by rcschipul on August 13, 2010
Not yet. Having just released a novel strictly in e-reader format, I can personally vouch for the thrill of wandering a bookstore, running your finger along the spines, checking the New Releases section and asking for recommendations.
Blue Willow Bookshop is a local favorite with a handful of bells that jingle when you walk in and worn wooden floors. It is the kind of place that makes you want to read. While the Kindle, iPad and other devices offer a convenient way to carry your library with you, they are all tweaking their products to make it feel more like reading an actual book. From flipping pages with a stroke of your finger to cases that open book style, they are all trying to simulate what we love. Curling up on the sofa with a good book.
Houston Chronicle story on the effect of e-book sales on physical bookstores.
by rcschipul on August 10, 2010
This morning, Forty-Two Blue showed up on Amazon.com. And I have been beaming like a new mother ever since.
For those of you considering going straight to e-publishing, Amazon makes it pretty easy. You can choose to self-publish with Amazon by using their Digital Text Platform system. Very step by step to converting/uploading your manuscript and adding tags and pricing options. I put in a price point of 99 cents and will get roughly 30 cents for any purchased downloads. The goal is to build readership not get rich. Although I wouldn’t object. I also asked for any royalty checks to be mailed to me hard copy instead of direct deposit. After opening so many rejection letters in the mail, I would also like the author experience of opening a check. Even if it is only for 30 cents. Um yeah, I am buying a copy.
One hiccup along the way. After you go through the upload process, the DTP Bookshelf will show your ms in Ready status. This not the same as Live. After reading the publisher forums on the site, I realized I was not the only person who thought they had uploaded and couldn’t figure out why the book was not showing up. The solution was simple – click to edit your book options and re-save each screen. No need to change any data. When you see your status change to In Review, it will be quick. Mine was up the next day.
I have also uploaded to the iBookstore. Another post on that when it is complete.
Good luck with your publishing!
I’ll just keep walking around with this big goofy grin on my face.