An eBook Epiphany...

I felt as though I had an epiphany yesterday about eBooks. Someone else has probably had this thought before - I just haven't seen it. Anyhow - here it is:

eBooks are pushed so heavily right now partially because they represent a better revenue stream for publishers over the "traditional" book.



I think this is true in three areas: production, distribution, and copies sold. I am getting my information from the graphic in this previous post, just so you know.

Looking at production - not only is the cost of production far lower (50 cents for an eBook, vs. 4.05 for a print book), but the author royalties are lower as well.

Distribution is also cheaper. I don't have a metric for this, but I feel confident in saying that the distribution of an ePub is far cheaper than a heavier book.

Finally, in thinking about copies sold - you (for all practical purposes) cannot loan an eBook to a friend. I know the Nook can do this in theory, but in practice it's really hobbled and practically useless. That means more copies of a book sold over a print book, which can be loaned to friends. I think this is among the central issues of eBooks - that as opposed to a print book (which you own), you are simply paying for the rights to read the book - you never actually own the eBook.

All this is not to say we should sabotage eBooks, or that they are evil - I am simply pointing out a possible reason we are having eBooks shoved down our throats.