I have to be honest. I was a traditional pub snob. I wanted my book on bookshelves.
But two days ago, I received a full manuscript request from an agent who specializes in e-books. I queried the agency where she worked, and she is the one who responded, the agent who saw potential in my manuscript.
So I started doing a bit of research, and today, i would be happy to sign with an e-publisher.
Times are a changing. Sure, 5% of the market is small, but as I see it, that percentage can only grow, as e-book readers are no-where near market saturation.
Also, consider this: There are two types of book buyers. Those who seek out a book, and impulse buyers. The first type, hear about a book from friends, or the internet, or anticipate a new release. They deliberately buy that book. The second type, would buy most of their books while at the grocery store, train station or airport. 'Ooh, that cover is shiny and I like this genre.' But then, a few years ago, a major chain coughwallmartcough wanted to consolidate their book distribution through a single supplier. Good for the company that got the contract, bad for the few dozen small time wholesalers who went out of business. Almost overnight, most of the locations these impulse readers bought from disappeared.
The first type of book buyer, is still buying books. And with e-books, they still will. Some will want to hold an actual book in their hand, and with POD, they still can. But the second type, they have hope now. Now, when stranded at an airport or train station, they can find a hotspot/hub and download that book they read about last night on their friends blog.
I want in on that action.