E-Books and the Future of Publishing: What Every Author, Writer, Independent Publisher Should Know

As the job crisis continues unabated, and the prospects of economic recovery still remote, it is no wonder that people are exploring other paths to a viable career and gainful employment. 

Traditional industries, such as publishing and the book trade, are struggling with the twin effects of recession combined with changes and innovation in technology. One segment that has seen growth however has been in the area of self-publishing, spearheaded by the rise of e-publishing. 

The Manuscript Publisher is a provider of professional services to authors, writers, independent publishers. In a series of articles that have been posted recently on their website, they have been exploring the rising e-publishing phenomenon, asking whether it really does represent the future of publishing.

E-Books and the Future of Publishing (part iii)

In recent years e-publishing has emerged as an exciting and entirely new type of market for books and the literary form of writing in general. Authors, writers, independent publishers are naturally excited by these developments. Having laboured so long, usually on the fringes, often in the shadows of success, a whole new playing field has opened up, and a level playing field at that.

The danger of course is that this sort of excitement can precipitate a certain 'gold rush' mentality. While the opportunities that are offered are real enough, so too are the prospects for disappointment. But setbacks and disappointment need not be fatal. The key to achieving success is to knuckle down and study the nuts and bolts of the e-publishing process. That is precisely what we propose to do in this and forthcoming articles in this series.

A journey of a thousands miles begins with a single step. If you are seriously contemplating taking that first step into the self-publishing world, be it printed or non-printed or both, the following should serve to guide you in the right direction.

We mentioned previously that there are three basic rules to self-publishing success:

• Write a good book, 
• Publish it to a professional standard, 
• Market it effectively. 

These are general guidelines and apply across all publishing media and techniques. But how do they apply to the specific area of e-publishing? When it comes to e-book publishing there are four main elements you need to consider:

1. Choosing a publishing platform
2. Conversion to acceptable e-book format and standards
3. Designing an effective 'cover'
4. Marketing and promotion in a mainly online environment

Each of these topics are explored in more detail in full version of this article, which is available to read online from the website of The Manuscript Publisher (News Service). 

Previous articles in this series, E-books and the Future of Publishing, are also available to read online:

Part ii: Changes in Reading Habits - (and the way we read books) 

Part i: Implications for the Retail Trade in Books (and the way we buy books)  

For assistance and advice on how to turn your manuscript into a e-book and take advantage of this emerging market talk to The Manuscript Publisher today:  

• More Information ...  
• or Contact Us ...  
• you can even Get a Quote online. 

For e-books published by The Manuscript Publisher and available to buy from Amazon or Smashwords visit our Online Bookshop (printed editions available too). 

Feel free to forward this article or share the links, with anyone you know who may be interested in E-publishing as a cost effective and affordable publishing solution for the modern era.

Writing for Publishing: for writers who want to reach a public audience

Writing for Publishing is the title of a new educational initiative designed specifically for authors, writers, independent publishers. It aims to equip authors and writers with both the tools and the skills necessary to write to and reach a public audience in today's publishing environment.

It is a creative writing course for the modern publishing age, emphasising the all-important connection between writing and publishing: how one informs the other and how the two operate in today's era of digital media and mass, global communications. Prospective authors and writers will learn how to develop their writing skills with a view to getting published. They will learn to seek out, identify and take advantages of writing and publishing opportunities that present themselves.

A lot is changing in the world of publishing; changes that are long-term and irreversible; ushered in mainly by advances in technology. The world of publishing is open, after a long period in which it may have seemed that it was closed. "As writers we are no longer content to simply write and let publishers publish," says Oscar Duggan, course director. "Nor should we be so content: if we want to be successful in our various enterprises, we cannot afford to be.”

A complete course outline, including course materials, contact details and how to book a group seminar or presentation is available from the Writing for Publishing website - www.writingforpublishing.com

The Manuscript Publisher - publishing solutions for the digital age

a helpful approach to publishing for authors, writers, independent publishers

Mainstream publishing has always been an exclusive affair. But these days the publishing opportunities for authors and writers willing to explore the independent route have never been more plentiful. 

A new enterprise, The Manuscript Publisher offers professional and affordable services that assist in the goal of getting your books into the public domain. And while the venture may be new, the personnel behind it have a wealth of experience in publishing, marketing, editorial services and design.

The Manuscript Publisher offers the full range of assisted publishing services. These include:

• manuscript preparation and book-setting to output a print-ready PDF or ebook 
• a print brokering service that helps you to match print runs to anticipated demand, resulting in more books for your money without have to print more books than you need 
• free, impartial advice on all your printing and publishing options 
• practical assistance, services and support to those interested in the non-printed route to getting published 

Whatever publishing route you choose The Manuscript Publisher can help you to market and sell your book, availing of both traditional and online channels.

For information about how you can turn your manuscript into a book, including free, impartial and fair advice on all the options available to you in this regard, contact The Manuscript Publisher today:

Telephone: (Int+353) 01 8569566 or 087 7604547
Email: enquiries@themanuscriptpublisher.com

or visit their website where you can even Get a Quote online. A free Information Leaflet is available to Download Here.