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- Hang in there, readers, we got you covered.
Hang in there, readers, we got you covered.
This pandemic is changing/will change the way a lot of us read. At the moment it’s getting harder to go pick up a book from a shop or library, or get one delivered. Not so much with ebooks and digital audio books.
I think we’re going to see a sales boost in downloadable content like ebooks and digital audiobooks.
People who previously were less keen on ereading might find this the nudge that pushes them over.
Photo by Aliis Sinisalu on Unsplash
Many writers are releasing work free of charge as a gesture of solidarity, and some publishers are doing massive discounts and promotions on deals with their ebooks.
This means, as long as you have an ereader/phone/tablet/kindle or are willing to read on your pc (I find this uncomfortable, but I’ll do it in a pinch) there is more work than ever to enjoy, and for very low cost to you.
This is, unfortunately, going to hurt quite a few writers. The ones who were going to have debut launches, the ones who were about to release new work - they have most especially been dealt a massive blow.
Now, I’m definitely NOT saying that you shouldn’t grab a book that’s free or discounted - people are sharing their work for a reason - but I am asking that if you can balance that out with a few sales, it will help every one of us in the long run.
If a small publisher is offering a free book (like Undertow Publishing), if possible, add another book to the cart (I got myself both the free copy of All the Things We Never See, and snagged This House of Wounds at the same time.)
If your library system has the option to read ebooks and emags (mine in Fife does) then take advantage of it - writers still get royalties on those reads.
If you get a free read and like what the author does, buy more of their books in the future.
If you find something you enjoy, why not tell people about it?
I’m currently reading Gareth L. Powell’s Ack-Ack Macaque,
I have a huge list of books on the digital TBR pile, so I’ll be sharing my week’s reads every Friday from now on, and I’d love it if you took part and shared your own reads in comments or on twitter.
So, til then, happy reading,
Cat Hellisen