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Unfortunately it is not just DTB sellers impacted by the pandemic virus. The cancellation of major trade events, book fairs, author book tours, library events and library closures are going to impact the industry and their consumers. I buy books (ebooks) that I hear about from someone who saw an interview with the author on a tv show and they read it, or from a local newspaper article about local authors appearing at the library, or books that catch my eye on the various best seller lists and, on author interviews and book reviews in the newspapers to which I subscribe. I also buy or check out books based on library recommendations or buy books by library recommended authors. I don’t think there will be as much info available in the near future.
I think authors will find it harder to get exposure because of cancelled tours and this will impact their sales. If there are fewer stores buying books from publishers, publishers will pay authors less and publish fewer books. Yes, I know they can go indie but if all their readers are social distancing or sheltering in place they aren’t out socializing or networking to hear about new things. Younger people may not be as affected because of their affinity for social media but I’m not sure how many DTBs books they buy.
I think a lot of us agree that the ebook future we envisioned 20 years ago didn’t happen. In my experience those Gen Y and Gen Z readers who are so comfortable with social media prefer DTBs and are totally uninterested in Ereading. Maybe reading will just disappear and we will all be streaming videos or living the stories in virtual reality. Time to dust off my OculusGo and buy a newer appletv.
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