Kids' E-Books

United States
February 3, 2012 7:23pm CST
As a children's author my goals were always centered around traditional publication. But the publishing industry has had an interesting evolution over the past few years and is smack dab in the middle of a state of flux. Children's lit has transformed at a slower rate but is still facing the inevitable, and for that reason, ebooks have been my main source of success and sales. I've been published traditionally as well, but ebooks create a more stable, consistent, and profit-rich environment for me. I care a great deal about the readers, children, and would like to pose my question based on that. Regardless of the industry and how the chips have fallen, I see potential for a more merit-based marketplace when authors can self-publish their works digitally at little or no cost. I see the access of books at the click of a button as a good thing, that can foster enthusiasm with kids. Assuming that ereaders and computers will continue to become more affordable, I'd like to know what issues people have with e-books. I hear a lot of naysaying, and I can understand it to a degree. Holding a book, smelling a book, and the visceral connection you may have to turning pages are powerful, but they are learned. And isn't the over-arching goal to read, regardless of the means? Basically, does anyone out there see a legitimate reason why e-books are bad for kids, and if so, why?
2 responses
@beamer88 (4259)
• Philippines
4 Feb 12
It's true that there are pros and cons about e-books. There are probably more pros and cons. My main concern however is my child's eyesight. I mean, reading from a monitor, whether a PC or a tablet or any form of e-book reader could really strain a child's eye faster than reading from a traditional book. I'm not sure if there are studies regarding this. I based it only on the negative effects of prolonged TV watching and PC use, which supposedly can affect a person's vision. And I think e-books would have the same effect. Unless you print it on paper but that would be like just buying the traditional book.
6 Feb 12
I want to write an ebook for students and publish it . How can I publish it? Can anybody give me advice for free publishing?
• United States
4 Feb 12
Interesting point. Part of the reason that I brought up the discussion is because there are no studies out currently that have evidence of ebooks adversely affecting a child's development (it's a new subject so it's not that surprising). Electronic ink, the Kindle's old bread and butter is very easy on the eyes but the kid-friendly e-readers/tablets (Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Amazon Fire) are not in electronic ink. It's possible that they might cause some harm to the yes. It's something worth exploring.
@jazzyrae (1745)
• United States
4 Feb 12
I have huge issues with kids and e books i also do not like them even for adults. I am very intrested in traditionalism. Also ther is a risk of all electronics one day being obselete or even unusable if a solar flair were to hit then all the work and words on e books would be gone forever wich would launch us back into the second dark age. I mean there is just so much wrong with e books it is ridiculous just because we can do somthing dose not always mean that we should
• United States
4 Feb 12
And just because something is an advancement doesn't mean it's evil, to the same point. If something were to render electronics obsolete as you put it (such as an EMP) which wouldn't necessarily have the catastrophic effects that you mention, then it would affect every aspect our lives. Should we forgo all medical device advancements because they'd be susceptible? It's an extreme example but it would be irresponsible to let such a fear outweigh the value. And rest assured out national archive of works in the Library of Congress (which is in the being digitized) is backed up, and very safe.
@jazzyrae (1745)
• United States
4 Feb 12
Personally I belive we rely to much on electronics not to mention e books make it hard for publishers to find jobs and editors because the electronics basically do the work for you. In this economy jobs need to out weigh electronics. Electronics put people out of work