{"id":3655,"date":"2012-04-13T06:17:46","date_gmt":"2012-04-13T11:17:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ict-pulse.com\/?p=3655"},"modified":"2012-04-13T08:32:39","modified_gmt":"2012-04-13T13:32:39","slug":"have-a-great-idea-for-a-book-publish-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2012\/04\/have-a-great-idea-for-a-book-publish-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Have a great idea for a book? Publish it!"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post discusses the e-book: its pros and cons when compared with conventional paper books; and a few of the bigger issues associated with this fast growing medium.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/dolmansaxlil\/\"<\/a>On the odd occasion many of us fantasise about writing \u201ca book\u201d. It might be to finally flesh out that great idea for a novel we have been mulling around for years; memoirs from our colourful past; or even to document some unique work-related insights and experiences that could increase our professional profile. Besides our claims of not having the time to dedicate to such as project, we are often at a loss on matters related to getting the book accepted by a publisher, and hopefully, commercially printed.<\/p>\n

However, electronic books, also known as e-books, have become increasingly popular in recent years. E-book sales have been growing by up to three fold annually, whilst those for paper books have been steadily declining. Moreover, from around mid-2011, Amazon reported that e-books for its Kindle devices have been outselling all print books (hardcover and paperback) combined (Source: Reuters<\/a>). Hence an publishing an e-book might be the best medium through which to finally be recognised as an author.<\/p>\n

What are some of the pros and cons?<\/h3>\n

E-books offer some significant advantages over printed books, a few of which are summarised in Table 1. First, it is easier and cheaper to get an e-book published than a paper book. Although book publishers may agree to finance a book\u2019s printing, unless you are a bankable writer, who has a track record of selling books, you are likely to pay considerable sums to get your manuscript printed.<\/p>\n

Second, coupled with the high cost of printing, distribution of the paper publication can be riddled with challenges. Booksellers may not be keen to accept your book, and depending on the arrangement with your publisher, you might also be footing the bill for shipping and delivery.<\/p>\n

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Table 1: Select pros and cons of e-books and printed books (Source: ICT Pulse)<\/p><\/div>\n

One the other hand, one of the distinct benefits of publishing an e-book, is that it can be relatively inexpensive to realise. They can also be published in a number of formats, including those listed below, and it even possible to prepare and publish your book at no cost:<\/p>\n