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| Choosing an E-Book Reader (Photo credit: Andrew Mason) |
Adapted from Mark Coker on
the Smashwords site.
Wonderful News: March is now Read an E-book Month in Canada!
By virtue of an Order by the 41st Parliament of Canada, First
Session, Motion M-293 was passed declaring the month of
March Read an E-Book Month.
The Order reads:
That, in the opinion of the House, the government should: (a)
recognize that the ePublishing industry has created economic opportunities for
entrepreneurs, authors, publishers and e-reader manufacturers; (b) recognize
that e-books present significant benefits for seniors and children; (c)
recognize that e-books are an environmentally-friendly alternative to books;
(d) declare the month of March as "Read an
E-book Month"; (e) support the goals and ideals of "Read an
E-book Month; and (f) encourage Canadians to observe "Read an
E-book Month".
Canada has taken steps to recognize the innovation of e-book
entrepreneurs and the value this new technology brings to society.
Wouldn't it be great if we could have the whole world join in
and have a worldwide E-book Month?
Some event sponsors are also doing something special for Read
an E-Book Month.
E Ink: Look for contests and exciting factoids on the E Ink Read
an E-Book Month Facebook page!
Content will be unlocked as each day of the month arrives. They have also set
up a website page for
the event.
Indigo Book & Music will
offer $10.00 off a Kobo WiFi e-reader during Read an E-Book Month.
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E-book Reading Devices
E-books have gone mainstream! The latest
announcements on airlines include: "Please turn off all electronic
devices, including electronic book readers...." That translates into a
home run for e-books. They have arrived!
Of course, e-books can just as easily read on a computer or
laptop. That's what the first e-books were created for. But now e-books are
more commonly read on e-book reading devices like the iPad, Sony Reader, Kobo,
Kindle and a host of other dedicated
devices.
The list of e-book readers, and formats they read in, is growing
yearly. The good news is that new technologies make these devices more durable
and easier to see in all lighting situations.
E-books can also be read on handheld computers (aka Pocket PCs,
or PDAs). These pocket-sized devices are popular with people on the go, and can
carry an astounding amount of memory!
Smartphones are combined PDAs and cellphones, and like PDAs,
they are great e-book readers for people with long commutes on public
transport. Try an e-book on your Nexus One.
Last year during Read an E-Book Week we had a list, and link, to
the most popular e-book readers. This year there are simply too many to keep
track of. Instead, here's a few great links to learn about e-book readers --
past, present and future!
E-Book Matrix
Mobileread Wiki for E-book Devices
The eBook Reader Blog
The eBook Reader
eBook Reader Guide
E-book Readers Review
E-Book Reader Comparison
E-Book Matrix
Mobileread Wiki for E-book Devices
The eBook Reader Blog
The eBook Reader
eBook Reader Guide
E-book Readers Review
E-Book Reader Comparison
So, if you don't already own one of these
devices, now you can discover which is
best for you and go ahead, take the plunge, and find your way to reading more
books, often at greatly reduced prices. In fact, many of the classics are
available free as ebooks. And taking books on holiday no longer need take up
space or weight in your luggage if you have an e-reader; they can often carry up to 1,200
books!
4 comments:
Hello Stuart,
I applaud everyone in Canada who had a hand in making this happen. It gives credence to the acceptance of the eBook reader by a larger reading audience. I began reading eBooks on my computer long before I purchased a Sony and later a Kindle. It also is a boost for self-publishing in digital format. I remember when I first began writing seven years ago, that a publisher frowned on anyone who self-published their own work. Now if you sell many books, agents will ask to represent you. Rather negates something that I’m having trouble writing—the query letter. Thank you for this informative post.
You're welcome, David. One wonders if the query letter will eventually become extinct?
Great news, Stuart! There's no question that self-publishing thanks to the digital revolution has become legit, and that's a huge step forward for aspiring writers. But taking your writing life into your own hands means you really have to work hard at everything, from digital file conversion to book cover to marketing...Hard work, you find you're no longer just a writer but an entrepreneur full time!
I know, because I've got a FREE promo now on-going for my DEATH ON FACEBOOK collection of short stories, and that's real hard work! (In case you're interested to get a free copy, here's the link http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007DHKM5G - offer good until 9 March)
You've said it, Claude. And whilst I probably won't be taking up your offer (I have a 'to read' list 171 titles long), one of my visitors may well be interested.
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