Beginner's Guide to The Present And Future of eBooks

What Is an eBook?

An eBook or electronic book is the digital form of any book. Any readable text material is either printed on paper or released in a digital format for users to read it. The term eBook applies to all such digital formats in general, even though magazines and newspapers like to distinguish themselves from being generalized as eBooks and hence, call their digital copy as a Digital Edition. The other defining aspect of an eBook is that it is read on an electronic device such as a computer or any other handheld mobile device.

With the advancement of technology, eBooks now also include audio and video effects to enhance the reading experience of the user. It has also made it convenient for non-fiction writers to include reference links directly in the eBook text, which takes the reader directly to the source.

You can choose to read your eBook on your personal computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile devices if you have the proper software installed to support the eBook format. There are also popular devices available that function as a dedicated eBook reader and can perform only a few additional functions.

The most popular and widely used eBook reader is the Amazon Kindle. You can use it for online reading or download the eBook and read it later. Such eBook reading devices come with multiple functionalities to provide readers the ultimate experience closest to holding a physical book in hand and reading.

Support functions like the screen’s background light can be adjusted when reading during the day or night. The screens are generally made of glass that offers a glare-free reading experience whenever you feel like reading outside during the day. Night-time background light setting also ensures that there is less stress on your eyes if you decide just to turn out the lights and read while in bed.

Mobile or Tablet Device

You can also read your eBook on your mobiles and tablets. Be it an Apple or an Android system; you will find software applications that can be easily used to open an eBook file. These devices offer the same benefits and functionalities of a handheld eBook reader. However, there are a few differences:

  • The size and weight of a dedicated handheld eBook reading device are generally designed in a way to provide the reader with maximum comfort and the closest feel to reading a physical book. On the other hand, mobile or tablet is not designed, keeping this aspect as its primary priority.
  • A handheld eBook reader is not able to perform any other task, and its function is limited to accessing eBook content. On the other hand, mobile or tablet is multi-functional, and reading an eBook is just one of the many activities you can perform on these devices.

Personal Computer or Laptop

You can read your eBook on your computer or laptop if you have the software installed in your systems such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Word, or Calibre. These software programs run on all operating systems and can read almost all types of eBook formats. Most importantly, all of these either offer free versions for your use or are open-source programs that you can access completely for free.

What Are the Different File Formats for eBooks?

The Benefits and Drawbacks of eBooks

eBooks are published in different file formats. Some of these formats like .PDF, .DOC, .DOCX, .TXT, .EPUB can be read on multiple devices using common software applications such as Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word. On the other hand, some formats such as .iBooks and.AZW3 has been developed to be read specifically on an Amazon Kindle Reader device and Apple iPad device, respectively.

This restriction is introduced to ensure that the eBook is not used for unauthorized purposes. This method of digital rights management also aims to reduce piracy of the eBooks and protect the rights of the author and publishing house.

All these above-mentioned formats support images and text, and other features such as a page or chapter marker. You can use various highlighting and editing features, based on the device, software, and eBook format, to make notes against any specific section or chapter and share these notes with your friends as well.

Benefits of eBooks

  • You don’t need to wait for the delivery of a physical book; you can just buy an eBook online anywhere anytime and start reading.
  • If you’re traveling a lot, it will not be possible for you to carry a lot of physical copies of books. However, there is no such limitation on the number of eBooks your device can hold.
  • Readers can directly access additional reference material using hyperlinks that can be embedded in an eBook.
  • You don’t have to worry about regularly maintaining your important books to prevent wear and tear. Instead, you can digitize it and make sure that it stays intact forever.
  • Many eBooks provide additional features like bonus content, audio and video content, text search, and dictionary access, which ensures that a reader gets an immersive experience.
  • eBooks drastically reduce carbon footprint and is an environmentally friendly alternative to physical books.

Drawbacks of eBooks

  • eBooks will never be able to give you the feeling that you’re used to while holding a physical book in your hand and reading it.
  • If you’ve not backed up your eBooks, then all your collection could get lost in the event of a device malfunction.
  • Any device required to read an eBook involves a one-time cost to buy the device, which may not be affordable for many.

With eBooks gaining immense popularity, many platforms such as Amazon, Google Play Books, Barnes & Noble Press, iBooks (Apple), Kobo Writing Life offer you the chance to publish your novel on an eBook platform. They cover your marketing and distribution needs, and your novel is made available to millions of people worldwide who use these platforms.

Within the last decade itself, the market has seen a dynamic shift towards eBooks due to the multiple advantages they offer. Though there may always be a demand for printed physical, the continued adoption and the rapid increase of eBooks usage is likely to grow at significantly faster rates.