E Book Woes

Hello friends

Has it really been a month since my last newsletter? Earlier this month I was busy with RWA PAN (Published Author Network) Committee business. Things have slowed down a little now, so I’ll be back on track to sending out a Book Cafe post bi-monthly.

When I ask people whether they prefer eBooks or paperback books, I usually receive mixed responses. I can understand why people prefer paperback, as I often find it easier to read on paper and I love the smell and the feel of a book in my hand. However, I also read eBooks. EBooks are ideal for those who have little room for book storage. They are also excellent for reading in low light conditions and for those who struggle with reading a smaller font, as it can be enlarged.

Below is a timeline of eBook reader development (It’s by no means comprehensive):

• Not a reader, but the beginning of digital books.

• Founded by Michael S. Hart to digitize public domain texts.

• Considered the first eBook reader prototype.

• Displayed content from Micronet's digital encyclopedia.

• A PDA that could read some eBooks; not a dedicated eReader but an early precursor.

• One of the first dedicated commercial eBook readers.

• Released in the U.S.; supported .rb format and could hold about 10 books.

• Another early dedicated reader.

• Larger screen and built-in modem for downloading books.

• Handheld eReader with PDA functions.

• Supported text and audio playback.

• First eReader to use E Ink display technology.

• Greatly improved battery life and readability.

• First E Ink-based eReader released in the U.S.

• Used Sony’s proprietary BBeB format.

• Revolutionised the eReader market.

• Integrated wireless downloads (Whispernet) and Amazon’s large eBook store.

• Sold out in hours; significant turning point.

• First major Kindle competitor.

• Included a color touchscreen (for navigation) and expandable storage.

• Not a dedicated eReader, but its success influenced eReading through the iBooks app and competitors' apps.

• The first Kobo eReader was released for sale in May 2010. It was marketed as a more affordable alternative to the then-existing e-book readers

• First Kindle with a built-in front light, making night reading easier.

• Gradual improvements: waterproofing, sharper screens, better lighting (Kindle Oasis, Kobo Libra, etc.)

• Color e-ink introduced in limited models (e.g., PocketBook InkPad Color, 2021).

I heard from a good source years ago, that Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing was developed to help drive their sales of e-readers, not necessarily to assist self-published authors. Amazon recently removed the ability to download Kindle books to a computer and transfer them to other devices via USB. This means Kindle users will no longer be able to back up their e-book purchases or transfer them to non-Kindle devices, effectively locking their libraries within the Amazon ecosystem.

While users can still access their books on other Kindles and through the Kindle app, the ability to download and manage their library independently is being eliminated. This has caused many to question ownership of purchased eBooks and raises questions about digital ownership in general. Very much the same question that has been asked about digital games for some time. This controversy has prompted many to to change their e-readers to Kobo or other e-readers that are not locked into a specific ecosystem.

Amazon has Amazon's Kindle is the leading e-reader, with just over 70% of the market share, but that could be due to change due to recent changes. Readers are staging a boycott of Kindle Unlimited due to dwindling royalty payments awarded to authors in the programme, and the insistance on exclusivity for self published authors.

When an eBook is purchased, you generally do not own the eBook itself, but are granted a license to read it. This means that you have the right to access and read the book on approved devices, but you cannot typically resell it, lend it, or use it in ways that are not permitted by the license agreement.

I have on occasions offered my book through Kindle Unlimited, but I feel more than ever that I am correct in offering my books to a wider range of retailers.

(there are more retailers, but I wish don’t want this newsletter to be too long)

Buying eBooks directly from authors isn’t anything new, but it seems to be gaining momentum. Firstly, buying directly from an author’s website enables them to keep most of the profits; a small amount may have to be paid to third parties e.g. Pay Hip and Pay Pal. Nonetheless, more royalties go into the author’s pocket. This is a sales avenue I will be offering to readers in the near future, as well as the sale of paperback and hardbacks through Bookvault. I will let you know more when this happens.

That’s all for now. More soon.

Kindest regards

Paula