Amazing things, these e-books.

I just recently published on Smashwords (smashwords.com), which converts a document into multiple platforms, since all e-readers do not run on the same basis.

Smashwords uses an intriguing algorithm they dub the “Meatgrinder” which literally chews up the manuscript, and determines its viabilty for such platforms as MOBI, EPUB and so on. If it doesn’t like it, it spits it out, and you have to figure out what’s not working. They’ve got a great Style Guide which I found invaluable in helping me to prepare both manuscripts.

It does make one wonder if printed books in another 2o years will be simply ‘vintage’ remnants of another time, much like papyrus scrolls are today. I hope not – I do love the feel of a good book.

It’s a brave new world, e-books. From an author’s perspective, it’s a complicated process. Because there are so many different e-platforms out there right now, a manuscript has to be incredibly simplified vs. the printed book. In the case of Crossover and Dark Fire, that means removing all the accent marks and special formatting.

While I appreciate the need for this, I do wonder how it impacts the reader’s experience. In the worlds of Lampion and Nonetre, the pronunciation and emphasis of words is part of creating a totally new realm.  It creates a tempo that runs under the story, and adds to the fantasy aspect. That does get lost to a certain extent when it’s modified to suit the e-reader world.

As I continue to develop my e-book presence and broadening the e-stores on which my book can be found, I’ll look forward to hearing from e-readers as to their point of view on this issue. Let me know!