Re: 2 questions about a reference eBook

Is this strictly an either/or proposition, or do you bundle both e and print
versions together?  I imagine that during a natural disaster, an e-book
would not be much use because the readers are fragile and power-hungry.  But
before a natural disaster, the e format might be a plus, particularly with
those web links you mention.  Families, in particular, might like to
research relevant info in advance, and the web info might be more
up-to-date.

A large reference book can be useful in e-format if it has a good index, an
easy search function, and will be used under normal desktop conditions.  For
example, I usually check the OED in e-format, and I'd see no use for a print
wikipedia.  Of course neither of these are in .pdf.  If your .pdf file has
good bookmarking and a linked index, it's probably acceptable for desktop
computers but not handhelds. My current handheld will not even display .pdf
format, and my old one would display it but it was very hard to read.  The
.pdf search function is very clunky.  I don't know if the convenience of web
links would balance out the .pdf limitations--depends on the links.

If I were to purchase your book, I'd want it to be useful DURING an
emergency, and I'd prefer a p-version, however large.  Same reason I prefer
paper cookbooks--I'm going to use them in the kitchen and I don't want to
have to worry about drips, steam, grease, etc.

Another possibility might be to publish a briefer print version (easier to
stash w/emergency supplies and carry around) and bundle it with a larger
e-version, but I don't know if that would be appropriate for your content.
Certainly I'd hate to turn to page 15 in an emergency only to read that the
info I really need is online/inaccessible.

Beth

On Jan 29, 2008 11:48 PM, Janet Liebsch <janet-lm5HX0LID/[email protected]> wrote:

> I'm new to all this so apologize in advance if I post something I
> shouldn't, but wondered if I could get some feedback. My hubby and I
> self-publish a reference book that helps families and businesses
> prepare for and respond to most types of emergencies and natural and
> man-made disasters. A majority of our sales are in bulk to government
> since we customize our products and discount them 75% off list.
>
> My discussion topics / questions are…
>
> #1) We recently started offering our 284-page paperback and 298-page
> eBook direct to consumers but, since there's a LOT of formatting,
> bullets, etc, we only offer our ebook in PDF. Is PDF-only a real pain
> for ebook readers and, if so, do you have a preferred format?
>
> Also ~ some officials have scolded us saying we have TOO much
> information in our book. Well, yeah - we do have a lot of data in
> it ... but it's a reference tool that could save a life.
>
> #2) Do you find large reference manuals too cumbersome to use as an
> ebook? (We have hundreds of web links in it so feel ebook is a
> compliment to our paperback, but it may not be too practical during a
> time of crisis [i.e. no power]!)
>
> I'd welcome and appreciate any input and/or feedback and thank you
> for allowing me to post.
>
> Stay safe, j
>
> Janet Liebsch
> Fedhealth
> www.fedhealth.net or www.itsadisaster.net
>
>
>
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-- 

Beth


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