Do You Read Books in Spanish??

This morning, I came across an interesting article in the LA Times titled Spanish-language books flourish thanks to e-readers by Ken Bensinger. In the article, Bensinger writes:

The surging popularity of the Kindle and Nook allows publishers to offer Spanish-language books in the U.S. at far lower prices than for printed copies.

In the last two years, the number of Spanish-language titles available in the U.S. has tripled at some online booksellers. Imported hardcovers such as Colombian author Alvaro Mutis' "Maqroll" trilogy that once retailed for more than $100 can now be had online for less than $15. And entire genres of Latin American literature — think contemporary Ecuadorean poetry — that were all but impossible to acquire at any price are now a few mouse clicks away.

Spanish-language book sales are still small compared with those in English, accounting for less than 5% of the nation's $7.1 billion in annual sales, according to some estimates. But their rapid growth has fueled greater investment in the industry and challenged some long-held notions in the process.

"There has been a real shift," said Ed Nawotka, editor in chief of online industry magazine Publishing Perspectives. "I see confidence in the market that has never been there before."

The article imparts a lot of information to readers. Please click on the above link to read the entire article.

I don't speak or read Spanish myself, but know many people who do. Living in California you cannot help but come across Spanish speakers/readers on a daily basis. I personally think it's wonderful to see that more eBook titles in Spanish are being offered for eReaders at affordable price for consumers. 

It's really no surprise for me to see increased sales of Spanish language books... I'm just glad that the publishing industry is catching up with the demand for books in Spanish.

Until my next post, happy reading!!