Smashwords has just unveiled a new system that finally allows authors to upload their ebooks in ePub format. This new capability allows publishers or authors to upload their own professionally formatted ePub files for sale at the Smashwords store, and for distribution to the Smashwords retail distribution network. When you upload your own ePub book it is important to note … [Read more...] about Smashwords Direct Offers ePub Uploads for Indie Authors
Archives for 2012
How do Front Lit e-Readers Work?
e-Reader technology has certainly changed in 2012 and many companies are releasing front lit devices. How exactly do they work and what makes them different from tablets? The Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Glo, and Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight all use LED lights that project the light across the screen. The Nook has them on the top of the bezel facing downwards and most others … [Read more...] about How do Front Lit e-Readers Work?
Does Kickstarter Work as a Platform for Books?
That's the title of an article by Seth Godin on his The Domino Project Site. According to Godin, the hardest part of publishing a book is getting the first 10,000 copies read and after that, if the book resonates, it should take off. He feels that Kickstarter can solve this problem because an author "… with a tribe can reach out to her readers, activate them and make an offer: … [Read more...] about Does Kickstarter Work as a Platform for Books?
Kobo Plans to Launch Official Support Forums
Kobo is working internally on developing its own support forums that will rival Amazon Kindleboards. This will give users a chance to talk to other people who own the same e-reader they do, find support, and get tutorials. This will be a nexus of all things Kobo and there will even be virtual bookclubs that people can join to share the love of reading. Kobo experimented with … [Read more...] about Kobo Plans to Launch Official Support Forums
Digital Single Give Away for New Year’s Eve
The single biggest advantage that digital publishing has brought to DIY authors may be the enormity of control over the content. So many conventions have been stripped away. Word count restrictions have been overtaken by ebook shorts and long-form digital journalism like Kindle Singles and Atavist. Concerns over the marketability of certain themes or topics have been removed, … [Read more...] about Digital Single Give Away for New Year’s Eve
eBook Review: The Florentine Emerald
Verdict: 4 Stars In this English-language translation of Agustín Bernaldo Palatchi's title, The Florentine Emerald (Barcelona eBooks), the historical setting of Florence in the time of the Medici's rise to power and influence comes across on every page, with attention to detail down to the clothing, shopping, and even eating habits of the characters. With both a strong sense … [Read more...] about eBook Review: The Florentine Emerald
LG Flexible e-Paper Fails to Change the e-Reader World
In early 2012, LG debuted a new kind of flexible e-Paper technology that was set to usher in a new generation of e-readers. This never happened, although LG started to mass produce the screens for companies that never bought them. The only commercially viable product was the Wexler Flex One, but it is only available in Russia and Shop e-Readers. The flexible screens had a ton … [Read more...] about LG Flexible e-Paper Fails to Change the e-Reader World
Macmillan Says New eBook Contracts Allow for Discounting
So says Macmillan Chief Executive John Sargent in an open letter posted on his company's website. Sargent said that new retailer ebook contracts will allow retailers to discount certain titles priced at $13.99 and above by 10%. As Global Finance points out, those retailers who have settled their antitrust case will allow discounting on all their titles. Sargent says that … [Read more...] about Macmillan Says New eBook Contracts Allow for Discounting
Print Sales Rose Over the Holidays, But Is It a Sign of a Coup?
All of the early smart predictions about digital publishing allowed that there were markets for print books and markets for ebooks. High-resolution photo books fare better in their print formats, while no one can argue that the romance genre fans don't love digital. A recent article in The Guardian demonstrated that, while print sales rose over the holidays, it is in these … [Read more...] about Print Sales Rose Over the Holidays, But Is It a Sign of a Coup?