eBooks for Podiobook authors?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Sharpe on June 25, 2008 at 2:08pm

Most of the problems that I see, is legal.. Playing for Keeps is going to be an actual Paper Book soon. I really hope you did get Permission to create one by Mur or who ever say you can, such as Publisher.

I'm actually, a user of Mobipocket. And I used several Ebook software.

Me, I'm planning to Order the paper Book as soon as I know the ISBN.

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Permalink Reply by Brad P. from NJ on June 26, 2008 at 8:52am

I created the copy for Mur, and gave her all the distribution rights and authorities. I'm not distributing it for her... just doing the creation. She sent me the text before all the PDFs were released so I could finish it up for her.

I've got my paperback copy from Lulu, and I'll be ordering my copy from Swarm, too.

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Permalink Reply by Gail on June 25, 2008 at 2:56pm

Please explain a little more for the folk(s) like me who are not sure about this format.
It seems you are talking about changing the format so you can move the file to another reader?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Sharpe on June 25, 2008 at 4:29pm

Basically that is what you say, converting Text in to another format for a different software Reader.

Currently there are lots of eBook readers on the market. Most actually convert the text so you can alter it's appearance. Desktop readers usually often have font options, as well as size. Portable systems depend on the system itself, but range from the almost like the Desktop reader, but in a few cases to just be able scroll text.

Most Formats such as the Palm Doc format has a limits on characters and formatting. Some formats allow images to be inserted. Mobipocket allows images.

I'm no Cory Doctrow, but it is said if done right can help your new readership. http://craphound.com/

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Permalink Reply by Brad P. from NJ on June 26, 2008 at 9:07am

In my opinion, having a MobiPocket or eReader version gives you one more distribution stream. But then, I've read eBooks since Dec of 99, so I'm bullish on the whole eBook environment.

Both MobiPocket and eReader allow certain characters or graphics to be inserted, and text to be formatted. What it requires is taking the text of a book, and putting it into eReaders eBook Studio. Once the text is loaded in to the program, the whole book is edited in something like a small word processor. The final output file is in a Palm Doc format that can be read using the eReader software, which can be used for free. It is possible to create a password protected version of the file, but without a distribution network like the eReader infrastructure, creating licenses may be a bit tedious.

When it comes to what environment you can use, eReader software works on multiple platforms, many that are portable, and is working on an iPhone version. eReader was recently purchased by a competitor, Fictionwise, and the eReader site and product offerings have been recently updated, leading me to believe that eReader and Fictionwise are not going anywhere anytime soon.

Okay... this video is wobbly and out of focus, but here's what I did for Mur.

Part of the intent of this discussion is to talk about the method and distribution that's possible, part of my intent is to offer a service to people who may want to have an eBook, but don't want to buy the software and do it for themselves.

Hopefully, this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Gail on June 26, 2008 at 2:54pm

I got it! Thanks to all.

Years ago, when I first heard of eBooks, they sounded delightful. Now, however, I know that I have no interest in reading anything novel-length from a back lit screen (such as, for instance, a monitor).

I do it anyway, but I'm not going to spend any significant amount of money to get the equipment. (The significant money is reserved in case I ever need to replace my iPod. There's no going back to living without downloadable content!)

To get back to the original Q, then, I have no interest in the ebook format. Sounds entertaining, but not for me.

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Permalink Reply by Brad P. from NJ on June 27, 2008 at 1:08pm

Reading on a computer screen can be so wicked fatiguing. I do love reading on my Palm though, because it's either on or off... there's no refresh rate, so there's almost no eye fatigue.

One of the reasons that I like using eReader is that it can take advantage of tech that people are already carrying, namely Palms, Treos running Palm OS, Treos running Windows Mobile, and (if eReader get their act together) soon Blackberries and iPhones.

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Permalink Reply by Gail on June 27, 2008 at 1:42pm

Ah! that's different. If I already owned one of those nifty gadgets, there's no telling.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Lowell on June 27, 2008 at 7:49am

I think mostly it depends on whether or not you make an ebook version available. I made a decision to keep print and ebook rights back. There are no text versions except for my manuscripts and the versions I make available to beta readers.

I know that's a minority opinion and I'm not sure if it's the right one, but for me, an eReader version of my books is a non-starter at the moment.

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Permalink Reply by Brad P. from NJ on June 27, 2008 at 1:09pm

I agree that eBooks are just one more medium for distribution. If you do want to do some testing in the future, let me know.

My son is loving the Quarter Share series, btw. Awesome work.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Lowell on June 27, 2008 at 1:19pm

Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Evo Terra on June 30, 2008 at 6:58am

I'll state officially that if a standard format(s) can be agreed upon, we'll happily distribute ebook versions of titles and serve the media from our servers. We should even be able to collect a fee for each, should the author request it that way. Of course, the episodic podcast version will remain available without charge.

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