Sara Sheridan: Don't judge a book by its cover – or its format

OVER the past 15 years it would be fair to say that the entire UK book industry, from publishers, to writers to printing companies and booksellers, has undergone an upheaval the like of which has not been seen since William Caxton had the clever idea of importing a printing press and setting up shop in London.

The collapse of the Net Book Agreement in 1996 sent financial shock waves through the industry that led to major changes in the way publishers viewed even acclaimed authors' work.

No sooner had the industry dusted itself down and got on with business than advances in technology brought a range of complex new legal and literary challenges. Many old-fashioned publishers are still struggling to come to terms with the fact that the Sony Reader and Amazon Kindle are clearly here to stay.

News earlier this year that US digital sales outstripped hardbacks prompted dramatic headlines that "The Book Is Dead!" But it is readers themselves who give the lie to that statement.

Scotland has a thriving programme of more than 40 book festivals nationwide and many, like Wigtown, which starts today, are not only growing (recent figures show a 65 per cent rise since 2008) but also contribute hugely to the local economy. The Wigtown festival brings in a much-needed 500.000 despite the current recession.

As a writer it is a joy to appear at these events, but the digital age has also brought online opportunities. Twitter, for example, provides a forum on all aspects of books, be they digital or in print. When I recently tweeted about buying a Kindle I had a rash of replies (some people swearing they would never abandon "real" books, others sharing their experience of the device). That enthusiastic response was a staunch reply to the pessimistic headlines .

The industry has challenges ahead of it – legislation on digital rights management and a radical reform of publishing are on the cards – but readers will always read, on paper or through glass, because there is nothing like a story to fire the imagination – and that is what matters.

• Sara Sheridan is a historical novelist