Sitting in nursery,you were in awe of how the slow hare could beat such a boisterous rabbit, or the amazing colours of Elmer. The memories come flooding back of your teacher’s enthusiastic expressions, as she aimed to get you interested and engaged in reading. As an apprentice in the Books department for one of the nation’s biggest news and media companies, I was amazed at how eBooks are truly redefining reading. Many regard reading as a way to escape the feeling of buzzing city life with all it’s technological and social advances, but what if that has even been taken over?! What if the ‘techno overload’ is truly inescapable?! Image

My new manager Sara Montgomery, Head of Guardian Books, conceived of and launched the digital-only ebook series, Guardian Shorts, with excellent commercial results! The fact is there are countless benefits of digital books that just make them a better option for the average consumer including:

  • Journey: Working professionals tend to carry a lot to work including important files, notepads, hefty laptops, and large briefcases. Image lugging around a heavy backpack and then picking up two 600 page books on top, when instead you could have a multitude of titles compressed in an ultra-slim backpack. Then, when you jet off for some much deserved fun in the sun, you won’t have to worry about the glue in between your papers melting away – but make sure you don’t melt your iPad either.
  • Speed: You see a description of a book online, and you can’t wait to dig your teeth into it. The subject really entices you and you already start envisioning the drama or great information you will see! When you buy an eBook online, you can instantaneously see it right before your eyes, and begin your journey of discovery right away. Whereas if you order a standard paperback, expect to wait at least 3 days.
  • Night reading: Reading a book at night is a chance to wind down and there is nothing better than dozing off in the middle of a good reading session. Yet, there is nothing worse that not being able to put a book down, and just wanting to squeeze in those last few pages before bed, but then having to get up to turn the light off. Well, eBooks usually come with a built-in light so you can read even with the light off, and can stay in your cozy bed all night long. Image
  • Price: In the ever-worsening economic climate, money is tight for most. But, that doesn’t mean that everyone shouldn’t be able to enjoy a good book! After the initial investment of a tablet, starting at just £60 for a brand new kindle, eBook editions are usually much cheaper than the paperback, and will save you having to sort out an overwhelming pile of books that you no longer want!

These are just some of the countless benefits The Guardian took advantage of, and in turn increased the profitability of the Books department by 100%! In an age where technology is obviously king, it’s exciting to work for a company who isn’t afraid to stray from their humble beginnings as a weekly newspaper, and take advantage of fast-paced, digital savvy consumer needs!