"Thank you Jill for your welcome. I think your children's book on sexual abuse is much needed. I applaud you for writing it. When my son was in Iraq I wrote a children's book to explain war and separation for my…"
The Messenger and the Message
E-Junkie recently asked if I’d discuss my feelings about having a book produced in an e-book format. But I have to admit, at least for me, it’s kind of a non-issue. I am a marketer and as such, schooled to never confuse content with delivery system. I’m keenly aware of the fact that the Internet brings all kinds of opportunities to amplify ideas. But none of them as powerful as the endorsement that comes from an authoritative and branded resource.
Let’s face it, a rave on the front page of The New York Times Book Review, even from a reviewer you’ve never heard of, will still trump a dozen five star reviews on Amazon. And if you don’t think it’s true, watch the book rank numbers on Amazon rise like a hot air balloon the day the NYT review launches. But whether I read The Times on paper or on my iPad, it’s The Time I’m embracing, not the delivery system. And it’s the same thing with a book. Frankly, I like beautiful books. I like the look of them. The feel of them. 'The Season of Second Chances', my first novel, was particularly beautiful, with a rich teal jacket that sported exuberant William Morris flowers, taken from a specific wallpaper referred to in the story, and end papers of that same print in smaller scale. The pages are deckled, thick and creamy. The hard bound cover is butter yellow. I like holding it. I like my book. I love books in general.
Comment
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Comment by Cathy Kozak on March 11, 2011 at 11:56am -
Agreed. A reader is a reader and as a fledgling writer I am grateful for anyone, anywhere, who reads what I write through any delivery system whatsoever ;)
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Comment by Diane Meier on March 11, 2011 at 11:47am -
Yes, Cathy. I agree. I love my books too. But as authors, we shouldn't be too judgmental about how people come to our work. We want them to have an unclouded experience with our content, not fight the delivery system -- and for folks who find it satisfying to read on their Kindles or Nooks, I'm all for providing the thing they want, just the way they want it!
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Comment by Cathy Kozak on March 11, 2011 at 11:37am
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I enjoyed this piece Diane. And though the story remains the same whether hard copy or electronic, there's just something about a physical book that seduces and ever has, its cover, its satisfying weight in the hand, its quiet promise as it sits in its own special place on the bookshelf, surrounded by others, patient and enduring. And I am at my happiest when I have a solid stack of unread books at my bed side. Even as a child I preferred books of my own over the fickle library books I knew would make their way to another's arms. I doubt I'll ever lose this love.
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