I so much want to jump aboard the e-book reading bandwagon.  But I haven’t.  Why?  Because I am resisting the closed, proprietary sytems foisted on the public by Kindle and Apple’s iBooks.

Kobo, an e-reader application I’ve discussed before, is stepping up its effort to become the major non-proprietary e-reader.  It has just released an upgraded version for the iPhone and iPad that will read both ePub and PDF files within one application.

Some of the details are reported The Independent online newspaper’s Gadgets and Tech section.

I’m still not sure that this answers my quandry.

I’ve actually found a source for an iPad right here in the Philippines.  I’ve held it in my hands and salivated.  Yeah, it’s overpriced here in Manila, but it is immediately available.  I’ve talked to friends who have bought one and love it.  I’ve looked into some of the iPad apps that I think I would like to use.  But something just holds me back from the purchase.  I just don’t know that I can stomach iTunes having such total control of me.

So I’m still waiting.  Rumors keep circulating that a number of major competitors will be on the market in time for Christmas — or early next year.  Can I possible wait that long?  I’m wavering…

Still, Kobo, like Kindle, has a physical device, as well as a computer e-reader application.  Borders sells the unit in the US.  There are even rumors that there will be a dramatic price reduction before Christmas, perhaps even under $100.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  Are you using an e-reader device yet?  Do you like it?  Or or you reading on your computer via an e-reader application?  TELL US.

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First I needed to find publication layout software that would do the job I visualized.  The obvious choice — Adobe InDesign — was simply too expensive for me.  Other programs simply did not have the design bells and whistles I wanted.

Then I discovered Serif PagePlus X2.  Actually, there’s already an X4 version, but I discovered by roaming around the Serif website that I could download the earlier version for only $29.95.  I couldn’t resist.  And, lo and behold, after a few hours of playing with the software, I produced section one of my anticipated e-book — in landscape format with headers and footers.  I saved it as a PDF file, even though my design still lacked a cover.

Then I started searching for  software to convert the PDF into a page-turning e-book.  There are a number of options, some of them within my limited budget.  But, alas, I was disappointed.  None of them could accommodate my landscape design.

Well, folks, I’ve now found the tool:  FlipPDF.  Better yet, I discovered that it will be on sale at a deep discount this coming Saturday, August 7, at Bits du Jour.  Would you believe it’s available for $29.99, a fraction of its normal cost of $79.00 and much cheaper, even at full price, than its competitors, with all their limitations.

Of course, I’ve downloaded it for a test drive.  And within 30 minutes, without even opening the help file, my draft e-book was displayed on my computer, in landscape format and with full page-turning animation.  It was so simple and so intuitive.   To say the least, I’m exhilirated.

As a writer, you should be exhilirated too.  Now we have tools that can place our e-books online with a very up-to-date look and feel.  Want to see?  Just take a look at my little e-book, still incomplete, but I’m throwing it online as a demo just for you:

     Quick Start Guide for Aspiring Writers:  Introduction

Back when I first explored PagePlus, I was so impressed with it that I have purchased the full current version X4, along with other Serif software.  But the X2 version still remains, in my view, fully capable for the average writer.  Recently, Serif has offered a totally FREE Starter Edition.  I haven’t tried it myself, but I’m guessing it will handle most jobs designed by writers.  You can look for it here:  Serif PagePlus Starter Edition.

More urgent is the discount offer for FlipPDF.  It is available only on this Saturday.  You will find it at Bits du Jour.  You can download it and test it out in advance.  Be advised that the software will prompt you to download and install the free, open-source GhostScript as well, essential for proper display of photos and graphics.  That’s an easy step — just click and follow directions.  The discount is available ONLY on Saturday, August 7.

I look forward to comments from some of you, especially those who try out these software packages..  Personally, I think this pair of software programs are the best discoveries I have passed on to you in a very long time.

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For a fuller explanation of how this will work, check the post at Mashable.

While initially publicized as a software to create interactive online magazines, its capabilities will appeal to many independent writers with illustrated books.  It’s another big step forward for writers.

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The increase appears to be partially fueled by the recent significant price reduction in the Kindle Readers, whose sales tripled since the price break.

For writers, this development simply adds to the message that ANY ONE can get published and gain access to a large market.  The key is marketing, making potential readers aware that one’s book is worth a look.

Again, I point blog readers to subscribe to Social Media Examiner, which has emerged has the best resource for ideas about harnessing the social media to build one’s fan base.

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• Amazon: Kindle titles outpacing hardcovers (news.cnet.com)
• Amazon Says E-Books Now Top Hardcover Sales (nytimes.com)

Liquid Story Binder is a remarkable “writing environment.”  Much more than a word processor, it has lots of elements designed especially for creative writers and novelists.  On 20 July, Bits du Jour offers the software at 66 percent discount, or $15.62 rather than the full price of $45.95.  If you are a novelist and do not know the software, at the very least take a look at it.  Personally, I do not use this software very much, since I am not a “creative” writer — but still, I’m absolutely fascinated by it and happily keep it at hand on my desktop computer.

On 22 July, History Explorer is the software on offer:  half price at $9.95, rather than $19.95.  This software keeps track of evolving versions on one’s work, a task that can be a life-saver.  I like it — and use it.

These are ONE DAY only deals.  But potential buyers can download them now for a trial run.

Its  list of word processing programs is very incomplete and even, in my view, a bit odd.  Left out are some significant packages, while the review includes some out-of-left-field candidates.  Still the exhaustive feature comparison list is worth reviewing just to see all the possible features such packages can offer.  And the product reviews certainly clarify in depth what word processors have to offer.

Check out:  TopTenReviews Word Processors:  http://office-software-review.toptenreviews.com/word-processing-software/index.html

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STORYIST

Joel Friedlander has posted a very important review of Storyist, a word processor for the Mac [$59.00], aimed at novelists and script writers — but with an important new feature:  saving one’s work in ePub format.  That’s a really big deal, as Joel explains.  Read his post — one of the more important ones for writers I’ve read lately.  After reading the review, then head over the the Storyist homepage.  Then, while you are at it, look at a post on The Bookwright:  Do iPad or Do I Kindle, which is an excellent overview of all the options writers should keep in mind as they look to the future.

JOTPRESS – THE EASY WAY TO BLOG

New to the internet is JotPress.  Posting messages on the web has never been easier.  Just write your post in your email program and send it to post@jotpress.com.  Done!  No software maintenance, no fuss, no cost.  But, of course, first you’ve got to sign up, which is simple to do.

This service is so new that it is difficult now to foresee just how it will shape up.  Take a look at the KillerStartups description.  The JotPress website is currently so spare that it doesn’t give you much information to go on.  But it looks like it may have to potential of becoming an interesting open community where one can attract new people to one’s work.

DOCS PORTAL

If you use Google Docs and own an iPad, you may wish to look into DocsPortal for iPad, by Kabukivision.  This $4.00 application allows one to find, view and import/export documents from a Goggle Docs account.  While one cannot edit documents within the application, one can export them to iWorks for editing.  The applica;tion is available in the iTunes Store.

READ ANY BOOK

I don’t know how this website has managed to do it, but Read Any Book  is making a lot of books, even contemporary best sellers by Dan Brown and Dean Koontz, available for free online reading.  There are limitations.  Books cannot be downloaded.  They must be read in the site’s online reader, which is certainly not quite up to standard.

RUMBLEFISH & FRIENDLY MUSIC

Have you ever wanted to create a YouTube video but have been worried about access to “legal” background music?  Rumblefish can help.  This website has been around for a couple of years, specializing in music licensing aimed at productions for businesses, TV and other commercial enterprises.  It has a huge library of pre-cleared music, along with a handy “rate calculator” to indicate cost for one’s projected useage.  If you are a big-time writer with a major advertising campaign, Rumblefish can save time and money with your music licensing.  Just visit its Music Licensing Store.

  But what about a “personal” video, rather than a major advertising piece, something you intend to self-produce and throw up on YouTube?   You can now turn to the new Friendly Music service, which already offers over 35,000 selectionsc available  for $1.99 a pop.  With careful writing — hey, you’re a writer, right? — you can bring attention to your books, your characters, your writing projects as your personal creations, not as blatant advertisements, accompanied by licensed music.  No more worries about potential copyright infringement.

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The software is available for a brief introductory period for $19.95, but will soon go up to $29.95.  I see this software being useful to some writers.

The Mac-oriented websites are today full of the details.  Just click on one of the appropriate links below to learn more.

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In further communication with the software developer, I’ve learned there are additional less-expensive options for Mac users:

I am in no way associated with the developer.

If any of you readers test out this software, please come back and share your impressions in a comment.

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SOCIAL NETWORKING

Dana Lynn Smith, the Savvy Book Marketer, will be offering an important teleseminar on 22 June:  Social Networking Success for Authors.  Participants must register in advance and pay a fee of $39 for the live seminar, a downloadable accompanying study guide and a copy of one of Dana’s reports.  After the seminar, participants can download a recording of the presentation for future reference.  The 75-minute seminar will cover a lot of ground, and the accompanying study guide will contain links to the various resources Dana will recommend.

If you’ve never participated in a teleseminar before, I can recommend this form of training.  One of the benefits is the post-lecture interaction between the presenter and the participants.  If you have questions, you can send them to Dana in advance — or you can send them right after her presentation.

I have always found Dana’s blog one of the best on the subject of book promotion, and I’m sure the teleseminar will be worthwhile.

HARNESSING THE WEB

I have just learned about Matt Mannsfield’s blog Leverage the Web.  He has just uploaded the first in a series of video reviews of online website creation resources.  Like me, he’s done a lot of research into the many applications available, and he has come up with his list of favorites.  He has found a couple of applications that I’ve never run across myself.  His description of them is intriguing — I’ll have to look into them myself.  If you do not yet have a website, this series may help you find the right resource to help you build an online presence.  Certainly, as Matt points out, these online applications are getting more and more powerful.

I’m intrigued enough by Matt’s blog that I’ve signed up for his email newsletter, just so that I’ll be reminded to keep up with his future posts.  That’s a strong recommendation from someone who is aggressively cutting back on my web surfing.  I can already tell from his previous posts that he’s covering information that many writers would find useful.