Are Books Dead?

Are books really dead or dying? Does anyone read them with all the hundreds of other media sources competing for your digital advertising eye?

I read this the other day:

"You say you will never give up the physical book you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget you're holding a gadget instead of a book."

Many still love to read and write. Mesmerized at old typewriters, I'll stop and look/play with anyone that crosses my path.

There is an artistry to creating these stories on paper and taking your reader to another place. A writer can move into a spot of inspiration and the words begin to flow effortlessly on the paper. Digital devices are SO cool and I have several of them but when it comes to books, holding the actual paper, feeling the energy emitting from the Author is irreplaceable. And if you're like me, you read with a pen in your hand so you can underline those special parts that touch your soul and want to revisit later when in a different state.

Yes, the book industry, like the music industry, is in a huge state of change. The entire publishing system is archaic and impossible for most Authors to get compensation from their work. However, in a digital age, more and more printers are servicing self-published authors. Authors are becoming more than just writers, they're embodying their work and booking themselves to speak in front of audiences to discuss the work and inspire others to take the journey written about.

Any author will admit that publishing a book is a challenge to honestly and openly discuss a subject where they have knowledge, passion or expertise. Once the book is done, it feels like the creating is over. But then the audience started to ask for help.

At the end of the day, most Authors are offering their work in a variety of medias. I do video, live speaking, printed book, Amazon, Kindle, iBooks and Nook if a reader wants my book, I want to make it simple and affordable for them to engage me. Most authors get this.

But to see a speaker live, have him/her sign the book you've just bought is such a treat...and...in my opinion, one that will never die especially when authors are getting better at telling their stories and being interesting.

~Robin

For the alternate side of the conversation, consider reading Michael Hyatt's blog on the book industry.

For a beautiful talk from Elizabeth Gilbert, Author of Eat Pray Love, listen to her 7:18 motivational talk here.