1) I haven’t contacted any favorite authors, but I have gone to authors’ websites, especially when helping customers. I like knowing more about authors. I visited the website for Elizabeth Berg, an author I used to read a lot. Her website is warm and interesting. She does have a blog and a podcast, and you can reach her by email. I didn’t see opportunities to interact with her via the web outside of email and blogs, but she is new to the web; her website gives a 2010 date for creation.
2) The idea of a book being published by popular vote gives me less faith in the material.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Publishing Evolution #83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)
1) I prefer paper to pixels in most cases. Getting the material in paper form is worth waiting for in terms of books I want to read; when it comes to things like newspapers, however, I’m just as happy reading it online. The reason I like paper better in books is simply because I like the feel of a book in my hand.
2) Yes, price definitely affects what books I buy. I do not buy many books since I use the library for most of my reading material. I do buy books on topics that we do not have in our system and that I want to keep (i.e., not get on interlibrary loan). I would probably not pay the same price for a digital book as a paper copy unless it were only available in digital format and I really wanted the book.
3) I think the idea of preview and then pay is great for those who are interested. It seems like a good way for a new author to get a following without going through a publisher.
2) Yes, price definitely affects what books I buy. I do not buy many books since I use the library for most of my reading material. I do buy books on topics that we do not have in our system and that I want to keep (i.e., not get on interlibrary loan). I would probably not pay the same price for a digital book as a paper copy unless it were only available in digital format and I really wanted the book.
3) I think the idea of preview and then pay is great for those who are interested. It seems like a good way for a new author to get a following without going through a publisher.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand
1. I do not know enough about the cost of traditionally published books to be able to say if these online self-publisher packages are higher in cost than traditionally published books or about the same. I will say that these prices seem expensive to me. The cheapest package I saw was $299, but most ran for more.
I did look at some of their published books. I didn't see any that I had read, but I did see some that interested me. I wouldn't be opposed to reading self-published books; I would be very careful before I ordered one, however, as there were many that looked like poor quality.
2. I think self publishing is an exciting venue for people who have little hope of getting a book published the traditional way.
As a reader, I am more inclined to read authors that have gone through established publishers, or small, independent publishers, rather than an author who has self-published. But in time this may change if the future moves more toward "publish on demand" books.
I did look at some of their published books. I didn't see any that I had read, but I did see some that interested me. I wouldn't be opposed to reading self-published books; I would be very careful before I ordered one, however, as there were many that looked like poor quality.
2. I think self publishing is an exciting venue for people who have little hope of getting a book published the traditional way.
As a reader, I am more inclined to read authors that have gone through established publishers, or small, independent publishers, rather than an author who has self-published. But in time this may change if the future moves more toward "publish on demand" books.
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