Publishing ebooks direct to Apple's iBookstore

[eseme]

Argh, looks like Apple insists on the being exclusive, as per the new Kindle Select lending program. Pooh! I missed this on my first read-through of the article : "and it's worth noting that using the iBooks Author app means you can only sell your iBook in Apple’s iBookstore."

This just crossed my desk at work. I'm taking a 15 minute break to post here and over on DW. This is exciting news!

Apple released a free app that makes an ebook and runs on OSX, and can be tested with an iPad. The resulting ebook can be uploaded to the iBookstore directly. This appears to allow indie authors with a Mac at home to go direct to Apple, instead of using Smashwords. You can embed images and videos easily.

http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/01/ebooks/hands-on-with-ibooks-author/

If you don't have a Mac at home, why not call your local library? Some libraries have content creation labs which are typically used to make music or videos, which often include Macs. This is a free app which could be added. Some libraries also have iPads to either check out or use in the building. If you have not visited your local public library in a while, give them a call or visit their website to see what they offer!

Comments

[ankewehner.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the question if they mean that an ibook file made with that software may only be sold through Apple, and other file formats aren't affected, or that you may not distribute a book in epub or other formats elsewhere is one I'd like to see answered.

[bryant]

The former. From the EULA:

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you charge a fee for any book or other work you generate using this software (a “Work”), you may only sell or distribute such Work through Apple (e.g., through the iBookstore) and such distribution will be subject to a separate agreement with Apple.

iBooks Author is a formatting program, not a word processor -- you wouldn't write a book in it. You'd write the book in your word processor of choice and then import it into iBooks Author. Thus, your words are still completely unencumbered.

I still find the EULA oppressive, but it's not insanely oppressive, for what that's worth.