This is a common question, and a necessary one, as the merits of both are reported.
For starters, neither is necessarily better than the other. There is no correct option. Choosing one depends on what you are trying to achieve by posting, your current skill set, and your funds allocated for this project. However, it is inevitable that you will choose one for your first endeavor to become a published author.
After careful analysis, only you can decide which option is the most suitable for you, but I recommend e-books for the following reasons:
- E-books are environmentally responsible
- E-books are instantly accessible
- E-books can be created, marketed, and sold in a very short period of time.
- E-books can be created, marketed and sold based on your own schedule
- E-books can be created, marketed, and sold without extensive knowledge of the complex book publishing industry.
- E-books can be marketed in places where they might not normally be marketed, such as online bookstores.
- E-books make you an expert in your field quickly and easily
- E-books allow you to explore and share your passion for a topic more fully than with articles or your website.
- Short ebooks can be used for gifts, incentives, or as bonus items (the most common way to use them is to build your subscriber list)
If you’re unsure about some aspect of the book writing process, writing an e-book is a great way to get acquainted with the nuts and bolts of developing a system that works for you. Start small with a special report or mini e-book. Although this does not officially qualify as authorship, the exercise builds clarity and confidence.
With the ability to publish an e-book at no monetary cost, it is a great way to start your writing career.