Concern Over Ebooks at 2010 BookExpo

Posted on May 26, 2010

The New York Times reports that there was anxiety at this year's BookExpo America over the rise of ebooks. Some authors are concerned as well. Author Garrison Keillor thinks book publishing could "slide into the sea." Fortunately, not everyone is worried. The Times says Michael Norris, a senior analyst at Simba Information, gave a presentation to publishers titled "I'll Never Pay More Than $9.99 for an E-Book! And Similar Lies."

Mr. Norris said that in 2008, 56 percent of adults in the United States bought at least one print book. In 2009 the number increased to 57 percent.

"The hype never matches up with reality," Mr. Norris said. "There's money to be made in e-books. There's money to be made in print books too. There's no reason why publishers shouldn't pursue both and just not let the hyperbole get out of control."

A lot of money made in the publishing industry is going switch to the electronic book format. Michael Norris is correct that publishers should focus on both electronic and print formats, which is what most publishers are doing. Michael Norris may be incorrect about the price. There is a lot of resistance to high ebook prices. Readers really don't want to pay more than a paperback for an electronic book.

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