Friday, July 18, 2008

Backlists and Ebooks...

I just love it when I hear from readers. Truly. Every time I get an email I'm all giddy that someone has read one of my books.

Since my next release is Her Only Protector, I've been thrilled to hear from the bookclub readers who've already read the book and couldn't wait to email me to tell me how they liked it. I'm also surprised at how many people are still picking up a copy of Cradle of Secrets and writing me to tell me they enjoyed the book. They're always thrilled to know they won't have to wait long for the sequel. Just a few weeks and Her Only Protector will be hitting the bookstore shelves.

Which brings me to the backlists and ebooks subject line of my post. As many readers know, Steeple Hill books are available in paperback for just one month on the bookstore shelves. If you happen to find a great author or a series you love mid-way through the series, it's hard to go back and find those first books unless you can get them at a used bookstore. But not anymore.

All Steeple Hill books are available on EBOOK! So it doesn't matter if you miss a couple of books from a great author. You can always go back and purchase an ebook to download to either the Kindle or some other software platform. These ebooks can be read on your computer, a PDA or ebook reader.

I have to be honest with you. I love the feel of a paperback book in my hands, love to turn the pages and look at the cover. But I also love the idea of being able to load a ton of books on one device and store it there. I have a friend who just emailed me to tell me she won a Kindle in a contest. I must admit that I'm green with envy. But alas I can't justify purchasing another device to read ebooks since I already have one. I still have my old Rocket Ebook Reader that I purchased 10 years ago! While not as light and easy to use as the Kindle and certain not able to hold as many books, the Rocket is a great little device to load 8-10 books on as well as my own manuscripts for editing and final read throughs.

My point (and yes, I do have one) is that I love that technology has given us choices. I no longer have to hunt down a book I missed when it was on the shelf. I can buy an ebook from a new favorite author. And I no longer have to choose which books to bring with me on a trip because I can't fit them all in my suitcase on one device. I can bring enough books to last me an entire vacation! (I love reading while I'm camping. And the Rocket is great for night reading since I don't have to hold a flashlight and a book at the same time!)

I'd love to know your thoughts on ebooks and ebook devices. And if you're one of the lucky readers who has a Kindle, let me know what you think. I have a feeling, despite the fact that I still love my Rocket, that the Kindle may go on my Christmas List.

Until next time, many blessings! Lisa Mondello

Be sure to visit the CRAFTIE LADIES of SUSPENSE at http://www.ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/

6 comments:

Anita Mae Draper said...

Hey Lisa,

Did you know the Kindle just went on sale half price? Yowza!

That's great the SH books are finally available as ebooks. Honestly, I'm not crazy about reading the on-line reads or ebooks but yes, there have been many times I've missed out on a book and would love for it to be available on any media.

In case you're wondering, the reason why I prefer print books - I just can't get as comfy at my desk than I can while sprawled on the sofa or in bed. :-)

I am an avid audio book listener though. So nice to listen while I'm driving, walking, etc. I can't wait for the SH books to come out as audio books now.

Janet Tronstad said...

Hey Lisa -- What really has me excited are the new Harlequin interactive e-books. I posted the press release on that a few days ago here. Imagine reading away and the author mentions a restaurant in France and you can click a button and see pictures of it -- or historical things that are in the book!

Lisa Mondello said...

Are you kidding me, Anita??? I didn't know that. ---- I just checked Amazon and it's still $359. I must have missed the sale. Bummer.

Janet, that is so cool. I need to go back and check your press release on that. I love info at my fingertips!

Anita Mae Draper said...

Hey Lisa - the $359 is the sale price - it used to be $599 last fall when it first came out.

Sorry - amazon just emailed me the $359 sale 2 wks ago.

Didn't mean to burst your bubble.

Ausjenny said...

oh I would love a reader. but the sale price is still YIKES! the sony reader didn't make it to australia for some reason.
I have about 4 at the moment im to review but only can do it at certain times cos reading online isn't the easiest I have to admit.
but a kindle would make it much easier. and it would be easier for aussies to get the books
the downside is not being able to share the books.

Lisa Mondello said...

Anita, I didn't realize the Kindle was that expensive when it came out. It does seem like a great sale at $359! Alas, I'll probably keep my Rocket and use that as long as I can get the books in Mobi.

Jenny, you mention a great point about Ebooks. It'll be much easier for people abroad to get books "shipped" and much easier to read them on an ebook reader. But sharing a great book with a friend will be hard.