Mrs. Crouch's Typewriter
Two years ago I wrote a series of ghost stories for the Chinook Observer. They were well received by readers, many of whom asked if they would eventually become a book. I’m thinking that they might be fun to publish as a “ghost book” – you know, a book that isn’t really quite there. There seem to be several sorts available. Kindle Books, ePub Editions, and ITunes App Editions are the ones I’ve heard about.
I’m of two minds about it. On the plus side, I like the idea of publishing a book that does not depend, ultimately, on killing trees. And, truth to tell, the author’s royalty percentages are much better than in traditional publishing – five to seven times better! Also, while I’m talking money, they are a less expensive method of self-publishing than most of the alternatives.
On the minus side, I know that not everyone has or wants the hardware necessary to read these ghost books. Plus, I’ve heard many folks say that they want a book that actually is a book with pages to turn and page corners to dog-ear. Yet, I see those same people reading all sorts of other things on their computers and I-phones. Why not a book?
So, for right now, I’m investigating. I’m reading articles (online!) and asking readers I know what their thoughts are. I’m trying to wrap my aging brain around new concepts and understand yet another specialized, cutting edge vocabulary. Exactly what is electronic paper, anyway? Or e-ink that comes in sixteen shades of gray? There’s a ghost of a chance that a new cyberspace adventure awaits!
I love Amazon kindle editions because I can read them on my iPhone. It’s convenient for a mom with three kids at different reading levels. I’ve run into two problems, though: when they want to both read a different story at the same time and we can’t pass the book along to another person. I’m not sure if the books can be “bumped” to other Apple devices.
Go for it! But don’t give up on paper. I use the Kindle for any book that I’ll enjoy once, but there are so many that I want to enjoy over and over. I can imagine that your ghost stories would be that kind of book.
Books can easily be bumped to other devices. Only catch is that the other device has to be on the same account. My husband and I each have a Kindle, I have an I-phone and we have a laptop. All of our books are available on each of our devices. We can even both be reading the same book at the same time. Kindle remembers which device is at which point in the book.
I’m a big Kindle fan. Actually don’t care to read “paper” books unless they are cookbooks or “coffee table” type books with pictures.
Thanks so much, everyone, for all the positive and informative comments. They help a lot!
We tried a Kindle and it was too technical for we old folks. Seemed that downloading was a problem because it came thru the cell phone and that isn’t consistent where we live. Or, I had to download it on the desktop and then do something else to get it to the Kindle. Probably only my lack of technical savvy. And, also, I still like books on paper. Somehow, curling up with the Kindle just was not the same.
But, it is the way of anyone under 50 today I think. And, the adventursome oldsters also; we just aren’t that adventursome.
SS