|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
09-12-2012, 06:35 PM | #1 |
Member
Posts: 16
Karma: 500132
Join Date: Sep 2012
Device: Google Nexus 7
|
Is Publishing Rough Drafts for Proofreading on Kindle Store Permissible?
Hello. My question deals with finding the easiest and most practical way to distribute a free self-written e-book to mobile device users.
I'm writing a simple e-book that I want to distribute at absolutely no charge. It's yours; enjoy it. It will be in two formats: EPUB and MOBI. I'd like my question to focus on Kindle for the moment. I've created a rough draft of the book, just to test the formatting and design. It's nothing fancy. I want to share the e-book with people, so they can comment on the design and make suggestions. Right now, I'm using Dropbox, and putting the books in the PUBLIC folder. But I'm wondering if it would be easier to put the book in the Kindle Store. That way, it would be even easier for people using Kindle or Kindle apps to obtain the book. With Dropbox, people would have to know where to download the file to. I don't think that would be necessary with Kindle Store, would it? So, here's the question: Is it permissible to place rough drafts of books on Kindle Store, via Kindle Direct Publishing? Or is that an area where only final, completed books are accepted? Is there an area on Kindle Store for test publishing, which is basically what I'd be doing…at least at first? Or would I be better off using Dropbox until the work is completed, and only then put it in Kindle Store? Thank you for any feedback. J. Danniel |
09-12-2012, 06:40 PM | #2 |
Resident Curmudgeon
Posts: 73,976
Karma: 128903378
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts
Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3
|
Sorry, but if I downloaded a free eBook from Amazon and found it to be a rough draft, I'd be calling for your head.
|
Advert | |
|
09-12-2012, 06:42 PM | #3 |
Member
Posts: 16
Karma: 500132
Join Date: Sep 2012
Device: Google Nexus 7
|
Well, that's why I specifically asked if there is an area for test publishing.
|
09-12-2012, 06:52 PM | #4 |
Resident Curmudgeon
Posts: 73,976
Karma: 128903378
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts
Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3
|
|
09-12-2012, 09:40 PM | #5 |
Living in the past
Posts: 432
Karma: 6011289
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Toronto
Device: Kobo Aura HD, Kobo Arc
|
I think this article from a reviewer pretty much says it all - When I bought your book, I didn't sign up to be your beta reader. I would be annoyed to download a book, even a free one, and find out it was only a rough draft.
I would just keep doing what your doing - distributing the book via dropbox or via your website - and try to get the word out. I wouldn't publish it to Kindle. Last edited by Suzanna; 09-12-2012 at 09:43 PM. |
Advert | |
|
09-12-2012, 11:08 PM | #6 |
Wizard
Posts: 3,418
Karma: 35207650
Join Date: Jun 2011
Device: iPad
|
Yes, there sites dedicated to this such as Bookie Jar (if i recall right that is one). Kindle would be a bad move because it would put your worst foot forward in front of the largest possible audience.
|
09-13-2012, 12:16 AM | #7 |
Living in the past
Posts: 432
Karma: 6011289
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Toronto
Device: Kobo Aura HD, Kobo Arc
|
You could also try putting it up on sites like Fiction Press and Wattpad.
|
09-13-2012, 01:01 AM | #8 |
Enthusiast
Posts: 30
Karma: 505956
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ottawa, ON
Device: Kindle for PC
|
Rough drafts are generally for author's eyes only - or a select group of editors/critiquers. I would polish whatever I had written to the nth degree before putting it out on any public web site. Reason is, as VydorScope said, in not so many words, people will always remember you for your worst writing, and that's irreparable.
|
09-13-2012, 06:40 AM | #9 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 44,747
Karma: 55645321
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Peru
Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One
|
Rought drafts are for your eyes only, or your loved ones (to include demented Uncle Bert and your drooling 3 year-old nephew), or any flatulent animals sleeping next to your computer.
I would be personally offended if some author perpetrated such a crime on his or her readers. It would show a distinct lack of respect for the craft of writing [re: Inept, lazy, ill-advised, uninformed, ignorant; grammar-challenged]. I would retaliate by personally flogging that author with a feather, and letting the world know that the work in question now resides in the bathroom. Don |
09-14-2012, 12:52 PM | #10 |
Wanderer
Posts: 106
Karma: 472218
Join Date: Jan 2011
Device: Kindle 3, PaperWhite 2
|
How about using the Ebook Uploads section of MobileRead to get feedback on your book?
|
09-14-2012, 04:17 PM | #11 |
Feral Underclass
Posts: 3,622
Karma: 26821535
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Yorkshire, tha noz
Device: 2nd hand paperback
|
If you use Facebook there's lots of writer groups on there. People read each other's stuff and if you're really lucky someone will tear it apart for you. You'll need a pretty thick skin though if you're going to learn anything from it.
Reviewers on Amazon, etc, unless they are other writers, don't usually tell you anything useful. It's ether love it or hate it with them, neither of which helps with improving your story. And reviews are forever, even if you do fix whatever was wrong with it. |
09-14-2012, 05:11 PM | #12 |
Kate
Posts: 1,683
Karma: 3165009
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Oregon, United States
Device: Nexus 7 2013, Kobo Aura H2O, Kobo Forma
|
My betas/editors don't even see my first drafts. I polish it up as best I can before anyone sees it, then I ask for comments.
I certainly wouldn't publish it, and that's what you're doing when you put it up on Amazon, until I was satisfied with it. |
09-14-2012, 06:04 PM | #13 |
Apprentice Curmudgeon.
Posts: 427
Karma: 3286968
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Runaway Bay, QLD, , Australia
Device: Kindle DX Graphite, Touch, Paperwhite, Sony, and Nook.
|
Let's see. Suppose someone was hungry and wanted a meal. They looked at the local guide and found a choice of thousands of places supplying meals - all at the same low price. Among those thousands was an establishment where the owner admitted that he could not cook, that he wasn't sure whether he had used the right ingredients, that he wasn't sure that the food was edible, BUT he would appreciate you telling him what he had done wrong.
Which would you choose? It is the same with eBooks, there are thousands of free eBooks out there, why would anyone slog through one that was badly written if they could have one that was popular and entertaining? |
09-15-2012, 07:09 AM | #14 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 44,747
Karma: 55645321
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Peru
Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One
|
I would suggest, jdanniel, that you join a Writer's group and let them constructively tear apart your work.
This will benefit you in two ways: 1) Your writing will improve - if you follow their suggestions AND go with your gut. 2) You will improve as a person, because you'll learn to take constructive criticism. Don |
10-12-2012, 07:23 AM | #15 |
James A Bresco
Posts: 5
Karma: 497132
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Holland
Device: none
|
Is Publishing Rough Drafts for Proofreading on Kindle Store Permissible?
No, is the answer and you could get booted if a customer complains about the poor quality.
I understand what you are trying to achieve here and drop box is fine if an interested party has Drop box installed.You might be better off posting this on the Amazon Kindle user forum page with your blog site or web site web link.If you don't already have a blog site then you really should, as its a great way to invite feedback. |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Publishing book via ibook store? | Ducklet | Writers' Corner | 2 | 06-08-2011 04:00 PM |
Free Book (Kindle) - Pocket Rough Guide Barcelona [UK only] | koland | Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links) | 0 | 02-18-2011 09:38 AM |
Free (Kindle / nook) Rough Cut | arcadata | Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links) | 1 | 01-01-2011 04:51 PM |
Publishing at the Kindle Store | KindleKid | Amazon Kindle | 7 | 11-17-2008 07:59 PM |
Any suggestions for a rough and tumble Kindle user? | krisk | Amazon Kindle | 15 | 11-07-2008 12:04 PM |