from e-ink to e-paper?

Disposable e-paper prototype developed

Sony Reader Introducing Apps for Android and iPhone

"The Sony Reader was one of the first big names in the eBook space, but over the past few years the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and similar eBook devices have grabbed most of the headlines. By launching a Reader app for mobile, Sony might be able to drive up the use of the Sony Reader Store — and also the company’s hardware eBook devices."

http://mobiputing.com/2010/11/sony-reader-apps-coming-to-android-ios/

JEP - Reimaging the university press

Some interesting, possibly relevant essays in the current issue of the JEP on reimagining the university press.

http://www.journalofelectronicpublishing.org

Random/Discussion

The first two links are the articles from Industry news for Oct. 25. The third link is to an online discussion amongst writers about the E-Book publisher I was researching. The criticisms were interesting, and the publisher responds on occassion.

http://www.bookbusinessmag.com/article/wowio-inc-issued-notice-allowance-for-patent-application-covering-advertising-ebooks/1



http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/45000-libraries-say-no-drm--springer-agrees-.html

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168026

Trip to Stylus Publishing, Inc.

Two weeks ago, I had to travel out to Sterling, VA to visit with our US distributor/marketer, Stylus Publishing, Inc. I had never been to a distribution warehouse before and figured many of you hadn't either, so I figured I'd share a few pictures and insights.

Basically, the warehouse holds all of our books (both Earthscan and RFF Press) and is separated by their own in-house schematic (surprisingly, its sorted by BIN number, and not titles, etc). It is absolutely HUGE and ridiculously organized. Note: we share the space with a few other publishers (for example, Stylus has its own imprint and houses its books in this warehouse as well).

When an order comes in, its contents are gathered and brought to the back of the warehouse for packing and processing. This is the area of most activity in the warehouse as not only are orders being processed to go out, but also being processed as returns are coming in (depressing thought). The workers processing the returns separate "damaged" books by publisher and places them in giant individual boxes. Our marketing rep goes in every day to the Earthscan damaged box and tries to find homes for the ones that are hardly scratched. As she told me "every book needs a home, just like puppies." Made me smile.

I was thrilled to discover that Stylus shares their administrative space with Potomac Books (formerly Brassey's Inc.), one of the leading independent publishers of American history, military history, etc. (You may remember Bob telling us his agent had been in talks with Potomac Books about possibly acquiring his novel about platoon leaders experiences in Vietnam.) I own may of their books myself, and was chided for "geeking out" in my excitement over getting to meet a few members of their staff. I got to meet the marketing manager and was given an advanced copy of their upcoming catalogue...pretty cool!

All in all...I had a great trip. Not only did I sit in on a lot of meetings and learn Stylus' role in marketing and distributing our books, but I made a few fabulous contacts (isn't it always about networking anyways?)

Analysis of Mundania Press, LLC

Originally, I was going to analyze Books Unbound. However, Books Unbound is closed for submissions, and the website was last updated in 2006. I believe it has gone out of business. Therefore, I have chosen a new company to investigate: Mundania Press.

Mundania Press was founded in 2002, and is based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Although I found this site in a Directory of E-Publishers, they sell print versions as well, depending on the book. The submission guidelines warn that any accepted manuscripts under 60,000 words will be published in ebook format only. They publish original fiction and out-of-print works, all through electronic submissions.

They have a good-sized staff. In case you are interested, the positions are as follows: COO and Senior Editor, President and Marketing Director, Art Director, Promotions Director, Cover Artist, Webmaster, Executive Assistant, Editor (6), and Artist (8). I am curious to know why there are more artists than editors, but perhaps they work on promotional material that is unavailable on the website.

Mundania Press specializes in science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, and paranormal. According to the about page, they select manuscripts “based on the quality of writing, story entertainment value, and sales potential.” (Then again, so does every other trade publisher.) I find their mission statement is better summed up by their trademarked tagline “extraordinary books by talented authors.”

The Home page is dedicated to new releases, with cover art to catch the reader’s eye. In a brick and mortar bookstore, browsers would only be able to see the spine – a definite disadvantage to smaller publishers that the internet can correct.

They offer a full catalog of their books, information on all of their authors, and a Coming Soon section. It is even possible to browse the catalog by “genre.” Some of their genres are invented; there is no such thing as “female sleuths genre.” The term “category” is more fitting than “genre.” However, the browse function is a useful tool if you are only interested in books with female sleuths, zombies, or fairies.

There is a password protected Authors Only section of the site. Although I cannot enter it to investigate, I applaud their efforts to build community among their authors, rather than keep them separate and promote competition.

Mundania Press also attempts to build community among their readers, expanding into various social media. In addition to an onsite blog, they have branched out to Myspace, Facebook, and Youtube.

The blog has a convenient timeline of where they are in acquiring manuscripts from certain months (responses have gone out, still under consideration, etc.). At a glance, those who have submitted their work can see where their manuscript is in the process. The latest blog posts advertise new releases, but the list of post labels includes acquisition tips, covers, interviews, publishing realities, and rights.

Clearly this blog is not only concerned with promoting its new books. It wants to build discussions among its readers – though not take part. While several people have commented on various posts, Mundania Press has not responded to those comments. I think this is a big mistake. By responding to comments, they show readers that they are listening and paying attention to them. Thirty-seven followers are listed in the sidebar. That number is probably higher, since you have to be on Blogger to follow.

The blog also has a link to the Mundania Press Facebook page, which 192 people “like.” Their wall includes posts about new books, interviews, discounts, awards won by authors, and articles by staff members. There appears to be more reader participation on this site, and a stronger sense of community.

Two more social media sites are only linked on the Shopping Cart, which appears out-of-date compared to the rest of the site. The Myspace posts are current, but they appear to be more automatic than their Facebook counterparts. The video book trailers on Youtube are all at least one year old. I believe this suggests that Myspace and the book trailers are past promotional efforts, neglected in the face of new media like Facebook.

Two links from the blog, Freebies and Calendar, are under construction. These pages may be further attempts to build community among readers.

The F.A.Q. is short, but it has questions about ordering books and contacting authors. I believe they recognize that readers associate with authors more than publishers, and gladly promote the relationship to help build a strong readership base.

The site offers gift certificates and wholesale discounts. Although it is not clear, I think the wholesale discount is aimed at bookstores, not individual customers. In addition to having a shopping cart, Mundania Press is also on Fictionwise.com, a Barnes & Noble eBook company. They probably reach more people through Fictionwise than their own site, but this is pure conjecture.

It is mentioned that the website is undergoing reconstruction, and from the shopping cart it is clear that the logo has been updated. Perhaps Mundania Press is working on updating their brand?

On a final note, Mundania Press sells ebooks in a PDF format. While this is not a portable format, like ebooks available to an ereader, it is available to anyone with Adobe. I would argue that this system is less broken than trying to match an ebook with a compatible e-reader, especially for a small press trying to expand their readership.

Mundania Press is small, but they have published many authors and seem to be doing well business-wise. I think they are also doing well at establishing footholds in their readership community, though they could improve by writing more blog post articles (not just rehashing new releases) and replying to readers’ comments.

E-Release of Catch-22

Joseph Heller's Catch-22, until now unavailable for purchase as such, is being released in e-book form by the book's original publisher, Simon & Schuster.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101121/GJLIFESTYLES/101119490/-1/SANNEWS

Yet Another Controversial E-Book Pulled...

But this time it's involved in a murder investigation...

E-Book Involved in Florida Copycat Murder Case

Some Bright News for Book Binders

A friend sent me a link to this website - they make cases for iPads and Kindles that are essentially bound covers. The idea is to keep San Francisco book-binders in business, and the company is aptly named DodoCase.

What do you guys think of this? Kind of cool for bibliophiles looking to make their e-readers a little more book-ish. They are a little pricey though.

DODOcase

AAP and Bowker Host Educational Sessions

I know this is going to take place in New York and most of us won't be able to go, but Bowker and the Association for American Publishers (AAP) are hosting a conference series in December and February for editors, and marketing and sales professionals. These educational sessions will teach editors and marketing and sales staff at publishing houses how to target their books based on consumer data. Certainly something valuable for publishers trying to stay afloat and for those trying to get more from consumer data.

Here's the AAP press release.

Just in time for the holidays...

Amazon fixes something that was broken: now one can give the gift of a Kindle Book.

Barnes & Noble Rolls Out Toy Stores Within It's Bookstores

Since the decline of book sales as more and more readers are switching to digital books, B&N decided to test selling toys in their stores to increase sales.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTREA6AAFU20101111

Ann Taylor Career Reception

In case anyone is interested, Ann Taylor in D.C. is hosting a Polish Your Professional Image reception on Dec. 1. It’s open to students in the College of Professional Studies, and the deadline to RSVP is today.

What: Reception – Polish Your Professional Image; Learn about different looks for your career

When: December 1, 2010 from 6-8 p.m.

Where: Ann Taylor Stores – 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW

Why: It will help you in your career, and they are offering a twenty percent discount!

RSVP: Mag Gottlieb, GSPM Career Director – mag@gwu.edu by Nov. 17

-- Heather Walrath

Amazon.com Pulls Controversial E-Book

This has caused quite a stir over the past few days. Amazon.com's had to remove a book titled "The Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child-Lover's Code of Conduct" because of (expected and quite justified) widespread outrage. Mostly moms and various alarmists.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/10/amazon-com-book-defending-pedophilia-sparks-boycott-call/?hpt=Sbin

This brings up a more interesting point: the ease with which Amazon.com can recall books and dissolve all traces of it. Kind of hard to do with print copies.

Some Things Never Change

Despite the shifting medium, one writer at The Atlantic feels that the elements that make a good publication will always be the same.

The 12 Timeless Rules for Making a Good Publication

The New York Times to publish e-book best seller lists

The New York Times announced on Wednesday, that starting early next year it would publish e-book best-seller lists in fiction and non-fiction.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/books/11list.html

Veterans Book Project

I heard this story last night on NPR as I was driving home from class (State of the Re:Union Veterans Day Special Segment A), and it made me think of Bob's project. I was thinking maybe Bob could contact this woman or at the very least get some ideas from this story. In any case, it's a very well done piece about how an artist has encouraged her veteran friend to create a book in order to deal with his emotions and all of the issues associated with having to serve in a war. It's quite touching, as are the other two segments. For once I was glad for a long drive home after class!

Latest Book Sales Reported by AAP

AAP issued a press release today giving the latest stats on book sales for the month of September. Overall book sales suffered by 12.1% - ouch!

Thankfully e-book sales rebounded in comparison to September 2009 with a 158.1% increase and 188.4% for e-book sales year-to-date.

I think we're going to continue to see this kind of trend as long as e-books continue to grow and expand in the market. Someday soon, e-books will begin to dominate and print books will become obsolete. We're not quite there yet though, so don't worry.

TeleRead's short article on this

RIP U.S. News & World Report

Another magazine abandons its print edition in favor of digital publication.

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2010/11/for-the-record-rip-usn-wr/66216/

Commonplace Book: The Book of John: Holistic, Pluralistic, & for all Salvation

Sharing the thoughts of the gospel not only the Gospel of John is the duty of all believers. The exuberance of the cross is shed abroad in every true believer's heart globally.

True believer meaning a person of faith in orthodox Christianity that believes Jesus is fully God and fully man, the God-Man, Theantropos. The sacrifice at Golgotha is sculpting my thoughts daily. That Christ submits his life as ransom for humanities' most discourteous souls. He was bruised, bled, died, and lives for all to have salvation.

The redemptive works of Christ atonement of mankind's sin on the cross is spoken of through the annals of time. Moses and Isaiah spoke of His coming and Jesus sacrifice that would abolish all of world's transgressions. Redemption is given to them that are born again. Christ explains this to Nicodemus the Pharisee trying to get him to understand that there is no saving grace in his lineage of Abraham. For Christ is the,"...the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!"(John 1:29 NKJV), accepting this very fact is key to being born again. Christ is the sovereign disintermediator of the world to the Father. No festival, no animal sacrifice, or no sabbath of the old Hebrew tradition is pertinent now to go before a Holy God, Yahweh. The Lord Jesus exclaims these things in the third chapter of John to the Pharisee who is yearning for wisdom. John 3:14-18 NKJV:

14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so the Son of Man be lifted up,"

15 "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

17 "For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.

18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he does not believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Jesus reminds Nicodemus of the Hebrew historical stories of old using Hebraic terminology to show He will lift His life and heal an ailing world plagued with sin. As the children of Israel look toward the serpent for healing from scorpion stings in the wilderness; so is Christ liken to the rod of Moses, but his healing is for the entire human race. This is the crux of the gospel believing on Jesus all powerful name as the scripture says will bring you eternal life. A life lived in unbelief is damnable, and it will cause you to live your after life in hell. Choose the former not the latter. Men deceive themselves into not believing, because they love darkness. All men's conscience excuses or accuses them for not accepting Christ as savior.

Redemption is given to all by the atoning blood of God. Share in the wealth of eternal life and giving others the joy of Christ, which is paramount to the Christian faith. Please accept the cure of God which is just saying from your heart Christ is savior, ruler, and lord over your life. This is the salvation Christ, Theanthropos presents to all. You will have saving from God by God. The wrath of God will surely come, so let Christ rescue you, who is the very God of heaven and earth. Everyday you live you have one more chance to choose Him. The redundancy of the gospel message is that all may learn it an put it upon their hearts. For no one can learn without repetition.

So again in this last part to my commonplace book, the life of Christ is to save the world and he did. The question is will you allow Him to save you?

I Am Smarter Than Sherlock Holmes

I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with the new show Sherlock on Masterpiece. It's Sherlock Holmes in modern times, and is a really good show.

However, in the second episode, The Blind Banker, I realized that for one moment, one brief shining moment, I was smarter than Sherlock Holmes.

He was trying to break a smuggling code that involved books. The first part of the cipher tells you which page of the book, the second part tells you which word on that page. He was trying to find a book two victims both had. (Conveniently, they both had the same editions.) But none of the books they had in common were used for the code; "add" and "the" are hardly death threats.

So Sherlock tries to think of books that everyone would have in their house, and pulls down such items as the Bible and the dictionary.

I immediately said "No! Not everyone's going to have the same editions of those! Sherlock, how could you not know that?!"

Luckily for Sherlock, they didn't have death threats on the "right" page either. That could have ended horribly.

And now for a random(-ish) digital tie-in:

With e-readers and the elimination of mundane functions like "page numbers," will book codes go the way of the scroll? After all, imagine how complicated a cipher you'd need on an e-reader:

1. the book (same edition!)
2. the reader
3. the program to translate your DRM-book to your non-matching reader - hey, smugglers are criminals already
4. the font size
5. the window size
6. the word - finally!

After all, nobody would use print books. They're too simple. Gosh.

End tongue-in-cheek.

We Can't Afford to Not Create a Digital Library System

"Shouldn't libraries adjust in a major way to the possibilities of e-books and, in fact, use technology to strengthen themselves as bastions of literacy, so that, for example, books can better match YouTube's popularity?

What's the point of broadband expansion, a goal of the Obama administration, if it simply means more YouTube? Broadband could actually hurt literacy, at least among families without an interest in reading, if we fail to not just to spread the books around but also work actively to popularize them.

A National Digital Library System?

Cooks Source: Word's getting out

The Washington Post picked up the story about everything on the web being public domain... and ran with it!

the web is considered "public domain"

The editor of Cooks Source, a newsstand-distributed, for-profit magazine and obligatory Facebook page, lifted an article on early modern apple pies from the author's website. When the author contacted Cooks Source, she was told, in part, 

I do know about copyright laws. It was "my bad" indeed, and, as the magazine is put together in long sessions, tired eyes and minds somethings forget to do these things.

But honestly Monica, the web is considered "public domain" and you should be happy we just didn't "lift" your whole article and put someone else's name on it! It happens a lot, clearly more than you are aware of, especially on college campuses, and the workplace.

This editor claims to have been "doing this" (by which one hopes she means editing and not plagiarizing) for three decades. Assuming that the editor is actually confused on the web being public domain, it goes to show how confusing e-publishing can be, even for professionals.

Copyright Infringement and Me

PS. The lack of an apostrophe in Cooks Source also makes me wonder about the professionalism of the editor. Just sayin'.

Some more from O'Reilly: Ebooks and the threat from "internal constituencies"

Here is a very interesting response by Roger Magoulas on the O'Reilly Radar website to a recent New Yorker article that addresses the threat of "internal constituencies"...he relates it to the coexistence of e-books and print books and their relative business models.