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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 the 3rd generation
Kindle. You can also download and read books on many
phone models.
Of course, each device can only read eBooks in certain formats. Some new
model phones and mostcomputers will
read all the popular formats with the
appropriate software. I have software on my iPod Touch for Kindle, Nook
and other digital formats so it's actually the most versatile device if
you have digital books in several formats (which I do since I've been
reading eBooks since 2002).
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?
My publisher 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 their print books directly from their web store or through Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.
SomeBarnes &
Noble stores carry their titles on the shelves. Any other
bricks & mortar bookstore can order them also.
Get on the bandwagon
and buy an eBook.
Try it, you’ll like it! Go green and save a tree!
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