E-BOOKS VS. PAPER - Interview with Author Tim Lewis

E-books have long been taking over the traditional paper books with the rise of Kindle, iOS and more. Tim Lewis, author and developer of Begin Self-Publishing Podcast shares his opinion on e-books and their development. Interview by Megan McCoig.

Tim Lewis' podcasts will take you through how to self-publish an ebook on the Amazon, iBookstore, Kobo and other E-book stores and how to self-publish a paperback book on the Amazon store. Please read on for the interview!

1.     Please tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am Tim Lewis, host of the Begin Self-Publishing Podcast, author and software developer.

2.     Why do you read books?

I primarily read for knowledge – I am a huge non-fiction reader (though less so since I have been working for myself), which is ironic since all the books I’ve self-published have been fiction.

3.     For personal preference, do you prefer to read paper or e-books? Why?

E-Books all the way.  Books are cumbersome and hard to store.   With an e-book I can read a book on my phone or iPad wherever and whenever I want.

4.     (If you chose e-books) - How long have you been reading e-books?

Since about 2011.

5.     Which form of e-book do you use? Kindle, iPad or other.

Kindle App on iOS.

6.     Do you know many other people that use them? If so, who?

Lots and lots of people read them.  Of my friends I’d say about half read on Kindle devices.  I have to say I don’t know anyone else who reads on a phone though. Some people only read paper books, but most seem to read a mix.

7.     What made you choose e-books over traditional paper books?

Originally self-published eBooks were considerably cheaper than paper books, but now it is the convenience. I also liked the self-published eBooks in non-fiction because you got a fresher perspective than the drab old published self-help books from traditional publishers.

8.     Do you find that e-books make you read more, or did you read more without the digital text?

They made me go from reading virtually nothing to reading a lot. But now I am listening to audio much more.

9.     A recent study by Hewlett Packard resulted in evidence that paper books are on the rebound; do you think they will ever take over again?

A lot of this is due to an error with the way ISBNs are processed. These are the codes for books – most eBooks by self-publishers don’t have these (Amazon KDP does not require them and they cost money to purchase).   Massively more people are self-publishing eBooks as a proportion so it appears paperbacks are making resurgence compared to eBooks when in reality they aren’t – eBooks are switching to more self-published. Look at AuthorEarnings.com for a different viewpoint.

10. Would you ever choose paper over digital books again?

I do for magazines and for graphic novels/picture books. But for normal books I’d go for eBooks every day.

11. If anything, what do you think is better about e-books? (Any particular positive reasons on environment etc.)

Being able to transport multiple books without needing an extra bag!   They are generally cheaper as well.

12. Do you have any concerns with the ever-growing use of e-books? There have been studies on sleep deprivation and mental health issues due to lit screens.

No not really – those studies relate to phones and lit displays not eReading devices like Kindle, which are reflective e-ink.  Late at night I’ll read on a Kindle rather than a phone.

13. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

As a self-publisher, eBooks are a blessing as they have allowed people to be able to publish without needing the approval of someone who often doesn’t really know what is best, but just happens to work at a publishing house.

Interview by Megan McCoig