical books is also a simple and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re lending a book to a friend or donating it to a library, the process is straightforward. With eBooks, the process can be a bit more complicated, making it less convenient to share the books you love with others.

In addition, the ability to annotate, highlight, and make notes in a physical book is an important aspect of the reading experience for many people. Being able to physically mark up a book and make it your own is a unique aspect of reading physical books that is not possible with eBooks.

In conclusion, while eBooks have their own advantages, the unique experience of reading a physical book cannot be denied. From the feel of the paper to the ability to share and annotate, physical books offer a reading experience that is truly special.

Printed books have been shown to be beneficial for overall health and well-being. Studies have demonstrated that reading can increase lifespan, reduce illness, improve memory, and decrease stress levels. Additionally, research has suggested that reading physical books may also help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Reading physical books before bedtime is also a healthier option compared to reading eBooks. The bright, well-lit screens of eBooks can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively impact the quality of sleep. In contrast, physical books do not emit any light and do not disrupt the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, making them a better option for bedtime reading.

In conclusion, reading physical books not only provides a delightful and immersive reading experience but also numerous benefits for your health and well-being. From improving memory and reducing stress to promoting better sleep, physical books are a great addition to any bedtime routine.

Keep going there’s more…

Physical books have a unique ability to evoke memories and emotions from the past. When you come across an old book that you had long forgotten, it can trigger a flood of memories and emotions. For example, finding an old copy of “Of Mice and Men” that you had to study for hours in a literature class can bring back memories of studying hard and feeling proud of your accomplishments.

A book with suncream stains from a holiday in France five years ago can remind you of the warm sun, the smell of the ocean and the laughter of your loved ones. A book that your Grandmother gave you as a child can bring back feelings of warmth, love, and safety.

In contrast, eBooks do not have the same ability to evoke memories and emotions. They do not have the physical attributes that physical books have, such as the smell, texture, and appearance. They do not have the same sentimental value as physical books, that can be passed down for generations to come.

Physical books have a unique ability to evoke memories and emotions from the past. They can bring back feelings of nostalgia and remind us of our personal history, which is something that eBooks cannot replicate. Physical books are not just a means of reading, but also a means of preserving memories.

Physical books offer a distinct advantage when it comes to finding your place in a book. With a physical book, you can easily flip through the pages and find your spot again in a matter of minutes. This is not the case with eBooks, where finding your place can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.

Additionally, physical books allow you to gauge your progress in a more tangible way. Seeing the number of pages you have left and feeling the weight of the book in your hand can give a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you near the end of the book. In contrast, eBooks simply give a percentage of how much you have read and how much is left, which can feel less satisfying.

Overall, physical books offer an ease and satisfaction in finding your place and judging your progress that eBooks cannot match. The feeling of flipping through pages, physically seeing and feeling the progress, and the satisfaction of finishing a big chunky book is something that eBooks can’t replicate.

Supporting physical bookstores is an important aspect of being a book lover. Bookstores are beloved for their knowledgeable staff, the smell of books, and the wide selection of titles available. Without the support of customers buying physical books, these special places would not be able to exist.

Physical books also add a unique touch to home decor. A bookshelf filled with physical books can give insight into a person’s personality and interests. Additionally, physical books make for an aesthetically pleasing display, adding character and charm to any room. In contrast, eBooks do not have the same visual appeal and do not contribute to the aesthetic of a bookshelf.

Buying physical books not only supports local bookstores and contributes to the survival of these special places but also adds beauty and character to one’s home. Physical books are not just a means of reading but also a means of expressing oneself and beautifying one’s surroundings.

eBooks vs Printed Books – What’s your decision?

When it comes to choosing between eBooks and printed books, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. While eBooks have their own advantages such as portability and convenience, there are also many benefits to reading physical books.

For instance, physical books do not require batteries or electronic devices to read, and studies have shown that our brains retain information better when reading from physical books. Additionally, physical books offer a unique reading experience that is difficult to replicate with eBooks.

At the end of the day, whether you choose an eBook or a physical book, both have their own unique benefits. However, for those who prefer the traditional reading experience, the feel and smell of paper, the ability to physically mark up a book and the aesthetic appeal of physical books on a bookshelf, printed books will always be the preferred choice.

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Print Books vs Ebooks: A Long Battle for Existence

Abstract: One of the most significant human achievements has been the invention of books. When things are tough, we turn to books for comfort. As the pages turn, books open a secret gateway to a previously unknown universe. They give us solace when the going gets hard and work as an escape from reality. Thanks to technological advancements, paper books are no longer the only format available to readers worldwide. E-books have taken the world by a storm since their inception and continue to enthral readers with various advantages. But the ebook vs. printed book issue is far from finished, and it's just getting more difficult as time goes on. It might be difficult to choose one over the other, and the battle between digital and traditional books appears to be far from over. But which is better, e-books or printed books? Will future readers flip pages or swipe?

Keywords: Digitisation, Readers, Libraries, Technology, Publishers, Bookworms.

E-books provide readers with a wider range of options than they would get in a bookstore. Books can be downloaded anywhere, anytime without going to the bookstore. They are made available in the native language of the reader anywhere in the world. Instead of the hassle of carrying multiple books, one e-reader can carry dozens of titles.

Though the question pops up that are we still reading as attentively and thoroughly as we did before the rise of digital texts and technologies? Why does text read on a screen differ from text read on paper in our brains? The truth of such concerns is questionable. Therefore, should we be concerned about dividing our attention between pixels and ink? According to laboratory research, surveys, and consumer reviews, many people miss certain tactile aspects of reading on paper that current screens and e-readers don't fully replicate. More crucially, they don't allow people to easily navigate extensive texts. Reading comprehension may be hindered as a result of difficulty locating information on a map. In addition to draining our mental resources while reading, screens may also make it more difficult to recall what we've read after we've finished. Another part of the research examines people's views on various forms of media. If they're not aware of it, many individuals approach computers and tablets with a mindset that is less conducive to learning than the mindset they bring to paper. Paper and ink may still be superior when it comes to reading long passages of plain text. There are more ways to read than text.

According to the 2019 annual report of the Association of American Publishers, publishers of books in all media generated over $26 billion in revenue in the U.S. in 2018, with print accounting for $22.6 billion and e-books for $2.04 billion. According to Meryl Halls, managing director of the U.K. Booksellers' Association, despite the fact that digital media has disrupted businesses such as news publishing and the music industry, consumers still enjoy owning real books. There is nothing like the scent, feel, and feeling of sitting down — with no electronic devices in sight. Those who love to read also like to flaunt what they've read. They enjoy keeping track of the books they've read. Print publishing still has a lot going for it – books never run out of batteries. Besides, they can be passed along to friends when done reading.

Publishers and authors feared that cheaper e-books would eat away at their print revenues, and retailers were struggling to stay open. In reality, the end of print books never came, at least not on time. Since e-books were predicted to overtake print books by 2015, digital sales have actually decreased sharply . Digital book subscription businesses like Netflix and Pandora have failed to convert bookworms into digital binge readers, and as a result, several have folded. A tablet and Smartphone use has led to a decline in sales of specialised e-reading devices. Young readers who are digital natives, on the other hand, prefer to read on paper, according to several studies.

There's nothing like a printed book; the weight, the woody scent, the feel, the look. ― E.A. Bucchianeri

As per the Adverts & Media Outlook , ebook usage continues to lag far behind that of printed books around the world. For example, in the United States, where ebooks are still quite prevalent, 23 percent of the population is reported to have purchased an ebook last year, versus 44 percent who bought a printed book. All formats will stand the test of time when it comes to the future of books; e-books will not be the death knell for printed books but rather a complementing product.

JD Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye author, who died in 2010 at the age of 91, detested the idea of his books being interpreted in any medium beyond the page and often turned down requests to adapt his writing for the stage and the big screen. The estate of J.D. Salinger has declared that the author's infamously limited body of work would be made available as ebooks for the first time after years of the author's estate refusing to allow publishers to digitise his writings. In February 2019, Matt Salinger, son of JD Salinger, revealed that decades of unpublished writing by his father will be released over the next 10 years, predicting that it will take five to seven years to finish assembling.

Stephen Fry, an actor, in 2009 tweeted , “One technology doesn’t replace another, it complements. Books are no more threatened by Kindle than stairs by elevators.”

The metaphor can be applied to ebooks and printed books as well. It's just a matter of time before print media succumbs to a similar fate to the internet-enabled mobile phones and laptops that are already threatening to overtake the market. The old-fashioned sheet and adhesive books, despite all of this, continue to exert their impact in society. In the same way that digital notes cannot replace handwritten pencil and paper ones, looking at words on a screen is just not the same as reading them on paper. Nothing will ever replace the thrill of holding a book made entirely of hand-lettered ink on pulp-pressed paper.

References:

1.      American Scientific, “The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens”, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/reading-paper-screens/ (accessed on June 20, 2022). 

2.      CNBC, “Physical books still outsell e-books — and here’s why”, https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/19/physical-books-still-outsell-e-books-and-heres-why.html (accessed on June 20, 2022).

3.      The New York Times, “The Plot Twist: E-Book Sales Slip, and Print Is Far From Dead”, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/23/business/media/the-plot-twist-e-book-sales-slip-and-print-is-far-from-dead.html (accessed on 28 June, 2022).

4.      Statista, “E-Books Still No Match for Printed Books”,  https://www.statista.com/chart/24709/e-book-and-printed-book-penetration/ (accessed on July 5, 2022).

5.      The Gaurdian, “Matt Salinger: ‘My father was writing for 50 years without publishing. That’s a lot of material”, https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/feb/01/matt-salinger-jd-the-catcher-in-the-rye (accessed on July 5, 2022).

6.      Twitter, “Stephen Fry”, https://twitter.com/stephenfry/status/1312682218?lang=en (accessed on August 2, 2022).

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eBook vs. Paperback: Which is Better?

Ebooks have their uses but the statistics show we still prefer printed books.

Photo by @felipepelaquim on  Unsplash

Physical books are still flying off the shelves — let’s examine why

Since the eBook first emerged on the market, the controversy has raged: which is better, the digital read or the traditional printed book? But while the argument may seem hot in the media and on reader/writer/book blogs the world over, the facts tell a less contentious story. Most people, it seems, still prefer to read a physical book.

According to The Association of American Publishers , US booksellers sell almost 2 billion printed books each year. By contrast, according to Statista , American readers bought just 191 million eBooks in 2020. There’s also evidence that this figure is unusually high because of the pandemic that kept people all over the world at home and left many stores closed for months at a time. Typical eBook sales are somewhat less, and in recent years have leveled off. A survey for the AAP showed that 39% of American adults say they only read printed books; a mere 7% only read digital formats; and 29% read both.

The so-called digital revolution has definitely proved problematic for several branches of the print industry: newspaper sales have plummeted as most people find their news online, for example, and most business newsletters are now digital. But the physical, printed book not only endures: it goes from strength to strength. Given the perceived convenience of the ‘10,000-books-in-your-pocket’ e-reader and the lower price point, why should that be?

The physical object itself is, without doubt, an important factor. A book is more than a channel of communication; it’s an experience. You know, nutrition pills were developed for astronauts decades ago, but who prefers popping a nutritional pill to sitting down with friends for a leisurely lunch prepared by a skilled chef? In the same way that eating isn’t just about nutrition, reading isn’t just about information.

People love physical books: their texture, weight in the hand, the subtle whisper of turning pages, their aroma. And not only that. Publishers are creating incredibly beautiful books these days. Cover art, layout, fonts, drop capitals, dividers, all contribute to books which are works of art in their own right, embodying value even before you read them. They look good on your bookshelves at home. They express something of your personality, your cultural values, your sense of self. And they display those messages to the world, to your family, friends, and colleagues. That’s something with which no eBook, however neatly coded, can ever compete.

A 2021 survey showed that in the US, 65% of adults had read at least one printed book in the past year compared to 30% who had read an eBook. And overall, print books still comfortably outsell eBooks. While it’s commonly thought that digital reading is more popular with the younger crowd and the older folks prefer a digital reader, the statistics suggest the exact opposite is true. It’s people under forty who are driving printed book sales.

Whether you prefer to read in an electronic format or in print, one thing’s for sure; books and publishing have a secure future. People still need to access information and they still want to read stories. While that continues to be true, there will always be books. And despite their convenience for certain applications, eBooks have severe limitations and we — the reading public — much prefer a ‘proper book’ most of the time; eBooks may complement printed books, but they’re not set to replace them anytime soon.

eBooks vs. print books: what are the differences?

How does a paperback book and an ebook differ.

Paperback books — and, indeed, hardcover books — are physical, printed editions, ink-on-paper with the pages bound together. They may contain only text or text and images, too. The images may be photographs or illustrations and may be black-and-white, gray-scale, or full color. Whereas eBooks are digital files which can be read on-screen either via an application on a device such as a desktop computer or a smartphone, or on a purpose-made e-reader. The most common file types are pdf, mobi , and ePub. The Kindle, the Nook, and the Kobo are the most popular e-readers.

Pros and cons of eBooks and print books

There are advantages and disadvantages to both printed books and eBooks. It’s really not a binary choice between one or the other. Each has its place in the modern reading ecology. But let’s take a look at a few of the pros and cons:

Print books

• Printed books , paperback and hardback, have a physical feel to them that most readers prefer
• Illustrations and photographs reproduced on good paper stock and using the latest print technology are clearer and the colors truer
• Readers like to keep physical books and display them at home on their bookshelves
• They can be made from sustainable materials and recycled
• Off-screen reading is less of an eye-strain
• Printed books sometimes cost more than their electronic equivalents
• They are more inconvenient to deliver and store
• E-readers are lightweight and easy to carry around compared to some print books
• You can keep a library of several thousand eBooks in your pocket
• Once you’ve made the capital outlay to buy the e-reader, the books themselves are often — although not always — cheaper and may even be free
• Illustrations are usually poor and charts, tables, and graphics are often indecipherable
• The production of e-readers — like smartphones — is resource heavy and damaging to the environment; they can’t be recycled

Are eBooks cheaper than print books?

Yes and no! Some eBooks are free. Others are cheaper than the print versions. Often print versions and electronic editions are almost, if not the same, in price. And many self-published books in certain popular sub-genres only have an eBook version. Stores like Amazon may run special promotions on eBooks from time-to-time, but all stores do that, on- and offline, with electronic and print books. There’s no hard-and-fast rule. It all depends on the publisher, the marketing strategy, the genre, how famous or unknown the author is, and several other factors.

But let’s be clear: the idea that eBooks are always cheaper isn’t true. And you must buy, charge, and update your e-reader in order to read eBooks. With a physical book, you don’t need software, a device, batteries, or anything else: you just open it and start reading!

eBooks vs paperbacks: the publisher’s perspective

Most self-publishers favor eBooks because they’re perceived as cheap and relatively easy to put into the marketplace. Traditional publishers — perhaps having initially seen the e-reader as a threat — took a little longer to adopt electronic publishing. As time goes on, however, it seems that we can expect increasing hybridization until self-publishing and mainstream publishing are divided only by a blurry line with plenty of crossover in-between.

But is it really cheaper to publish eBooks only? Not really. While you obviously don’t have printing costs, you still need to pay for editing, formatting, and artwork; not to mention ISBNs (if you want to publish off Amazon and get your books into libraries’ digital databases), marketing, and promotion. And where you may save on one side, you pay more on the other. For example, as we’ve seen, few readers are e-reader exclusive. So, the word on self-publishing street is that you must publish a paperback edition anyway or you’re effectively cutting down your market share to less than 10%. If you choose not to have a print edition — say, if you go with KDP Kindle exclusive publishing — then you’re competing in a very narrow field and your marketing budget will probably go up.

eBook vs. paperback: 5 common questions answered

Which is better, ebook or printed book.

Many studies — several cited in a fascinating article published in Scientific American — show that the brain responds differently to digital reading and reading print. In fact, there’s now conclusive evidence to suggest that we understand more and retain information in memory for longer when we interact with a traditional printed medium as opposed to a digital one. 

Most people in the surveys that we quoted earlier also say that they enjoy the experience of a physical book more than an eBook. Because many people aren’t just readers but ‘book lovers’ and the reading experience for them isn’t just about the words; and the multi-sensory richness of the physical, printed book beats even the most expensive e-reader on those metrics.

What are the disadvantages of eBooks?

• There’s the expense — hundreds of dollars — to buy the e-reader in the first place
• Then you need to keep recharging the battery and replace it when it gives up the ghost
• You need a fast, reliable Internet connection to download your books
• Technical issues, poor connectivity, software updates, and more can all interrupt the reading experience
• Even now, according to this article in The Atlantic , the eBook is dominated by the self-publishing movement. Relatively few traditionally published authors’ books are available in electronic format if they were published after 1932. Which means that to find something good to read, you need to plow through all the not very good stuff published without any quality control; and if you’re looking for a favorite mainstream author, you probably need to get the paperback

Is reading e-Books worse than reading paper books?

Most studies — like the ones cited in the Scientific American article we mentioned above — show that the electronic reading experience is less engaging, less memorable, and worse for your eyes. So, in that sense, yes, reading eBooks is worse than reading printed paper books.

Do eBooks outsell print books?

The short and sweet answer is that — evidenced in data from Publishers Weekly , Statista , and The Association of American Publishers , to name only a few reliable sources — no, eBooks don’t outsell print books. The printed paper book still dominates the market.

Can eBooks replace paper books?

In theory, it might be possible for eBooks to replace certain kinds of printed books such as genre fiction like romance, SF, crime, thrillers, mysteries, and so on. Although it’s unlikely. If that was going to happen, the eBook’s had 10 years and more to take over the paper book and shows no signs of doing so. Other books — text books, art books, scientific books, technical books, and specialist books of every kind — don’t lend themselves to electronic publishing at all. The format, image reproduction size and quality that these books need can’t be provided by any e-reader. So, it looks like e-Books are here to stay — as an often handy and convenient complement to the printed book — but they won’t replace paper books.

The future of printed books

So, the future of printed books is secure. Whether a reader, a collector, a writer, a publisher or self-publisher, you’ll find that your e-reader may be useful, but it’s never going to become a definitive alternative to a paperback, a hardcover, or any other format of printed book. The paper book is here to stay.

Thinking of printing your own book?

You needn’t be a career self-publisher or the director of a mainstream publishing house to print a book — although if you are either of those things, we should talk! — as people choose to print books for many reasons. Memoirs, cookbooks, photo gift albums, and more, are all popular book printing projects. Whatever your reason for printing, talk to us first. We have decades of professional experience and innumerable satisfied customers. Get in touch today and our friendly expert printers will be happy to discuss your project, and give you a quote, with no obligation on your part. We look forward to working with you!

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What Is the Difference Between Ebook and Paperback?

What is the difference between ebook and paperback? Valid question, especially when it comes to learning how to format an ebook or print book for self-publishing. You’re having to take on a lot as an indie author or publisher. So here’s what to know, in the simplest way possible –

First, the similarities between ebooks and printed books

Print book refers to printed pages bound together by either hardcover or softcover (aka paperback). This is your physical, traditional book.

Ebook is a digitally formatted file that’s read on an e-reader like Kindle or an application like Apple Books.

The similarities of ebooks and printed books include elements like the cover design, title page, copyright page, author bio, table of contents, chapters, and paragraphs.

Now, the difference between ebook and paperback

The main difference between paperback and ebook is that the layout of print books is static while the layout of ebooks is dynamic. Pretty much, once content gets printed on paper, it does not change (obviously). But because ebooks are digital, their layouts are not permanent, meaning they can alter and change. This is also called re-flowable text.

What’s re-flowable text? It’s what significantly differentiates ebooks from print books. If we were to get technical with it, PCMag.com explains it as “the ability to automatically wrap words in a document to the next line as the user changes the window size and thereby relocates the right margin of the page.”

To see re-flowable text in action, try opening your book file in Microsoft Word. Go to Menu View, then Web Layout. You’ll see the lack of “pages”. Go ahead and resize your screen smaller and larger. Notice how the text “wraps” or adjusts to the size of the screen? That’s re-flowable text.

Ebooks don’t necessarily have “page numbers”. And that’s because re-flowable text adjusts to the size of the screen, meaning page numbers won’t be the same across different devices and apps. Therefore, unlike print books, the reader can not navigate the contents of a book by page numbers.

Instead, the reader can use the table of contents that is hyperlinked to individual chapters and sections. The reader can also use the search function (that comes with most e-readers) to search for specific words or topics.

A handful of other differences to know:

• Ebooks do not have headers or footers like print books. Footnotes are “endnotes” instead.
• Most e-readers cannot handle complex image placements like print books. So images must be in line with the text, plus centered.
• Charts, tables, and columns gets converted to images in order to show up smoothly in ebooks.
• The font types and sizes in ebooks are formatted more simply than prints. That’s because readers can customize the font type and size with most e-readers.

Now you’re aware of the differences and similarities of ebooks and printed books. What next? Here’s a guide on how to format an ebook . And be sure to bookmark this free ebook converter to generate your final ebook when ready.

Last two cents on what to self-publish: ebook vs paperback

If you’ve got your final manuscript ready and you’re wondering whether to self-publish it as an ebook or print, why not both? In fact, distributing your book in multiple book formats like ebook, print, and even audiobook is a best practice you don’t want to miss. How come? As in indie, you want to maximize your revenue streams. Providing your book in different formats means reaching different audiences.

What to know:

• Print is still one of the most popular mediums. With today’s print-on-demand technology, you can self-publish without having to invest a lot of money in advance. Learn more about print-on-demand .
• The ebook market continues to balloon. On PublishDrive, tens of thousands of indies saw digital book sales more than double last year.
• Audiobook is THE fastest growing online segment in publishing. In the U.S., one in five people now listens to audio. It’s fairly simple to turn your manuscript into an audiobook too: learn how to audiobook .

Sell in thousands of bookstores…

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eBooks vs Printed Books: Which are better?

• Updated on  
• May 4, 2023

Opening up hundreds of worlds as the pages flip, books are a secret door to an undiscovered place. Do the pages flip or are swiped? With the advent of technology, printed books are both the only format available to readers worldwide. ebooks have taken the world by storm since their inception and continue to enthrall readers with various advantages. Picking one over the other can be a nerve-wracking dilemma and the conflict of ebooks vs printed books seems nowhere near ending. This blog is an attempt to pitch one against the other and see the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you are one of those million readers facing the problem, join the club and read this blog to make a satisfactory pick. 

This Blog Includes:

Ebooks vs printed books: at a glance, what is an ebook, what is a printed book , portability, connectivity, availability , layout , price , storage , shareability , relatable reads.

You can’t miss reading these best LGBTQ books !

When a book is made available in digital form, it is referred to as an eBook. The phrase “available” refers to a book that is offered, saved, distributed, and read in digital mode. It consists of text, images, tables, and other elements that may be viewed on a flat panel or touch-screen device, such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, mobile device, or eBook reader. In more technical terms, an eBook is a non-editable book with a reflowable layout that can be read on any electronic device with a configurable viewing display. They are easily accessible by just downloading them from the internet.

Printed books are books in their physical form, consisting of pages or sheets of paper glued together inside the cover. A printed book, in other words, is a lengthy published literary creation. A printed book is laid out in a precise manner known as a “book’s layout.” The basic layout includes a front cover, a rear cover, and body copy or content pages.

Portability is an important feature of anything in the present world. With an increase in movement with the advancement of technology, it is necessary that people are able to carry books about it too. Printed books are rigid and therefore their portability is less. Ebook readers are lightweight and can be conveniently carried anywhere. Only a few printed books can be carried in one go while ebooks can be carried in gigantic numbers in hundreds and thousands. This makes ebooks a miraculous creation.

Ebook readers have a large number of features that have been introduced with the advancement of technology that can’t be found in traditional printed books. From features involving bookmarking, highlighting, and note-making to an inbuilt dictionary, ebooks have it all. With printed books, these features aren’t available making ebooks more tech-savvy and better suited for the fast-paced modern world.

Being a creation of the world of technology, ebooks require connectivity at all times for readers to access ebooks. However, for printed books, connectivity is not a prerequisite making it possible for readers to read in areas with less or no connectivity. A trusty book is never likely to disappoint. Printed books are reliable and can be reached out at any time, anywhere without any potential connectivity inhibitions. 

Ebooks can be hard on the eyes when constantly used. Printed books are a savior because they cause no eye strain and are therefore recommendable for avid readers. Even with ‘low light’ and ‘anti-glare’ technology, ebooks can create pressure on the eyes and makes it hard to read in the sunlight. That is never an issue with a good old printed book. Open the page of a printed book and you are good to jump right into the story, anytime, in any light.

Have you ever ordered a book and waited for it with bated breath? The wait is never-ending, isn’t it? With ebooks, this concern can be overcome because ebooks give access to all the books in a digital version at a moment’s notice. Ebooks can never go out of stock and there is no waiting time. Great, right? With printed books, from ordering or buying to finally being able to read the book involves a long and tenacious process that can often seem exasperating. Printed books may be purchased both online and offline. You may also purchase books online from different e-commerce websites such as Amazon, Flipkart, and others. The ebooks, on the other hand, maybe simply downloaded from the internet or purchased from Amazon (Kindle version of any book).

The rear cover of a printed book has two purposes: it protects the book and attracts readers. The cover may be either hardback or softcover (paperback). An eBook, on the other hand, has a front cover that is shown on online purchasing sites or e-commerce sites to attract visitors. Aside from that, printed books have a set layout that cannot be altered after printing, but eBooks have a reflowable layout. The capacity of the text to wrap the words according to the device, user preferences, and application is referred to as flowability. As a result, the eBook allows the reader to enjoy the books according to their requirements and tastes.

An eBook is less expensive than a printed book; nevertheless, the initial cost of an eReader is more than that of a print book. In order to become an e-reader, you are required to invest in good e-reading gadgets like laptops, phones, PC, Kindles, Nooks, Rocket eBooks, etc. So the initial investment of having an ebook is more than getting a conventional or traditionally printed book. Research also found that the e-reader is more expensive, implying that it has a premium price that the user must endure. Furthermore, it has some type of yearly fee.

In our debate of ebooks vs printed books, our next comparison point is related to storage. As we know that printed books are the physical form of books, it is apparent that they require a specific location for storage. In contrast, eBooks are kept in the device or program itself, thus physical storage of the books is not necessary.

What’s better when you share and recommend your favorite books to your friends, cousins, family, etc. Hence, the next point of our debate on ebooks vs printed books is on the shareability of these books. A printed book is simple to exchange with friends, acquaintances, and family. It can also be resold after it has been used. In the event of a purchased eBook, only one account may be used to access the books, limiting its shared usage, because sharing requires you to provide your login details with that individual.

Now that you have evaluated all the possible differences between ebooks and printed books, here is a bonus list of Best Business Books of all Times for you!

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eBooks are significantly less expensive than printed books since they do not require paper printing, attractive covers, packing, shipping, or other expenses. You may receive up to ten eBooks for the price of one paper book! Furthermore, unlike printed books made of paper, eBooks cannot be readily damaged or injured, which means they last longer.

A digital or electronic book that has been formatted into a file that can be read on an e-reader device or app is known as an ebook. The most significant distinction is that print books have static layouts that do not alter once printed, but ebooks have dynamic layouts.

eBooks, on the other hand, are unquestionably more portable than print textbooks, particularly hardbound textbooks. eReaders, such as the Kindle, are far lighter than even a single textbook, making them easier to transport home and back to class. To utilize eBooks, you don’t even need a specific eReader device.

They take up a lot of room on the shelf. They’re heavier than ebooks. In improper conditions, they gather dust and might grow mold. The font cannot be changed to accommodate different reading circumstances. You cannot use auto-scroll. In poor lighting, it is impossible to read.

E-books are far less expensive to manufacture, distribute, and sell than traditional books. There is no paper, printing, transportation, or retail space. So they should cost a lot less to acquire, but the offer isn’t always as fantastic as it should be.

These are some ways to compare ebooks vs printed books but both have their importance in their own ways. Do stories in books inspire you to write your own masterpiece? Are you longing to unleash your thoughts through the power of a pen? Some of the renowned universities across the world offer esteemed degrees in creative writing. Experts at Leverage Edu will help you in applying for these universities and in reviewing your applications. Register today for a free counseling session and get ready for the time of your life!

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Top 10 Advantages of eBooks Over Printed Books

Printed books vs digital books is an age-old debate. There are and will be people who support printed books as well as electronic books or eBooks. With the rising number of tech-savvy people, every service provider is digitizing their services so as to cater to this large community of digital users.

Publishing is also one such industry which has entered the digital era to make reading more convenient for people.

Schools and corporate organizations are increasingly moving towards eBooks for training purposes because eBooks are better equipped to provide an engaging learning and reading experience to users.

Also read: 10 most effective ways to deliver corporate training .

Digital publishing has been looming large over print versions since quite some time now. But print publishers are still standing strong despite the onslaught of digital devices and their seemingly growing popularity.

If you compare the two, you would find that although printed hardcover books are much loved for their authenticity and the feel of holding an actual book, eBooks are more functional and fare far better in terms of ease of carrying. Let us see some of the advantages that eBooks have over the traditional printed books.

Top 10 Advantages of eBooks over Printed Books -

• One Device, Many Books
• Accessible Everywhere
• Easy Updates
• Shareable Content
• Augmented Reality Experience
• Easy on the eyes
• Read Aloud Feature
• Interactive Elements
• Environment Friendly Option
• Affordable in the long run

1. One Device, Many Books:

eBooks are portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Instead of carrying multiple bulky books, one eBook reader can hold thousands of eBooks. It saves a lot of space- in your home and in your bag. One doesn’t have to worry about the storage limit.

Also read –  9 Best Cross-Platform eBook Readers .

A single device is enough to read any number of books you want. Students benefit the most out of it as they do not have to carry a bag full of books every day. It allows the user to store plenty of books on the device, way more than anyone can read in their lifetime.

2. Accessible Everywhere:

eBooks can be downloaded and stored for later use. One can carry the eBook around and read them whenever they want. Students and employees can go through the learning material while at home and even while travelling. It is convenient for people on the go. Some eReaders come with the option of offline accessibility, allowing people to use it even in the absence of an internet connection.

Unlike printed books which have to be ordered or purchased from the bookstore, with time lost in waiting for delivery or travelling to the bookstore; readers can easily access any eBook anytime and anywhere.

How to Build an eBook Store

3. easy updates:.

The contents on the eBooks are mostly cloud-based, meaning it can be updated any time. Authors and publishers can always add the up-to-date information, providing users with the latest digital content . This saves reprinting costs and the time involved in the process.

4. Shareable Content:

You can share the eBook contents with multiple users . The social feature on the ebook allows sharing and liking of content, which is not possible with printed books.

You might share a printed book with one person at a time, but an eBook can be shared with many people at once. Students and employees can use this feature to collaborate with their peers.

5. Augmented Reality Experience:

Augmented reality has taken the eBook experience to a whole new level. Texts and images can now be embedded with an augmented three-dimensional visual which pops up on the user’s screen. Readers can view a computer-generated 3D model of the image, which makes reading and learning a much more immersive experience.

The user only has to point the device at the image or text, and an enhanced version of the image will be displayed on their screen.

Many educational institutes and organizations are adopting this technology into their eBooks to enhance user experience.

Also read: How augmented reality can transform the classroom?

6. Easy on the Eyes:

eReaders these days come with features where you can adjust the brightness of the screen according to the time of the day and depending upon your preferences.

Many eReaders even have read in the dark feature, with lights that won’t strain your eyes, and neither would they disturb others around you. Users can even change the fonts of the text. They can increase or decrease the size of the font. Basically, eBooks ensure that your eyes are taken care of.

7. Read Aloud Feature:

eBooks have been designed with text to speech or read aloud features . This allows people to listen to the eBooks if they are too busy to read it, for example, while driving, or while doing some chores.

This feature is also helpful for children and adults with a learning disability or with visual impairment. It is also useful to help the user understand how a particular word is pronounced.

Click on this exciting infographic showing 6 Reasons why Students Prefer Digital Content.

8. Interactive Elements:

Including interactive features in an eBook makes the reading experience a more engaging one. eBooks can be embedded with audio and videos. External links can be included to offer additional information.

The user can even bookmark a certain page or find a word in a quick and effortless way. It also allows users to make annotations. There are multiple such interactive features which can be included in order to enhance the overall reading experience.

Also read: 9 Benefits of Interactive eBooks .

Here’s a video with an example of an ebook created with KITABOO the digital publishing platform, with multimedia enhancements, several interactive elements and features like read aloud.

9. eBooks are Environment-friendly:

They totally eliminate the paper printing process, saving printing cost for the publishers. Approximately 2.2 million books are published each year, using around 3 million trees.

If these paper printed books were to be replaced with a digital book , it could save all those trees from being chopped down. Apart from cutting trees, it also adds to the carbon footprint by transporting the raw materials, production process in the mill, and the final shipping.

All these processes can be eliminated with the help of eBooks.

Thus, eBooks are better for the environment as a whole.

Know How to Create an Interactive eBook

10. affordable in the long run:.

Some people might feel that since it’s a new technology and new device, the cost obviously would be higher than that of printed books. But, its quite the opposite. eBooks cost much less than printed books. Because there’s not much of pre-production involved like that in printed books.

No paperback covers, no paper printing, no packaging cost, no shipping. So eventually it becomes much cheaper than a printed book . So instead of spending on printed books, one can actually save money by investing in eBooks. eBooks are hence easy on the pockets.

eBooks have a lot more to offer than their printed counterparts. Unlike printed books, eBooks allows users to interact with the content. In a printed book, the maximum a user can do is mark pages or highlight texts.

But with eBooks, one can do much more, they can customize it as per their convenience, search for words they don’t understand, listen to the audiobook, watch videos and much more.

With augmented reality and interactivities, eBooks already have an upper hand when it comes to user engagement. eBooks are also cost-effective, not only for the publisher but also for the user. Print books definitely have a traditional value to it, but eBooks are something which will completely transform the reading and learning experience in the near future.

In conclusion, eBooks offer numerous advantages over printed books. They are cost-effective, convenient, portable, and environmentally friendly. They also offer several customization options, accessibility features, and multimedia elements that are not available with printed books. Additionally, eBooks provide several benefits for learning and education. While printed books will always have a loyal following, the advantages of eBooks make them an attractive alternative for readers.

To know more, please write to us at  [email protected] .

Suggested Reads:

• How to Create School eBooks in 7 Easy Steps
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DISCOVER HOW AN INTERACTIVE EBOOK PUBLISHING PLATFORM CAN HELP YOU

Kitaboo is a cloud-based content platform to create-publish-distribute interactive mobile-ready ebooks.

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Mike Harman

Mike is the SVP Business Development at HurixDigital. He has over 30 years experience in achieving consistent top-line revenue growth and building mutually beneficial relationships

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