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The impact of new technology on book sales

The discussion regarding the effect of Ebooks and Ereaders on book sales is multifaceted. Although many would assume the impact to be negative, this isn’t necessarily true. There are of course many positive aspects from viewpoint of the publisher, author and trader.

Impact on tangible book sales

Obviously the introduction of the Amazon Kindle and other Ebook readers means a decline in sales of paper books, though this is not as drastic as you might imagine. Although many people now buy digitally, when it comes to ‘special’ titles or series’ that consumers may have been collecting many will continue to buy ‘paper books’. There’s also still a massive market made up of individuals who prefer not have an Ebook reader. Though numbers are in decline there are a great deal of traditionalists who simply like to have a book in their hands rather than a digital copy.

Difference in profit margins

In terms of profit for sellers and publishers, and royalties for authors the fact is that books are still selling, whether they’re in a digital format or otherwise and the difference in margins cannot be ignored. There are far higher profits in selling digital copies, than books one might buy off the shelf. This is due to a decrease in cost per copy. From printing, to packaging and shipping it is simply less expensive to sell a digital copy than a paper one. Even with the slightly lower price to the consumer there’s still a healthy profit to be made here.

Differences in buying habits

It’s true that consumers buy differently when shopping on their Ebook readers than they would when in a book shop or ordering ‘paper books’ online. Though this isn’t to say that they’re buying less. Whereas they would previously have ‘stocked up’ on titles whilst in the store or online, they now purchase on the spur of the moment. How many of us have been recommended a book then by the time we are in the situation to make a purchase we’ve forgotten the title, author or both, meaning we never get around to buying, now it’s far easier for customers to buy as soon as the recommendation is made.

Ereader sales and impulse buying

Although many people use an app on their smartphone or tablet as an Ereader there are many more who have made the investment of purchasing an Ereader solely for the purpose of buying and thus reading books. 3G versions and smartphone apps make impulse book buying a huge and profitable market, often encouraged by daily offers etc. They’re also less likely to consider buying a particular title then put it off, they can simply purchase at the click of the button without too much thought process behind it.

Overall the book marketplace is changing, but not necessarily for the worse. It’s in the interests of publishers, authors and sellers to adapt for the new Ebook market and embrace the age of the digital copy, whilst not forgetting those who want the paper version in their hands.