Reading the Fine Print: Considering Different eBook Publishing Options for the iBookstore
July 28, 2011
Commentary by Stephen Downes

Some good analysis by Wesley Fryer on different eBook publishing options. To publish on Apple's iTunes you need an iConnect account and can work with one of five publishers: Lulu, LibreDigital, Smashwords, INscribe Digital and Ingram Digital. Not all provide the same services; only Ingram and LibreDigital, for example, provide multimedia eBooks. And they charge very different rates; not surprisingly LibreDigital costs a lot more than Lulu. Apple, of course, gets 30 percent. There's also "standard eBook" publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing and PubIt! by Barnes and Noble. So what do you think - should I commit some of my finely hones thoughts to the world of commercial eBook publishing?

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Comments

Re: Reading the Fine Print: Considering Different eBook Publishing Options for the iBookstore

Jeff Hamilton, July 28, 2011

Of course I'd love to hear your "finely hones" (was that supposed to be hosed or honed?) thoughts on the commercial ebook publishing racket. Tons are getting into it big time and more people providing their 4 bits would be good. More broadly, all/many/most/some post secondary courses are tied at the hip with publishers. Is there an easy alternative? [Comment] [Permalink] [Previous][Next]

Re: Reading the Fine Print: Considering Different eBook Publishing Options for the iBookstore

Frank Lowney, July 31, 2011

One does not need to use any of the intermediaries listed. You can actually self-publish and keep more of the proceeds, if any, if you obtain the requisite ISBN (not free), and make sure your work passes ePub check. I say proceeds, if any, because it is also possible to set the price at zero. DRM is also optional.

If you take the zero cost, no DRM route, there is also the option of distribution via iTunes U. There, you'll need the help of a content provider such as Open University (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=380206132) or Connexions (http://itunes.apple.com/us/institution/connexions/id375198208). [Comment] [Permalink] [Previous][Next]



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