E-books have found a special spot in this year's book fair. The annual event kicks off next Wednesday. It will run until July 27 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The fair will highlight multimedia - e-books will be introduced.
Publishers will be displaying e-versions of books featured at the fair, including fiction, non-fiction, language tutorials, recipe books and supplements. Most of these e-publications are available in iPad and iPhone versions for readers to purchase through the AppStore.
Ian Chan, deputy editor-in-chief of Wan Li Book Co, says non-linear reading material, like cook books and travel books, does not require readers to start from page one.
He says e-versions of such books are popular - people can carry their iPad and read a chapter whenever they like.
Bonnie Chan, founder of local electronic books platform Handheld Culture, says reading on the go, for example, on a mobile phone, is a 'step forward towards a better lifestyle'. Many e-books have added value, such as images and audios, making them more fun and enjoyable, Chan says.
There will be a special 'digital publishing' section in the fair which will feature e-books, e-dictionaries and voice pens.