Looks like readers are hoping to save some trees this season. According to Amazon, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the company has sold a whopping 48 Kindle books for every 100 physical books it has sold this season. That number has risen significantly since May. Just six months ago, Amazon was selling just 35 Kindles for every 100 physical books sold.
It’s an impressive number, especially when you consider the price of the product. Consumers are expected to pony up $489 for the latest Kindle model.
But it looks like the Kindle’s power might extend beyond the publishing industry. The subscription-only publishing biz site Publishers Marketplace reported last week that Karen McQuestion’s A Scattered Life has apparently become the first self-published Kindle book to be acquired by a production company. (Producer Eric Lake optioned the rights for the L.A.-based outfit Hiding In Bed.) Though Hiding In Bed has yet to return EW’s calls regarding specifics of its plans for a film adaptation, McQuestion’s Life follows a restless Wisconsin housewife who befriends a psychic and a harried mother of five.
Got my Kindle in June and love it! Had thought about it since Amazon first came out with it but resisted because of my love of books. But it is just amazing. Perfect for a carpool mom. Love downloading a book the moment I get a rec. Like having multiple books going. Gave it also to my m-i-l because she has arthritis and she can hold it more comfortably. Just had to post about it.
My hubby wanted to get me a Kindle, but I’m just not ready to give up the feel of a real book, there is nothing like it, I still get excited opening up a new book and diving in. Plus you can’t bring a Kindle in the bath with you to read can you??!!
Yes, you can. It’s just as water-proof as a tradional book. Actually, more so.
@sorella: I felt that same way until I got my Kindle (in July 2008). I love the way I can carry many books in one light-weight package anywhere I want to go. Sometimes I feel like reading one of the several books I have going or the magazine I just received or the blog…and I only have to take my Kindle from my bag, turn it on, scroll to what interests me at that moment, and start reading. Unless you have a really big bag and strong shoulders, you can’t do that with paper. I still like paper for coffee table or books that have lots of photos. But for every day novels (or entire libraries of classic authors for under $10 each), I’ll take my Kindle any day of the week.
Just got mine a few weeks ago and LOVE it. It is far more book like then I expected. I got the patagonia case which is a “read-in” case and it feels very much like a book in my hand. Also I keep a gallon size clear ziplock handy for tub reading. Just slip it in and seal for extra waterproofing.
I bought my Kindle in April (used on Ebay for $235) and I use it almost every day. I didn’t think I would get used to not holding a “real” book, but I have no problem at all switching back and forth, and do so with regularity. I often have multiple books going at once, both in the Kindle and in the traditional format. I love the fact that I can carry so many books at once and pick whichever I’m in the mood to read at the flick of a finger. The blogs are very good too.
Got mine in May. Taken it beachside, poolside, and abroad. Love it!
Got my Kindle Christmas ’08 and love it! I pretty much read it every day because I always hear of a new book I want and it’s cheaper then a regular book!
I have to add to the Kindle love here… As a commuter, I am grateful for the Kindle’s light weight and ability to download books on the spot. I actually look forward to my commute (3 hours plus a day) now…no more lugging heavy books and worrying about running out of stuff to read. It’s also more convenient to read in bed.
Wow!! The worlds laziness knows no boundries!!
Lazy? How is holding a computer driven reading device different than holding a book in your hands? The words are the same no matter what you read from.
Lighten up.
Peter, lazy doesn’t apply here. Lighten up does.
Lazy? What do you mean, lazy? The Amazon Kindle is hardly the first e-book and won’t be the last. In my mind, it’s the best because of the (mostly) computer-free design and no back-light (which makes it easier on the eyes). But reading e-books hardly makes one lazy. You make no sense…
have you ever tried Christine Feehan? She wteris supernatural romance, and they are all really good.
Suggestion? How about EW doing a side-by-side comparison of all features of the 3 major types of devices? I’m seriously debating buying one, but don’t want to do all of the comparison work. How do the screens deal with glare? If/When software is improved, can an existing device be upgraded? Is it worth waiting for a color screen device? What are sizes in relation to mass market paperbacks, trade paperbacks, hardbacks (font size, total device size, weight)?
Oh, with respect to “real” books? I still want hard copies of those I really, really love (e.g., Lord of the Rings, Dune, Jane Austen, E A Poe). I’ve generally upgraded old paperbacks to quality hardbacks of those, so buying an electronic version and later a hardback would be okay with me.
It would also be nice if there were a clearinghouse where we could send old paperbacks and get some credit toward e-books — this could provide a source of books for libraries, disadvantaged youth, etc., and encourage buying more e-books.
Do people still read books? I thought
that is the reason Oprah is going off
the air.
There are 2 Kindles, the lesser expensive one costs $259. The $489 model is much larger and meant for someone who needs a large screen to read, so I think the price comment above is a little misleading. Most people are fine with the smaller screen and the $259 price. I know of 2 people who purchased their units for the audio. It is cheaper to buy a Kindle and ebooks than books on tape.
I would really like to see the origins of these stats. I find it incredibly hard to believe that for every 2 books they sell, they sell a Kindle. I know it’s popular, but that can’t be possible, can it?
Thanks for your cotnemms, Frances. I haven’t had my Kindle for long, but when I tried out the audio feature it was very accurate. I agree that it is nothing like having a real reader, so nowhere near as good as a proper audio book – but it’s not bad considering that it is indeed a machine. I used it for the first time when driving last weekend, to try it out – not a bad way to keep reading a book for short periods of time. I could also see it being useful with students in terms of taking one short passage to listen to, and then analysing how it could sound a lot more natural when read out loud by a real person. Depending on the learners´ first language, their English intonation can be fairly flat and robotic – not unlike the Kindle audio feature. An overt comparison might be useful. I haven’t tried this with students, but would be interested to hear if anybody has/does.
Sorry, I just read it more closely and now see that it says “Kindle books,” not Kindles. The site that referred me had it incorrect and said Kindles.
My husband bought me a Kindle 2 this spring, and it is fantastic! Also, you can self publish books exclusive to kindle!
It’s amazing
I had no idea that Amazon had a trade-in program. That is a rlelay neat idea. I am going to have to go and look at what they will take as a trade in and see if I can get some money for some of the junk we have around.Thanks for the information.Dee Ann RiceDee Ann Rice recently posted..
I’d like to buy an e-reader someday but just not ready to yet. Kindle just isn’t where it should be, largely due to lack of serious competition. And some of their DRM policies are ridiculous.
I’m so proud of my mom! I hope the movie is actually made!