Author Erin Richards







iPod Touch
 

Nook (Barnes & Noble)
 


Franklin eBookMan


Dell Laptop
 



Amazon Kindle DX


 Blackberry Curve
 

Sony eReader
 

eBook Questions & Answers

What’s an eBook?

“eBook” stands for “electronic book” for those of you not in the know.  They are real books in a digital format, formatted for various software programs and eBook readers.

The eBook market is booming and there are many excellent dedicated eBook publishers out there.  The quality of writing, book editing and production are as good as any big company print publisher. In addition, you’ll find a greater variety of eBook genres and subject matters since many eBook publishers will take on works written outside the box that the big companies won’t touch.

With the new big name eReaders on the market (Kindle, Sony eReader, Nook) best sellers are now released in eBook format in addition to print format. You'll have no trouble finding eBooks in all genres and from most publishing houses, from big to small, in digital format.

How can I read an eBook?

Contrary to old-fashioned belief, you do not have to sit at your computer and read an eBook.  There are many portable eReaders on the market, including dedicated readers, standard PDAs and even cell phones. I read my eBooks on an iPod Touch and an old Franklin eBookMan. You can also download and read books on many phone models. Of course, each device can only read eBooks in certain formats. Some will read all the popular formats, such as your PDA and your computer, with the appropriate software.

Through 2008 and 2009, eBooks went mainstream with the introduction of Amazon's Kindle and  Sony's eReader in 2007. In 2009, Barnes & Noble added the Nook to the roundup of popular eReaders. These latest high-tech readers use a technology called "electronic-ink". e-Ink is a black and white paper-like display that reads like a real book, with no screen glare and no backlight necessary. The screen works like real paper and ink, but displays the ink electronically. It's nothing like reading on a computer screen!

FYI…eBooks are copyrighted and cannot be copied (except to make a personal backup) or distributed, nor can you print them. Although if you're using the Nook reading device, you can loan one copy to another Nook reader.

What’s the big deal about eBooks?

(a)  eBooks are a convenient and affordable way to supplement your library.  They’re cheaper than print books as it’s very inexpensive for publishers to produce them.

(b)  They’re quick and easy to download.  If you’re dying for something new to read at 2:00 am, just hop on the internet (or on your wireless reading device), search, buy and download instantaneously. You can store dozens of books on an eBook reader (or keep them stored at your eBook store account).  This is a great feature if you’re traveling extensively. It gives you many titles to choose from no matter what you’re in the mood to read.

(c) Most eBook readers allow you to change your font to adapt to your eyesight preferences.  Many devices (especially the older ones) include backlights if you wish to read in the dark.

(d) They provide great flexibility for those who adapt to both eBook and print worlds.  If you want to hold a print book in your hands, you can still do it (albeit with a smaller selection of books).  If you’re running out of shelf space (like me), then your eBook options are endless.  You can read an eBook, delete it from your reader, and it’s still stored on your computer (or in your eBook store account) if you want to read it again. For those of you who are going green, well, eBooks are your next best friend! 

Will Chasing Shadows make it to print?

Cerridwen Press does print some of its books in trade paperback format. However, it may take a year or so after the eBook release for the print version to come out. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee my book will be released in print (as of 1/1/2010, I highly doubt it). You can order Cerridwen Press print books directly from their web store or through Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.  Many Barnes & Noble stores carry their titles on the shelves. Any other bricks & mortar bookstore can order them also.

 

Here’s a link to Cerridwen Press, who has much more to say about eBooks, including information about the different software formats and devices.

Get on the bandwagon and buy an eBook. 
Try it, you’ll like it! Go green and save a tree!

 


 

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