I just checked eBay and google for "buggy whips" and found an assortment of whips I could purchase, ranging from $25 to $500. I could get one today.
I can't help thinking though, even though buggy whips are *readily* available, they're not common. Most people don't have one. Heck, I've never even held a real, live buggy whip, only seen them in pictures. Buggy whips used to be indispensable until the car replaced the horse for transportation. In a similar fashion, I believe we're watching the replacement of print books with ebooks.
Publisher's Weekly recently reported that revenue from ebooks continues to rise, whereas print book revenue is falling. This trend will only continue. Whenever I mention this trend in a presentation, I always receive horrified comments about how the person loves print books and will never use an ereader (Kindle, Nook, or other device). For those of you who worry, don't. Just like buggy whips, print books will always be *readily* available and affordable. At the same time, though, the direction of the tide is relentless and overwhelming. At some point you may want to consider getting an ereader. There's something amazing about carrying your entire library in your purse or briefcase.
For us writers, I remember when I wanted to find someone who would format my book for an ebook. The only estimates I got were usurious, not with the cost for formatting per se, but with the fact that they charged "listing fees" and "royalty fees" forever after. These fees are why I see red whenever I contemplate Publish-on-Demand companies, which I won't rant about now. But really, if you're paying for a service, once you've paid for it and the service is delivered why should you keep having to pay for it? Do other businesses work this way? (No).
I finally knuckled down to learn how to epublish. I've since epublished a number of books for myself and others, all with flawless formatting and appearance (since I'm a perfectionist). I also speak now on how to epublish, and have been approached with requests for a formatter to produce and list an ebook. Even though I give a (hopefully) clear presentation and pass out a PDF of all my slides to each attendee, I admit that the process of producing an ebook is meticulous and may seem daunting especially for those who don't enjoy playing with computer applications. I have not been aware of any ebook listing service I could recommend, so after pitching in here and there with individual projects, I've finally decided to start offering an ebook listing service MYSELF for those who want an ebook without being ripped off.
DO YOU HAVE A MANUSCRIPT YOU'D LIKE TO E-PUBLISH? DO YOU WANT TO HIRE SOMEONE TO MAKE A BEAUTIFUL EBOOK FOR A FAIR PRICE? Well, now you can.
I offer a 100% money back guarantee if you're not happy.
I've just set up a website at ebooklistingservices.com The website is still a work in progress, but the information is there. I will even transcribe typed or handwritten notes to epublish the book. If you or someone you know is interested in publishing an ebook, under your own name, without being ripped off, then shoot me a note on the website's contact form.
Me me me!
ReplyDeleteI really need to learn how to do some formatting myself, but there just aren't enough hours in one day. It's really tough doing the publishing thing all alone. I'm *this* close to deciding to self-publish my novel, and I plan to start with e-format only. I'll hop over to your website and take a look. (Also need a good proofreader).)
I think this is a good idea, Amy. It certainly will be a blessing to people wanting to publish ebooks but not deal will all the arrangements. Now all you need is for people to find your site.
ReplyDeleteI hope this blossoms into a good business for you.
Just so you know, I put up a link to your service on my writing blog's blogroll.