To view in your browser, please click here.

BB eBooks Newsletter – April 12, 2013

Dear Friend,

Happy Songkran everybody! This is traditional Thai New Year’s and also the start of the world’s largest water fight. Since computers and H20 don’t mix too well, we’re closing up our office for a few days. You can still reach Paul via email if you need anything eBook-related. We also ensured that the auspicious marking left by the monks from the nearby temple was properly waterproofed at our new office. W00t!

Waterproofed

Publishing News from Thailand

Prior to the 41st National Book Fair held in Bangkok, we reflected on how Thai authors were recognized internationally and translated into several languages. The bestselling print books are transported across the ocean to hit the virtual shelf on Amazon. Southeast Asian author-Chart Korbjitti-has given us an optimistic view about the state of digital media in Thailand that no matter which format the reading is, the content is still there. You can find more information about English-translated Thai fiction for your reading pleasure.

Thai Demon

In Thailand, The Publishers and booksellers Association of Thailand published a detailed analysis that takes us back in time to see how the Thai publishing industry has made modest progresses towards the growth of eBooks. This is a county where big players still utilize the traditional print book model, which slows the growth of small publishers. The leading and large publishers launch well-known magazines and international bestsellers to appeal to general readers. Although it may be difficult for small publishers and self-publishers to penetrate the market and directly compete with large/leading publishers anytime soon, small publishers constantly develop a flexible management strategy to stay in the competition and remain open to the new market.

How Dumb Do They Think We Are?

Onto the international scene, Hydra slides their way to earn the top score of tricking authors into believing that they will be the mythical publishing house to debut new authors. They offer an appealing package that tricks authors into signing their life away. Hydra the publisher provides a term of bonded servitude to make sure that most of their operational costs will be absorbed by authors. Hydra will be exempted from paying advances in exchange for the production of eBook costs of eBook and PDF. Once you sign the contract, your rights will only depend on the publisher’s judgment to do whatever they want that is deemed to be profitable for their investment. Don’t fall for these sleazy scams!

A Different Strategy for Indies

Back to the self-publishing route, we closely monitor what Joe Konrath has recently said about the less traveled road he has chosen. It is not an easy path to work even harder to afford the living the same way traditional authors are paid to write. Four Important Things and “Edumacation” are some of the major principles he holds on to. In response to piracy concerns, Joe shares his insight to subdue piracy. Although his idea is not necessarily innovative, his voice echoes the author’s opportunity to broaden their distributing channel.

Forget Twitter and Facebook, Give Pinterest a Try

Having toyed with Pinterest for some time, there are reasons why authors want to visit the “hot social media site du jour.” Each time you log on, the organic presence of your subscribed pins and boards always brings visual presentation to feast your eyes. After a long day of reading and writing, perhaps the rewarding combination of pictures, photos, and artwork can rekindle your imaginative feasibility. Rachelle Gardner wrote an interesting piece about 13 things writer should know to utilize Pinterest to boost visibility and a viable sales strategy. Are you a pro pinner?

Goodreads: Friend or Foe?

The foreseeable acquisition of Goodreads had everyone blogging about how Amazon’s database could enhance the user’s experience. CEO Otis Chandler signals a positive attitude that his 16 million members would be pleased to see. Yet, Mark Coker (Smashwords CEO) warns about the limited discovery authors might be encountering in the next couple of years if Amazon remains the prioritized choice for most. Money-wise, it is forecast that the merger deal will “combine the two most robust players in online book discovery.” We’re not sure what to make of this merger, but like most “big” announcements from large corporations, it is best to be cynical.

Grumpy

Autographing and Promoting Your Book

If you have gone all out on a book tour before, you know what it is like to have your fans approach you and ask for an autograph. It sure is a simple process to be done on a print book when what you only need a pen. Voicu Mihnea Simandan, the writer-traveler-archer who lives in Bangkok, shares his hands-on tips to make a successful book signing event. He learns from mistakes to include every little thing that can help fellow authors foster a great relationship with existing and new fan base. Kallypso Masters, a huge star in the BDSM genre, provides a Virtual Signing page on her website for fans who want her books to be signed. This service allows her to directly receive orders from loyal fans to provide them and/or their loved ones with a customized message and autograph. BB eBooks sees this as an important aspect how authors can build greater relationship with their readers. We are testing an eBook signing service in our secret lab and will keep our dear clients updated very briefly.