Local Book Publishing
Local Libraries Go Digital by Offering eBooks for Checkout
Author: Marco Gustafsson
The printed book is losing ground, fast. When librarians are hocking eBooks, proverbially that’s the last nail in the coffin. So why are municipalities finally joining the digital revolution fueled by Amazon and Barnes and Noble? That’s an easy answer: it’s cheaper.
Digital books offer library patrons amazing benefits. Multiple people can check out the same title; no more waiting lists. No more library fines for returning late books, the files automatically expire. Every check out can be done anywhere there is wifi; with a variety of devices available for viewing, the books can be taken anywhere.
Local libraries at the mercy of cash-strapped municipal government budgets benefit from a lower cost per unit. Physical libraries will never go away, as certain reference materials are unlikely to make the jump into digital editions. Also, the librarians offer services that far exceed just checking out books. The local library will still be a sanctioned location for community and government information.
To find out if your library is offering eBooks online, just check their local website. Be prepared to enter your library card number, and possibly a unique PIN you receive from the library. Some libraries are still using pilot programs, so registration may be restricted to patrons in good standing. For example, as described in the article “E-Reader Pilot Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University“, at the start of the program libraries in Madison and Teaneck each received twelve e-reader devices which were available to students and staff (Digital Book Readers).
Depending on the electronic book lending system the library uses, you have to install a program on your computer, e-reader, MP3 player, or cell phone. This helps protect the digital copyright on the titles. After that, browse the online catalogue, and select the titles that most interest you.
Check out limits will apply, and are far lower than the traditional fifty or so books brick and mortar libraries offer. Also, some programs disable printing, so don’t think you can make an easy copy of a favorite book. Finally, some patrons may be leery about a third-party company having access to their reading habits.
This move is a godsend for the eBook industry. eBook sellers have faced recurring opposition from some publishers and authors about offering their titles in a digital format. Adoption by public libraries lends more credibility to the system, and also expands the reading audience beyond just those willing to pay for digital copies.
Libraries offering eBook lending services is unlikely to diminish digital sales for private companies and publishers. Not every book available for purchase in a digital format will be freely available right away from a library. Also, this will entice people to try out digital book formats who have previously resisted due to cost. The convenience and availability of titles might draw new customers to sites with eBooks for sale, rather than driving out to the book store and hoping the title is there in print. Ultimately, this move will encourage more reading, especially among young people who don’t frequent the public library.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/culture-articles/local-libraries-go-digital-by-offering-ebooks-for-checkout-3345119.html
About the Author
Marco Gustafsson is author of articles about ebook readers, e-inc technology and e-books. For more information visit Digital Book Readers – eBook readers guide with reviews and secrets to choose a good portable e-Reader.
Tagged with: book • digital • ebook • libraries • library • reading
Filed under: Uncategorized
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Most papers do not do their own reviews. They purchase them from other papers or review services. This is expensive, few subscribers actually read those reviews, and many papers believe the space can be better used with advertising. Sad, I know.
hmm i’m not sure how much of an expert your friend is…since i’d imagine the history of LA would be very well covered already. it would be pretty hard to sell unless it’s really creative or groundbreaking. if its somewhat scholastic, maybe good idea to try university presses who wouldn’t care about the commercial aspect as long as its solid academically..if its more casual you can try local publishers.
Consider “print on demand” technology. This allows book sales one copy at a time. The printer will print it, collate it, bind it, put it in a box, and mail it.
For a more detailed description see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Print_on_demand .
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If you published with a traditional publisher, the library has it in their order catelog. They may not have ordered it for many reasons, mostly because of limited budget.
If you went with a self-publisher, they’ve probably never heard of it (and even if they have, self-published books are notorious for not being quality books, both in writing and in production, so they usually don’t buy them.
You can always contact the local library and ask if they would carry it (as in, accept the donation of the book from you), however, they may want to review it before deciding, especially if the book is self-published.
As a local author, it never hurts to ask the local library, selfpublished or not.
Okay, so you’re self-publishing. I don’t have any recommendations, but you might be able to get some from http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums . It’s a community of published and aspiring authors from around the world. Some are self-publishing and others are traditionally publishing.
“The Writer’s Market” is the best resource I can suggest for an aspiring writer.
http://www.writersmarket.com/
It can provide a lot of the resources that you will need and give you some guidance.
Also, read Literary Marketplace (a thick book of literary agents). Look for those who specialize in your genre. Read, and follow, their submission guidelines. Expect it to take lots of time, and expect many rejections.
In Order for your book to be considered for publication:
You’ll need to know how to write an effective ‘query letter’ to a literary agent. The letter will also include a synopsis that will hold the interest of the agent, and want to make him or her ask for the first three chapters of your work. Never send a manuscript to a publisher or literary agent without querying first.
You’ll need to know how to format your manuscript. This includes the fonts (size and type) that most agents, editors, and publishers want. These are usually Courier New and Times New Roman (12 pt). Short stories and novels are formatted differently. You will need to follow submission guidelines just as they are laid down for your submissions. Anything less will result in your manuscript sent back or destroyed unread.
One of the most important issues in manuscript submitting is the proper ‘page set up’ for your work. This includes margins, indents, and paragraphs. Most editors will want to see your manuscript double spaced. This allows the editor to use his/her proofreaders marks between the lines. Most margins will be one inch all around with a ragged right margin and an even left.
If you decide to hire an editor, remember: Your manuscript will be double spaced, which means there will be twice as many pages. A 600 page novel could cost you around $1800.00, some even more depending on what the editor charges per page. Then there’s the hourly rate that some charge. Usually it’s within the range of $65.00. So, if they work on your book for 18 hours, that’s another $1170.00 + $1800.00 = $2970.00
As a side note, it’s a good idea to know some of the publishing laws. The use of names and places.
These include
o Delivery Of Satisfactory Copy
o Permission for Copyrighted Material
o Grant Of Rights
o Proofreading and Author’s Corrections
o Advances and Royalties
o Author’s Warranties and Indemnities
o Copies to Author
o Option Clause
Good luck
~Clarkie
I would recommend for you to worry about publication once you have something worthy to offer.
An autobiography is about your own life, biography is about someone else’s life. Definitions of autobiography: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=wzt&defl=en&q=define:autobiography&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title
Getting a book published can take from a few days to years. Most published authors have spent years trying. The vast majority of individuals that submit for publication never get published. Some choose the self-publishing option, but few are succesful with self-publishing either. Don’t quit your day job.
Most large print publishers (if not all) have their offices in New York City or London. There may be small publishers in Boston. You will need to research the market there. Either way, the location of the publishing house (provided it is legit) is totally irrelevant. Nowadays most communications take place electronically. You can’t just walk in to a publisher’s office and say “hello, I am a writer and I want this published.” That’s not how it works.
Get a copy of the 2008 Writer’s Market and read it. There are also some websites that provide help with information on how to get published like http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/
Last but not least, once you have something worthy of publication, research thoroughly before you start sending queries out.
Good luck.
eh well you wouldn’t start your own publishing company to selfpublish a book. You would GO to a self publishing company and get them to publish your book for you. Do a search around the web….authorhouse.com is one I think.
Try Scholastic Books. I have heard they love publishing new and upcoming authors. It might also be a good idea to give some copies to local schools. Even if they are not hard bound books, the schools will love them. Since the story is themed with gardening it can also be used as part of science. I believe the study of plant life in schools happens in the fall, so if given to the teachers now they can include it into their teaching for the next school year. Many teachers also have connections with who you can contact for publishing.
Another place to try is AuthorHouse.com. I don’t have any experience with it, but have heard good things for new writers.
Good Luck
very carefully
Self publishing my cook book? How much is this going to cost me at a local printer?
Also, I understand there are different kinds of binding? I have already done a little research into this but, I know there are always those areas that they don’t tell you about and it is a surprise on the total bill when done… What do you know about this?
Well it will be for family and friends but I intend on giving it as a gift when people purchase my aprons… if I can do it without it costing me too much. I intend (possibly) on doing whole kit matching outfits -apron, bibs, napkins, table covers etc. curtains… I thougt offering a cookbook for free as a gift with their purchase might help sell them.
How do I start my own publishing company? I plan to self publish a book of my photography.?
I need promotion for my project beyond what has been written in local newspapers about my studio and work..
Children’s Book: Publishing/Promotional Ideas?
My sister has written a children’s book and wants ideas for promotion and how to publish; I came up with a handful of ideas (local interviews etc), but could do with more?
The book is themed around gardening and is AIMED at children.
What are some things I need to know before plunging into publishing a book?
Like what are the steps in getting a book written, published and sold.
What should I write about?
I’m lousy at punctuation. Could I have this edited professionally.
I tend to run on when I’m writing because when I’m in the moment.
I just write and not caring about politically correct writing.
I’ve been writing for over 19 years.
I guess you can say I get the writing bug from my grandmother who used to write poems, stories and articles.
I have written articles and poems. Some of which have been published in my local paper. But, I kind of want to write an autobiography either about my life or someone in my family? Can someone write a autobiography about someone else and still call it a autobiography?
How long does it take to get a book published?
Is there a local place that I can go? in South Boston.
Thanks for your help.
How To Publish Historical Informative Book on Local Area?
This is for a friend who is writing a type of local History in California,Los Angeles— How do you go about publishing? Any ideas? Specific places who handle this type of book? Any info would be more then we have together! smile.
How do you get your published book(s) to be placed in local libraries?
If I have a published book, how do I get that book to be placed at local libraries?
Book Publishing…..help required!?
I have written a couple of books that I would like to get published. They are kids books and my local primary school has read them and agree that they are good enough to publish.
Can anyone advise me on how I go about doing this? I have researched the web and they all suggest self publication, however I cant afford to d this as its quite pricey.
Any suggestions?
Great suggestions folks…thanks
How would I go about trying to get my local small town newspaper to start publishing book reviews?
I am very interested in trying to get my local newspaper to start adding new book reviews into their paper. Is there a proper, or better procedure to go about trying to accomplish this?
I am trying to publish a book and would like advice on local printers to liverpool and on how to get this book?
I am trying to publish a book but require some advice on where i can get a test copy of my front and rear cover, and also how as i am coming to the end of my research who would be the best publishing house for someone who is working on a budget.
My children’s book has been published by a small publising company with local reach. How do I put it on Amazon?
The book has ISBN.