E-Book Reader’s FAQ

No doubt about it, the publishing and e-book world is new and ever changing. It has publishers, authors and even readers asking many questions. Several times since the launch I’ve had recurring questions from readers about how this whole e-book thing works. Although it’s not Friday (when my blog usually appears), I thought it would be worth chiming in with a few holiday how-to tips to make e-book gift giving and e-reading easy.

1) How do I give someone the an e-book like Bonjour 40?
You don’t need an e-reader. On Amazon.com, in the Kindle section, select the book, and click the button to the right that says “Give as a Gift.” It will ask for the recipients e-mail or yours. It will send a link to the recipient (or to you to forward to them) which they can then use to download the book. Sorry, but on Barnes & Noble and iTunes, you can only give them a e-giftcard and suggest to your recipient which book you hope they buy.

2) What if we don’t have an e-reader but we want to read Bonjour 40?
Both Amazon and B&N offer e-reader applications for your computer. You can download Kindle PC or Kindle Mac, or Nook PC or Nook Mac. Then you can buy and download the book to read on your desktop or laptop. There are also apps for Android and iPhones as well.

3) Will there be a Bonjour 40 print version?
Traditional publishers have typically launched hardbound books first, then paperbacks, then e-books. Basic marketing sense tells us we should reverse that process. If e-book sales are strong, then a print version will naturally follow with hardbound and special editions for collectors. So for today, it’s the e-book that is available (and for 40 days it’s only $1.99). Hopefully, a special edition coffee-table photo book won’t be too far behind.