Thursday, November 18, 2010

Kinda like being on Star Trek . . .

Back in September, Mr. L surprised me with a Kindle e reader for my birthday.  I'm afraid it sat on his desk for quite a while before I had time to start playing with it.  (He knows far more about it than me, I'm afraid--not that he did much with it, either.)

In early October, I bought a couple of short stories and read them.  Not bad.

This week, I bought my first real book.  It's non-fiction, because that's what I tend to read while I'm working on a book of my own.

I wasn't really sure I wanted an e reader, although I dearly wanted to find more e readers for my work.  In fact, my preference would have been for a Nook -- simply because it has a color screen.  (What can I say, I'm swayed by pretty pictures and flashing lights.)

Every time I mention that my books/short stories are available as e reads, I get the same comment over and over again.  "I ONLY READ =REAL= BOOKS."  Or, I like feel of a paper book in my hand.  The feel, the smell, the texture."

First of all, an e book IS a real book.  It's just delivered in a different fashion.

Second, I love a real book, too.  But I like the convenience of having several (and possibly hundreds more) books at my fingertips at any given time.  (I'm going to start tossing it in my purse so that when I have to wait in line at the bank, grocery store, wherever--I can entertain myself.)

For the past couple of evenings, I've sat on the couch, kitty on lap, and found it extremely convenient to not have to juggle a book, turn pages, and at the same time annoy said cat.  With a flick of my thumb, the pages turn.  While I haven't figured out how to change the font size yet--it's an option that's available to me. (Gee, not having to wear my glasses to read?  FREEDOM!)  Even more cool, it looks like the "pads" they use on Star Trek.

The Kindle is heavier than I would like (it's 9 ounces and Chapter & Hearse (my latest published book) is 7 ounces), but weighs less than a hardcover.  It seems to need to be charged every week, whether I use it or not.  Sadly, you don't get to see the cover of the book.  (Well, I guess there IS a way to add the cover to a text file, I just haven't figured out how--and neither have most Kindle authors.) I guess they figure you don't need it, but it would be nice.

Some books are cheaper on Kindle.  And talk about (nearly) instant gratification.  I can have the book I want to read in under five minutes.  No trucking out in the cold to the store. (Although, I'm going there today anyway.  I love visiting my local bookstore, but I must admit, it's a destination I usually plan for.)

Here's one I'll bet you didn't know:  authors make more money on e books than on paper books. (Okay, not certain that's true on hardcovers yet, but I would bet it is--simply because the royalty rate is higher.  Haven't seen my new contract yet on what that rate might be.)

All in all, I'm liking that little gadget more and more every time I use it.  Will it replace a print book for me?  That depends on the book.  I'm a sucker for full-color coffee table and cookery books with LOTS of photography.  I can't see me holding a larger version of Kindle, Nook, iPad to read that sort of book, but for a novel or non fiction book -- why not?


If you have an ereader, tell us what you like about it.  If you don't have an ereader, would you be willing to give one a try?  (Hint-hint: Staples is selling Kindles and Sam's Club is selling iPads.)

9 comments:

  1. I've got the B&N Nook and I adore it! The convenience alone of burning gas to go to the bookstore is worth it. I can have dozens of books in its library available at a touch and it doesn't take up space on my shelves. Yes, I was one of those who only wanted "real" books, but I'm eating those words now :)

    Another neat thing is there are so many freebies available out there. B&N offers has Free Fridays and I've been discovering new authors all the time, as well as being able to read my faves. There's also the Gutenberg Project, where you can download e-reader versions of the classics (currently reading Baum's Oz books, something I've always wanted to do).

    I'm really glad to hear that authors are getting more back from their royalties! That is great news!

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  2. Your line about Star Trek is so true. I love the idea that "books" are on the cutting edge of technology. ITA that e-books, as well as audio books are "real" books. Oh and we might as well add in hardcover vs trade paperback or regular paperback. It's the content that's the "book". The delivery system has just been yet expanded again.

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  3. I also love that I can put a Kindle app on my Droid. That is so helpful when you are going out and really don't want to carry more than necessary, but also want to read while waiting. And it sychs with your Kindle automatically. When someone suggests a book I send a sample to my Kindle--it is a great TBR. I know I've read more since I got my Kindle.

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  4. Whalehugger do you have the regular nook or the new NOOKcolor? I just stopped in my B&N for the color, but they don't expect to get it until the end of November. Just a few more weeks to wait...

    Lorraine, it's great that writers are getting a larger % of the royalties. How do audio royalties compare to e & paper books? I read Bookplate on audio and really enjoyed it. Chapter & Hearse will be one of the first books on my NOOKcolor.
    BTW- you can add the cover (which I'm sure will look awesome on my soon to be NOOKcolor). A got a few free books when I got my Sony e-reader. Silhouette seems to have the correct specs.

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  5. Kim, according to my contract, the royalty rate on audio is only 5% -- but since 90% of books never make it to audio, I guess they figure they're throwing you a bone should it happen. (The royalty rate on the e versions of the Booktown Mysteries is 25% -- quite a difference. I think it's only 8% on a paperback.)

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  6. Kim - I've got the current Nook, not the color version.

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  7. I have the Sony eReader and I love it! Due to arthritis in my hands I had all but given up on reading books, the eReader is the best thing to happen to me. I miss the covers too, I still go to the bookstore to check them out. I've been reading a lot more since I got my Sony.

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  8. Oh, YES! Love my Nook!! (Jealous to the teeth about the new NOOKcolor. *sigh* But not in the works just yet.)

    Such a treat to tuck my Nook in my purse (perfect fit!) and head off. No matter where I get stuck, I can whip out my Nook and read, read, read! No matter if the book is electronic or not -- it's a BOOK!! Wheee. So glad your royalties are higher with your ebooks. Don't worry, I'll keep buying!!

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  9. I love my Nook, especially the color book cover and I'm getting use to the Kindle. I do compare them against each other and there are things I like with one over the other.

    What the e-reader allows me to do is read short stores while I'm still reading full-length books.

    I'm eyeing the Nookcolor though.

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