Should you Publish a Print Book or eBook?

Print Books vs. eBooks: What’s Best for Authors and Readers in India?

As an author, one of the big decisions you will face is choosing the right format for your book. Should you publish a print book or an eBook? The obvious question is—do readers still prefer print, or is digital reading the future? The answer is complex, as both formats have their advantages and continue to coexist.

The Status of Print Books

Globally, print books are holding steady in mature markets. In India, they remain the dominant form of reading. With its long literary tradition and a strong preference for physical books, India has a thriving print culture. The presence of massive book fairs, such as the Kolkata Book Fair, which attracts millions of visitors annually, demonstrates the enduring love for print books.

Though hardcover book sales have declined by 10% in the US, the overall print book market continues to grow at approximately 2% per year, which is significant in a mature industry. Chain bookstores like Barnes & Noble are closing unprofitable locations, but independent bookstores are seeing a revival, proving that readers still enjoy physical books. Even Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has begun investing in physical bookstores in multiple US cities, signifying that the demand for print books is far from over.

eBooks: The Digital Advantage

While print books continue to thrive, eBooks remain an essential segment of the publishing industry. In India, eBook consumption is growing, especially among younger readers and professionals. Platforms like Kindle, Google Play Books, Zorba Books and Juggernaut have made eBooks widely accessible, allowing users to read on their smartphones, tablets, or eReaders.

One major advantage of eBooks is affordability. Unlike print books, which incur costs related to printing, storage, and distribution, digital books eliminate reproduction expenses. This allows publishers and authors to sell them at lower prices, making books more accessible, especially in India, where pricing plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions.

On the other hand, not everyone who want to read can afford to read an eBook, as they need a device to do so. They do not offer the same convenient browsing experience.

Comparison Between Print Books and eBooks

Here’s a quick breakdown of how both formats compare print books Vs eBooks:

Feature	Print Books	eBooks
Accessibility	Requires physical purchase from bookstores or online sellers	Instant download on multiple devices
Cost	Higher due to printing and distribution	Lower due to no production costs
Reading Experience	Tangible, traditional experience, ideal for long reading sessions	Convenient, adjustable font sizes, backlit for night reading
Portability	Bulkier, harder to carry multiple books	Can store thousands of books on a single device
Durability	Can wear out over time, prone to damage	Dependent on device storage
Market Trends in India	Still the dominant format; preferred by academic and general readers	Growing in popularity, especially among tech-savvy readers
Resale Value	Can be sold second-hand or borrowed from libraries	No resale value; tied to personal accounts

The Ideal Approach to Publish Print Book or eBook

For authors, the smartest strategy is to publish in both formats to maximise reach. While print books remain the preference in India and most of the world, digital books open doors to a growing audience that values convenience and affordability. Keeping both revenue streams open ensures you cater to different reader preferences, allowing your book to thrive in today’s diverse literary market.

Ultimately, whether you choose print or digital depends on your audience, publishing goals, and preferred reading experience. So why not embrace both and create the best of both worlds?

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