Quote:
Originally Posted by screwdriver223
1) Be accessible on iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows (phones, tablets, and computers). If possible, the format should be easily readable on, and 'adapt' to, multiple devices. It's easy to make a pdf version of the textbook that looks great on a computer screen, but is a pain to navigate on a phone. Of course, maintaining the formatting of the paper text is not an option with this requirement, but we're fine with an HTML-like format where the text wraps as needed.
2) Use a format that is accessible worldwide (Canada and the US is key -- other countries would be a plus).
3) Distribution. Be able to distribute the etext free to those who purchase the paper text, or sell the etext alone to those who only wish to purchase the ebook. Ideally, we'd like to have another company (e.g., Amazon or B&N) handle distribution, but we could do this from our own website if necessary.
4) Have secure DRM. We put a lot of work into our textbook (and the proceeds go to charity). An ebook that can be stripped of DRM only to be torrented is an instant deal breaker.
5) Be searchable, and have users able to highlight and annotate sections.
Is there any format that can satisfy these requirements? I would greatly appreciate any advice this community can provide!
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No.
1) is the holy grail of ebooks. No one has managed this really well with anything but very simple layouts.
2) is easier. Most formats are available most places.
3) You can bind in a CD in your text book with the ebook. You can also make the ebook available through several retailers separately.
4) Good luck. You have your choice of many fine DRM vendors who will sell you solutions. Theoretically, none of them work, or can work. In practice, most work tolerably. You'll probably pay more than you're getting in protection, though. Oh, and ebook vendors all have preferred (mandatory) methods, none of which are compatible.
5) Most formats do that.
Helpfully,
Jack Tingle