iBooks Author - a program that guides you in creating and publishing an eBook
With the digitization of media, books too have been digital. Media industries have been hit hard by the technology boom and bookstores haven't been the exception. Stores such as Borders had to file for Chapter 11, and eventually go out of business due to the lack in demand of physical books. With the modernization, it has become easier, and easier for those who are not trained in a particular profession to try to mount a career in that line of work through the internet or new made technology. For example the profession of journalism. Many who are not in the profession have become “journalists” through the internet. Many folks online report the news, write blogs about political events, and even create their own videos from the location of the news. With the expansion of modern technology, many are taking part in the journalism profession. A profession which use to require a formal education or a job at a newspaper or broadcasting company, now just requires a internet connection. Instead of a position as a journalist at ABC News, many are gaining tract by creating their own pages, and web channels to convey their journalistic skills. With self made journalists, other industries like the book industry have seen self made professions such as authors. Apple has made that task of becoming an author easier through the iBooks Author App, which allows users to publish their own novel, guide, or textbook.
Apple allows users to publish an eBook to the iBookstore.
Before the eBook or digital books, authors who were interested in writing a novel, guide, or textbook normally would have to find a publisher to help them publish their works. But with the modernization of technology many are finding themselves reading with a Kindle, Ipad, Nook, or any other tablet devices, which gives more access to more books than ever before. Instead of going to the bookstore, readers can download an electronic copy of their favorite book through an online bookstore, or as Apple has revolutionized it, the Apple iBookstore. With more easy access, Apple has created a program called iBooks Author in which a average person can write, illustrate, and create their own eBook to be sold or be available for a free download in the iBookstore.
The features of iBook Author guides users through adding text, pictures, and videos in order to create an eBook.
The downloadable program on Macs allows a person to create a book with pictures, videos, interactive diagrams, and even 3D objects. Its a step by step process in which the program helps guide a person in creating the book they want, whether it be a cookbook, textbook, interactive picture book, or just a novel. The program has different templates for users to choose from based on the style of book a person wants to write. Authors can write, drag in pictures, place videos, all in the templated book format to get started. It allows a person to customize the fonts, borders, and pictures, making it a one stop shop in terms of editing. Due to the interactiveness nature of the iPad, eBooks too have become more interactive. The program tries to accommodate for that by allowing authors to add additional features such as widgets in which the reader can explore and interact with the book. Pop-Over widgets can even be added to add an exciting element to just the words or pictures on the pages. After the book is finish, the program will help publish and submit the book to the iBookstore for others to purchase or download for free.
Apple will help the author publish and sell the book, taking the place of a publisher.
They will even create a sample book for readers to preview before purchasing. The book will only be published in the iBookstore and so only accessible to those with Apple products such as Macs, iPads, or iPhones. Although that may limit the audience, the potential to distribute to a wider audience is there if the book created gains traction. iBooks Author is a great way for a new author to start and a great way to show friends and families the type of book that can be produced. Anyone can produce and sell their book without the a hassle of a book agent, editor, and publisher. Everyone and anyone therefore can become a best-selling author!
I definitely enjoyed reading your post. It is well written and the title was explicit so I know exactly what I was reading just by looking at the title. I also like the link to the app so I could check out more details of it. I agree with your statement “Everyone and anyone therefor can become a best-selling author”. With all of this new media and technology young, new authors can start and/or enhance their career and make a name for themselves. I have read a couple reviews of this app because of my curiosity and overall it is a good app. Since it was free, I downloaded iBooks Author and does revolutionize modern textbooks by bringing interactivity to the learning experience that enables anyone to create a polished interactive e-book in little time. The only drawbacks I observed for this amazing app is that it is a bit glitch and output only works on an iPad.
ReplyDeleteAndrew your post was very informative, and provided an interesting read. I had never heard of the iBooks Author app even though I do own an iPhone. I think you highlighted many of the usual concerns associated with expanding technology, the reduction of job outlets in a certain sector, and the limitation of audience due to certain platform restrictions. Although the addition of new media outlets such as iBooks Author may take away from the professionalism of new authors, such as the need for a degree in journalism, I believe it also provides an opportunity to display raw talent in a venue which would not normally have been accessible. Imagine the raw-talented writer who before iBooks Author, could not afford college, or maybe lived in a country where access to a higher education was not possible. They might not obtain a degree which displays their capabilities, but with the addition of iBooks Author they now have an opportunity to get their hard work out there, and if their talent and dedication is recognized it would certainly enable a profit they would have never been able to achieve before this app. Overall I really enjoyed your post and found it very well written.
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