eBook Conversion

eBooks are electronic books that are viewed on e-readers (electronic readers) such as Sony reader, Kindle (Amazon), and Nook (Barnes and Noble). Now it's also available on Apple products such as iPhone and iPads. Others who don't have an e-reader device, can read it on their computer or laptops by using the online html version that pops on your computer screen or download the pdf file.

On the Adrienna Turner Show, an Internet radio showcase, we spoke about eBook conversion. We highlighted about how authors are now converting their books to eBooks. eBooks do not use the same format as used for print. We also spoke about one of the mega best-selling authors, J.K. Rowling, who didn't choose her publisher to create her Potterworld and Pottermore ebook selections. She will self-publish. These articles are surfacing all over the Internet, most are matter-of-opinion with limited facts.

Why are some authors or readers selecting eBook titles? Here are some factors to consider:

• Avoid shipping and handling costs.
• eBooks are usually less expensive than physical books, yet some publishers are still setting their authors' books at the same retail price as the physical books. This is based on royalty payments and advancements offered to the authors in legal-abiding contracts.
• Some eBooks are as low as $0.99 because these new authors are seeking readers and building a fan base, and also to be listed on Amazon top-selling lists.
• Once adapted to the eBook format, easy to download and receive payments from online bookstores.
• Books are available in both formats for readers, to their likings.

Some of the dilemmas that can occur once switching to the eBook format:

• Some publishers have to add electronic rights as well as publishing rights in their contracts now. Otherwise, authors will take the liberty to publish their works into an eBook without publisher's consent.
• Legal factors can come into place (e.g. lawsuits between publisher and author).
• Credits are to be noted in the acknowledgements or copyrights page to illustrators, graphic designers, interior designs and those who format the eBooks usually from freelancers, and even editors.
• Royalties are higher percentages in the eBook version versus print. For example, Smashwords offers up to 80% to authors and other portions are broken between retailers, distributors, and Smashwords.
• Local bookstores and major chain bookstores are closing because of the eBook conversion (e.g. Borders and Walden Books of which has been mentioned on various websites since 2010).

Overall, readers love reading great stories, strong characters, and willing to purchase them via eBook or physical books. However, it doesn't look like trees will be saved for printing uses anytime soon. Most readers want both availability for their readability uses. Authors are conforming to eBooks and learning options that are best suited for them as well as their readers.