The timeless appeal of print books!

In an era where digital screens dominate daily life, the enduring charm of print books remains unshaken. Far from being relegated to nostalgia, print books continue to thrive, holding a unique place in the hearts of readers and professionals alike. In an age rife with misinformation, the permanence of print is seen as a marker of credibility. Unlike digital platforms where content can be modified or deleted with a click, printed books represent stability and authenticity.

For readers, the touch of the book, the rustle of pages, the scent of ink and paper—is an irreplaceable sensory experience. Publishers often stress the role of beautifully illustrated print books in capturing young minds, an area where digital formats still lag behind. As Pragya Mittal of Maple Press puts it, “While the world is increasingly embracing digital technologies, there is a noticeable counter-movement towards non-digital activities for children. As awareness grows, more parents are choosing books as a way to limit screen time.”

From a commercial perspective, print books remain a cornerstone of the publishing industry. While e-books and audiobooks have carved out their niches, the sale of physical books consistently outpaces their digital counterparts. This is attributed not just to consumer preference but also to the strategic choices of publishers who invest in quality design, durable binding, and engaging covers that make print books stand out on bookstore shelves. “For hardbound editions, we can even do embellishments on the cover to make it more attractive, so that readers can grab a book by the cover,” shares Sunil Jain of Graphic Print.

While, Kalpana Shukla of KW Publishers shares, “Publishers should be recognised for their content, though this comes later, the first attraction is the ‘look of the book’. Therefore it is important to invest in good printerswith like-minded working skills.”

Both offset and digital printing are used to produce books. “Print on Demand has revolutionized the printing industry, offering numerous benefits to authors, publishers, and readers. With POD,books can be printed and bound one at a time, reducing waste and inventory risks,” shares Dr. Nikita Paliya, Founder and Director, IP Innovative Publication Pt Ltd.

Amidst concerns about environmental impact, publishers and printers are taking strides toward sustainability, using eco-friendly inks and recycled paper to reduce their carbon footprint. This issue, we bring both publisher and printer perspective on the future of print books.

But one thing is clear – as publishers and printers innovate to meet modern demands, the allure of print is here to stay!

Shweta
shweta@allaboutbookpublishing.comes