Jeff Bezos made the e-book industry very popular with his Kindle e-reader. Each year e-books are becoming more and more popular. An average UK citizen reads around 10 books per year.
This popular way of reading is having a strong impact on the publishing industry. So we are going to analyse the trends, predictions and challenges facing the e-book market.
The history of e-books
E-books, or electronic books, are not a new concept. As early as the 1930s, there were early attempts to create books in digital format. However, they gained real momentum only in the 90s when they became commercially available. Since then, thanks to the development of technology, e-books have become more accessible and popular among readers.
E-book trends in 2024
Predictions are that 2024 will be a turning point for e-books. It is estimated that digital publishing will threaten traditional publishing in terms of income. The main drivers of this trend are the increasing availability of e-riders, tablet computers and smartphones, as well as the improving infrastructure for the distribution of digital content.
E-books in the Serbian language
Although the global e-book market is on the rise, it is still in its infancy in the Serbian-speaking world. Only a few publishers offer digital editions. Serbian bookstore, Globland Books is leading the way, which has so far published over 40 titles in e-book format, which are available to the diaspora through worldwide websites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others.
There is room for further growth, especially through cooperation with global distributors like Amazon.
Benefits of e-books for readers
E-books bring numerous benefits to the readers. They are cheaper than printed editions on average by about 40%, easily portable, more environmentally friendly and offer the possibility of personalizing the reading experience.
Readers can adjust the font size, background and screen brightness. Also, e-books offer search, bookmarking and content-sharing functions.
Impact on the printed book industry
Although printed books still dominate the market, in 2021, they accounted for about 80% of total sales, e-books are making a strong impact. Their influence on distribution and sales is particularly visible. Through digital channels, publishers can more easily reach readers and expand their audience.
Also, e-books enabled self-publishing, making it easier for new authors to publish their work.
However, many experts predict that there will not be a complete displacement of printed books, but that both formats will co-exist by the needs of the market and readers.
The future of e-books
Further growth in the share of e-books in the total book market is predicted shortly. With 20% in 2021over 50% by 2027.
New trends, such as augmented and virtual reality, are pushing the boundaries of digital publishing and promise an even more interactive experience for readers. Also, artificial intelligence will enable the personalization of e-books based on the preferences of individual readers.
Influence of publishers on e-books
Publishers play a key role in shaping the e-book market. They decide which titles to publish in e-format and under what conditions. Also, publishing houses influence the prices and availability of their digital releases.
Their decisions can speed up or slow down the adoption of e-books as the dominant format in the coming years.
Summary
E-books have changed the book publishing industry, opening up numerous opportunities for authors and readers. However, there are still challenges regarding the acceptance of this format, especially for modern Serbian literature.
Still, the future is bright for e-books, with predictions that they will soon overtake traditional publishing. Publishing houses play a key role in the further development of the market through the selection of titles for publication in digital format.
Frequently asked questions
How have e-books affected authorship?
E-books have made it possible for new authors to publish their books without the intermediary of publishing houses. This allowed them to reach a wider audience without the limitations of traditional publishing. E-books have thus democratized the book publishing process.
How have e-books changed the publishing industry?
The emergence of e-books has created new opportunities but also challenges in the publishing industry. Traditional publishing houses had to adapt and introduce digital versions of books. However, it opened up new markets and distribution channels.
What are the future trends related to e-books?
It is expected that VR and AR technology will be increasingly integrated into e-books, thus enriching the reading experience. Also, content personalization through AI should enable each reader to receive customized recommendations and a tailor-made reading experience.
How many books are published annually in the world?
According to industry data, over 1.5 million books were published globally in 2021. This represents a big jump from previous years, partly due to the rise of e-book publishing.
How much is the global educational publications market worth?
The global market for educational publications, including textbooks, manuals, literature and digital educational content, is estimated to be over $3 billion. It is expected that this market will continue to grow in the coming years.
