Contract e-publishers store your text electronically and sell your manuscript as a print-on-demand book or download. This gives the author the advantages of quick production, higher royalties and a longer publication period. An author can easily include picture, video, and sound file illustrations that increase the overall impact of their work. In a print-on-demand basis, the author pays to have the manuscript initially prepared for e-publishing and maintains copyright and royalties. With a downloaded book, the e-publisher generally pays for all preparation, pays royalties, and assumes the copyright. However, if the e-publisher that is producing your book as a download goes out of business, it can be difficult to recover the copyright.
Bulky bookshelves lining the walls are now optional. Ebooks can be stored in a file format, on a CD or hard drive and read with a PC or one of the many compatible varieties of hand-held devices. Readers looking to economize space in their otherwise cluttered lives can take advantage of book downloads.
The author must be a shrewd negotiator as the road to e-publishing is largely uncharted. The issue of copyright is paramount. Some contract e-publishers assume the copyright while others do not. It is advisable to keep the copyright to your original work. Also, research royalties and find out which e-publishers offer the best rates. Ask the e-publisher to see a book it has recently published to ensure that it is at the level of quality you expect.
Self-publishing is also an option in e-publishing. However, the many skilled professionals that are a part of the traditional publishing process may not be available to the author who self-publishes. With self-publishing, the author must be savvy and versatile enough to create e-books that are of competitive quality. The author must do the shaping, proofing, artwork, indexing, checking of facts and maintain copyright as well as pricing and marketing. A poorly produced book will leave the wrong lasting impression. Good marketing is also a major consideration. The author must weigh the pros and cons of saving money vs. having their original manuscript prepared by skilled professionals.
If you decide to self-published your e-book, what is to stop it from being downloaded and copied without restraint over the Internet? A password may not be enough because if "the word" gets out, you may not be able to stop people from pirating your work. To be safe, it is advisable to create e-books that will "lock" into the hard disk specification of the individual PC. Or, create a really good password to access a website that is controlled exclusively by you.
Ebooks are ideal for financial, topical, health and how-to ideas. Other considerations are the people you will be working with to e-publish your book if you work under a contract. Are they congenial, helpful, prompt? You may have a relationship with them for months or years so it's important. How long is the turnaround, and what guarantees are given? Does the contract e-publisher impose any binding contracts on your future work? How does the contract e-publisher handle disputes? Is the contracted e-publishing company you have chosen financially sound? This is important because if the e-publisher goes out of business, you may have a tough time recovering the copyright. Check out their publishing track record and contact the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a clean bill of health.