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eBook Readers

by Ron Kurtus (3 January 2014)

An ebook reader—or e-reader—is a device upon which you can read your ebooks. Typcially, an ebook reader is a dedicated device used primarily for reading material. There are also devices that have mutliple uses, including reading books. Finally, there is downloadable software applications that allow you to read on a computer.

As an independent publisher, you should be releasing your books in electronic or digital forms, besides the hardcopy form. Since there are a number of ebook devices, using various file formals, you not only need to be able to convert your material into those formats but also must make sure it looks good on the major devices.

Another factor is that many ebook reader companies have their own electronic bookstores, where you can submit and sell your books.

Questions you may have include:

This lesson will answer those questions.



Dedicated e-reader devices

There are a number of devices that are dedicated to reading ebooks.

Major e-readers

Major e-readers are the Kindle and Nook.

Kindle

Amazon's Kindle is the top selling e-reader. File formats used include:

Kindle (AZW), PDF, TXT, MOBI, PRC, HTML, DOC

Nook

The Barnes & Noble Nook is gaining on the Kindle as the top selling e-reader. File formats used include:

EPUB, PDF, XLS, DOC, PPT, PPS, TXT, DOCM, XLSM, PPTM, PPSX, PPSM, DOCX, XLX, PPTX

Other e-readers

Multiple-use devices

Some devices can be used to read ebooks, along with other uses.

The most promenant is the Apple iPad tablet device, which can read e-books in the EPUB and PDFformats.

Amazon.com's Kindle Fire tablet also is an e-reader, besides other uses. It reads the same files as the standard Kindles, but also includes the new KD8 format, which has added features.

PC-based reading

In order to sell more e-books, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble provide free e-reader software that you can download. Amazon.com provides the Kindle for PC application and Barnes & Noble provides the Nook for PC application.

Adobe Digital Editions and Firefox for EPUB are also intended for reading e-books on your computer.

Summary

An ebook reader—or e-reader—is a device upon which you can read your ebooks. They come as dedicated e-readers, mutliple use devices, and downloadable software applications that allow you to read e-books on a computer.

As an independent publisher, you should test your e-books on the major devices to make sure they display properly.


Always test your material


Resources and references

Ron Kurtus' Credentials

Websites

eBook Reader Product Comparisons - Top 10 Reviews

Comparison of ebook readers - Wikipedia

Publishing Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Self-Publishing


Questions and comments

Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.


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Where are you now?

School for Champions

Self-Publishing topics

eBook Readers




Self-Publishing topics

Initial considerations

Start publishing business

Pre-production

Structure of book

Design book

Design cover

Publish hardcopy book

Publish e-book

Prepare to market

Convert format

Check Copy in eReader

Distribution and sales

Sell books

Also see



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