What Format Do I Prefer to Read?

​Today’s post will likely be a short one. I apologize to everyone who expected a post to come this weekend. I had a book signing event on Saturday and did some much needed yard care/family time on Sunday. 
 
Today, I’d like to talk about how I feel about the different kinds of formats that we deliver books in. Note: These are just my preferences and observations. I am by no means the authority when it comes to which format is best. Truly, I think that determination should be up to personal preference for everyone.
 
Ebooks
I honestly have never been the hugest fan of ebooks. There was a time in my life that I considered getting a Kindle, but that window passed, and I’ve always much preferred the feel of printed books anyway, so I was content continuing on that trend. 
 
In the last two years, I have found some really nice benefits to ebooks (besides saving the planet, of course), that have made reading ebook files something I do on occasion. 

1. They’re inexpensive, which helps when finding new authors I’m not certain about yet. If I really like the ebook, then there is a high chance I’ll end up purchasing a physical copy, as well.
2. They make it a lot more convenient to read in certain locations (like in bed, at 2AM, when I can’t sleep and don’t want to turn on the light and disturb my husband, or in the bathtub – yes, I am one of those people).
3. It’s a lot harder to lose your bookmark in an ebook (though it’s still definitely possible), and an ebook has a lot of really cool features, like being able to tell what percentage of the book you’ve read, or how much time you have left to read in the chapter – or the whole book. 
4. When you purchase (if it’s not a pre-order) you get these books instantaneously. I love ordering books (and enjoy even more when I can go into a bookstore and pick one up), but sometimes I just don’t want to wait!

 
Paperback Books
For a long time, paperback books were my absolute favorite format. I enjoyed the flexibility of paperback books, as I often read curled up in the corner of something, and having something that is bendable and easy to hold helps a ton with getting comfortable in small spaces. They’re a lot easier to fit into a small bag (I never go anywhere without a book to read, so having something that fits in my bag is a big deal to me). 
 
I also enjoyed the price. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, but my parents knew that books were my go-to present for any special occasion. It was nice to get paperback books because I could often get two (or even three) for the price of one hardcover, and thus I would be entertained for longer. Plus, what kid doesn’t like getting more presents? 
 
Hardcover Books
As an adult, I’ve grown increasingly fond of hardcover books. As a parent, I appreciate their durability. I know that if I leave my hardcover book down where my kiddo can get it, the cover will likely be intact when I pick it back up. 
 
I love the sturdy feel of a hardcover book. Hardcover books feel reliable, dependable. They feel like holding history in my hands. And, I absolutely love when hardcover books have elegant designs or art beneath the dust jacket (hence the artwork on the hardcover editions for Bound and Severed). Not to mention that hardcover books look classy as heck on the shelf.

Now, how do I feel about writing for these different formats? I love designing ebook files, but I do it myself, and this always takes a little more effort in the homestretch to get the file ready. I also really enjoy designing the extra cover art for hardcovers. Paperback files are often the easiest for me to get ready to put out into the world.

I hope you all enjoyed this lighter post! I know I hit you with a whopper last week. If you enjoy reading writing-related content, feel free to check back next weekend (likely Sunday) for another post. 
 
Have a great rest of your week!