Can a book, author or series be launched in eBook format?

Over the course of the past several months we, along with our clients and colleagues, have been paying close attention to the rapidly expanding - and changing - world of eBooks. And, today's announcement that Kindle is now available for Blackberry has one of us jumping for joy!

As launching eBooks becomes more accessible, doors are opening for small publishers around the world. Publishers that used to plan and budget so carefully for printing, warehousing, and fulfillment are now asking the question:

Can I launch my book as an eBook before - or instead of - a printed book?

We certainly have our thoughts on the matter. And, after carefully researching (read: hounding fellow Kindle owners) we've noticed as surprising trend.

eBook readers are more inclined to try new authors. Why? Because savvy publishers and authors are offering their Kindle books at very competitive prices. Sometimes, they're offering them for free!

Between the two of us, we "discovered" several new favorite authors in the past six months to a year. In a couple of cases, the first book we "purchased" was free. In other cases, titles were offered for under $2.00. Either way, the publisher succeeded in getting us to download the book and try the author.

The good news? If we liked the author, we kept purchasing. And, not every book was cheap or free!

Is it possible to launch a new book, author or series as an eBook only? Can publishers drum up interest and a following while saving money on printing, warehousing, fulfillment and distribution?

Just as recently as a few months ago, the answer might have been "no" - not enough people own eReaders, Kindles, the Nook and/or other readers. But, times are changing! It's more common to see fellow travelers with the eReader of their choice instead of the latest hardcover.

So what do you think? Should an author launch an eBook instead of printed book?

When is it a good idea?  When isn't it?

Key Online Resources for Writers and Publishers

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of speaking to a wonderful group of writers down in Florida at the Space Coast Writer's Guild. This is a group of people who are passionate about their craft and eager to soak up information. They also asked some great questions!

I promised the group that I'd address some of the things that came up last weekend here on this blog...and I'm finally getting to it. First up....a list of some of those websites I was throwing around!

Question: What are some Key Resources for Writers and Publishers?

Answer: 

Bookmarket.com - On his incredibly useful website, John Kremer provides invaluable information for authors and publishers. For you writers out there, John has compiled lists of the 101 Top Independent publishers, 161 Business Book Editors and Publishers, 318 Children's Book Editors and Publishers, 422 First Fiction and Debut Novel Editors and Publishers....just to name a few. If I was trying to get published and looking for publishers in my category, Bookmarket.com would be one of my first stops!

Publishersmarketplace.com - Publishersmarketplace.com is a great place to find out what books are being sold, who is buying what and what literary agent's are looking for. If you just want the indusry news and gossip, Publisher's Lunch is free! If you want full access to all of the information and tools that Publishersmarketplace provides, you can register for a full subscription for $20 per month.

AgentQuery.com  - A great resource for writer's searching for representation, AgentQuery.com allows you to search for a literary agent by category - fiction or nonfiction. Remember, any of these sites are very useful for finding literary agents, but please, visit any agent's website before you submit to ensure you're following their most up-to-date guidelines. AgentQuery also has a fabulous blog roll where you can find some of the best blogs in the business.

PublisherWeekly.com - If you're not a publisher, you probably don't need a subscription. But, if you're interested in what's going on in the industry, stop by Publishersweekly.com every morning to ready PW Daily. Or, sign up to have it emailed to you!

Preditors and Editors  (http://www.invirtuo.cc/prededitors/) - I believe the name says it all. Certainly a site to visit to educate yourself about the people you might be dealing with.

WritersWeekly.com - I love this ezine and have her weekly issues emailed to me. It's free to sign up and the information is great. For instance, this week's issue breaks down POD price comparisons for writers. Angela also runs a "Warning" section on her site that can be educational.

WritersDigest.com -Every writer should know about this site. Every one. If you haven't visited it, stop reading this blog and go there now! The folks at Writer's Digest are committed to providing writer's with valuable information to help them in their craft and career.

AbsoluteWrite.com - If you visit the Forums through Absolute Write, you'll find a number of writers helping writers, providing invaluable information about the good (who's buying what), the bad (who's closing, who's rejecting, who's no long accepting manuscripts) and the ugly (publishers, agents, etc. to avoid).

Shelf-Awareness.com - Publishers read it, so should you. Much of the information might not be applicable to you, but what you can learn about the publishing industry and the direction it's heading as well as new books, new stores, etc. can really build your knowledge base.

This should be a good list to get you started. If there's a website that you love and I haven't listed, feel free to add it in the comments below. Or, of course, you can email us!