Free New Title Ebooks from BeWrite Books - Page 2

JSWolf · 08-27-2009, 04:36 PM

When you do finally make your eBooks available in other formats, please do not use the PDF copies as the source. PDF cannot be converted without errors.

PennyPie · 08-27-2009, 05:56 PM

THanks for the kind invite...I'll be checking your site soon!

neilmarr · 08-27-2009, 07:14 PM

I've been overwhelmed by your interest tonight and have sent out all the books folks requested (apart from some I found weren't in my own system and which will come tomorrow when I can have them sent over from our tech side in Germany).

This is an open and ongoing offer, by the way. We release a couple of titles a month and you just need to drop me an email to have the ebook versions immediately on launch and free of all charge. All I'd hope in return -- but please don't feel obliged -- is that you might drop an informal line occasionally to honestly point out what you think we might be doing right and what we might be doing wrong.

Any technical suggestions would be much more than merely welcome, though I must confess that my own (selfish) interest as BB's editor (there are three other pro editors, but I hold the reins) is more in what you think of content and literary quality of the books.

One problem I see with ebook publishing and PoD is that it's so cheap and simple in the production that we might find the market swamped with non-selected dross that's seen no editorial intervention and that the diamonds are too deeply buried to easily spot in the midden.

Guess I'm paranoid.

Thanks again, chaps and chappettes for such a warm reception and such keen interest. Don't think I'll be leaving this place in a rush.

Off to bed now. Sweet dreams. Neil

AnemicOak · 08-27-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilmarr

One problem I see with ebook publishing and PoD is that it's so cheap and simple in the production that we might find the market swamped with non-selected dross that's seen no editorial intervention and that the diamonds are too deeply buried to easily spot in the midden.

Guess I'm paranoid.

Not paranoid at all IMO. While I think Steve (Jordan) does a great job self publishing his stuff (need more Kestral, Steve

) I've read plenty of bad self published stuff and it can make one wary or just simply so overwhelmed by quantity to not know where to start.

SteveK · 08-27-2009, 09:42 PM

I read one self-published book I downloaded from Lulu. I've never seen so many editorial errors in any book I've read! I should have kept count of how many words were spelled incorrectly. The plot and character development were mundane at best. It certainly made me appreciate the job an editor must have!

SteveK

AlexBell · 08-28-2009, 01:54 AM

Thanks, Neil. Although I am strongly prejudiced against pdfs as ebooks I sent a request for three books to you, in descending order of preference.

I'll let you know whether they are readable on my ECO reader - or I might get the Cybook out of the cupboard and try that.

Regards, Alex

neilmarr · 08-28-2009, 03:52 AM

Thanks, Alex. I sent your books over a few minutes ago (first-coffee-of-the-day time here in Europe). I also included the ebook version of a book we're releasing next month, *Last Birds* by Australian author Andrew Thelander. Thought it might interest you because of its 1950s Australian setting. Very best. Neil

neilmarr · 08-28-2009, 08:49 AM

The interest you've shown warms the ol' cockles. I hope everyone has their books now (though I did have to make appropriate substitutes for some I didn't have handy -- I should get the original title requests in today and they'll also be sent ASAP). Don't hesitate to holler if there's anything else that catches your eye. We release about a dozen new titles a year, so there's always something fresh popping up. Cheers -- and thanks again for your kindness and enthusiasm. Happy weekend, people. Neil

ErwinOtten · 08-28-2009, 01:36 PM

Neil,

Thanks again for the books you send me.

I've run 'Treason' through Mobipocket Creator and I must say that the result isn't at all bad.
So, for people who really can't (or won't) read PDF's on their device, the PDF I've got converts rather well into mobi.

Gibbo · 08-28-2009, 01:55 PM

Last night I bought "The End of Science Fiction" and converted it via Mobi Creator and the result isn't that good but I'm happy reading the PDF version on my Q7

DixieGal · 08-28-2009, 02:08 PM

I started Allakazzam earlier during my break. I've barely gotten started, but it looks interesting. It was in the "humor" category at BeWrite.

AlexBell · 08-29-2009, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilmarr

Thanks, Alex. I sent your books over a few minutes ago (first-coffee-of-the-day time here in Europe). I also included the ebook version of a book we're releasing next month, *Last Birds* by Australian author Andrew Thelander. Thought it might interest you because of its 1950s Australian setting. Very best. Neil

Thanks, Neil. Even a Sassenach appreciates your generosity.

I looked at The End of Science Fiction as a pdf on my ECO last night, but I'm afraid it didn't work out too well. The text flowed, but there were pages where there were just a few lines on the page and then the rest of the page was blank.

I see other people have converted other books to prc with Mobipocket Creator, so I'll try that when I get time.

Regards, Alex

neilmarr · 08-29-2009, 05:23 AM

I noticed on my wee Sony, Alex, that our ebooks are perfect in default font (but almost unreadably small). When the font is increased, though, much formatting sometimes goes to pot. No actual words are lost or mangled, but some paragraph breaks go for a Burton and there are some pages showing line widows.

We're currently changing jockeys on the technical side with an excellent operator (Toni Szmuk in Canada) taking the reins. So we'll get this sorted soon. We already have the necessary software to convert to other formats. Thanks for your candid opinion, Alex -- please never hesitate to point out flaws ... it's so darned helpful.

Do bear in mind (by way of excuse) that the relatively simple system for our digital versions was put in place several years ago with the intention of producing books that were good for PC and laptop reading. Only fairly recently has the surging popularity of ebook-dedicate reading devices made it obvious that we need a drastic re-think. 'Twill be done, I resolve.

By the way, Erwin, I just re-read *Pillars of the Earth* on my Sony to refresh my memory before reading the follow-up, *World Without End*. You really should give that one a try. It's even longer than *Pillars*, but Follet really does seem to have hit his stride with the sequel -- quite brilliant. And the subtle reminders of familiar people and situations from *Pillars* makes it all the more fun.

Mike: I'll get your books to you ASAP. They're on my PC and the darned internet connection's down (often happens at weekends for some reason). I'm currently working on a little wireless netbook on my terrace and can't access my ebook files. Lovely out here in the sun, but if that internet hitch ain't fixed soon, I'll be working Sunday -- the one day a week I try to down tools and flop out with a 'recreational' read.

Happy weekend, folks. May all your connections be better than mine. Neil

neilmarr · 08-29-2009, 08:25 AM

***Last night I bought "The End of Science Fiction" and converted it via Mobi Creator and the result isn't that good but I'm happy reading the PDF version on my Q7***

No need for anyone here to acgtually BUY our ebooks, Gibbo. Just drop me an email and I'll send anything you fancy as an attachment. It's fair return for all the sound advice I'm getting from MobileRead members. (We manage pay the bills [just] with paperback sales, so giving ebooks away to pals doesn't hurt).

For instance -- with a new technotop who's just joined us -- we're taking into account hitches like those you and Alex have encountered with our PDF versions (and kindly described) and will soon put that to right by makng everything available in a choice of more acceptable formats.

You did choose a neat wee book, though. Sam Smith's *End of Science Fiction* is an unusual wee piece ... just a pity that the story denies a sequel (unless anyone here thinks differently, of course). I love the way Sam suspends disbelef in a short prologue and then goes on to tell of what suddenly seem every-day events of some normality against an incredibly bizarre backdrop.

Very best. Neil

AlexBell · 08-30-2009, 06:27 AM

Neil has mentioned in an earlier post that he is a professional editor at BeWrite, and has already shown himself to be approachable.

With the greatest respect for people who have the ability to be authors some of their productions could do with a good edit - in my opinion at least.

We have a forum section for writers; how would people feel about a forum for editors where people like Neil could discuss what editors do, and offer advice?

Regards, Alex

08-29-2009, 05:23 AM	#28
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	I noticed on my wee Sony, Alex, that our ebooks are perfect in default font (but almost unreadably small). When the font is increased, though, much formatting sometimes goes to pot. No actual words are lost or mangled, but some paragraph breaks go for a Burton and there are some pages showing line widows. We're currently changing jockeys on the technical side with an excellent operator (Toni Szmuk in Canada) taking the reins. So we'll get this sorted soon. We already have the necessary software to convert to other formats. Thanks for your candid opinion, Alex -- please never hesitate to point out flaws ... it's so darned helpful. Do bear in mind (by way of excuse) that the relatively simple system for our digital versions was put in place several years ago with the intention of producing books that were good for PC and laptop reading. Only fairly recently has the surging popularity of ebook-dedicate reading devices made it obvious that we need a drastic re-think. 'Twill be done, I resolve. By the way, Erwin, I just re-read Pillars of the Earth on my Sony to refresh my memory before reading the follow-up, World Without End. You really should give that one a try. It's even longer than Pillars, but Follet really does seem to have hit his stride with the sequel -- quite brilliant. And the subtle reminders of familiar people and situations from Pillars makes it all the more fun. Mike: I'll get your books to you ASAP. They're on my PC and the darned internet connection's down (often happens at weekends for some reason). I'm currently working on a little wireless netbook on my terrace and can't access my ebook files. Lovely out here in the sun, but if that internet hitch ain't fixed soon, I'll be working Sunday -- the one day a week I try to down tools and flop out with a 'recreational' read. Happy weekend, folks. May all your connections be better than mine. Neil Last edited by neilmarr; 08-29-2009 at 05:33 AM. Reason: typo

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08-27-2009, 04:36 PM	#16
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 78,973 Karma: 144284074 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	When you do finally make your eBooks available in other formats, please do not use the PDF copies as the source. PDF cannot be converted without errors.

08-27-2009, 05:56 PM	#17
PennyPie Cocoa & Toast...mmmmmm... Posts: 275 Karma: 1000 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio Device: Sony PRS-700, iPhone	THanks for the kind invite...I'll be checking your site soon!

08-27-2009, 07:14 PM	#18
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	I've been overwhelmed by your interest tonight and have sent out all the books folks requested (apart from some I found weren't in my own system and which will come tomorrow when I can have them sent over from our tech side in Germany). This is an open and ongoing offer, by the way. We release a couple of titles a month and you just need to drop me an email to have the ebook versions immediately on launch and free of all charge. All I'd hope in return -- but please don't feel obliged -- is that you might drop an informal line occasionally to honestly point out what you think we might be doing right and what we might be doing wrong. Any technical suggestions would be much more than merely welcome, though I must confess that my own (selfish) interest as BB's editor (there are three other pro editors, but I hold the reins) is more in what you think of content and literary quality of the books. One problem I see with ebook publishing and PoD is that it's so cheap and simple in the production that we might find the market swamped with non-selected dross that's seen no editorial intervention and that the diamonds are too deeply buried to easily spot in the midden. Guess I'm paranoid. Thanks again, chaps and chappettes for such a warm reception and such keen interest. Don't think I'll be leaving this place in a rush. Off to bed now. Sweet dreams. Neil

08-27-2009, 09:42 PM	#20
SteveK Addict Posts: 272 Karma: 1017902 Join Date: Nov 2008 Device: Kindle PW, PW2, Kindle3, Kobo Glo, tablets, phone	I read one self-published book I downloaded from Lulu. I've never seen so many editorial errors in any book I've read! I should have kept count of how many words were spelled incorrectly. The plot and character development were mundane at best. It certainly made me appreciate the job an editor must have! SteveK

08-28-2009, 01:54 AM	#21
AlexBell Wizard Posts: 3,413 Karma: 13369310 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Launceston, Tasmania Device: Sony PRS T3, Kobo Glo, Kindle Touch, iPad, Samsung SB 2 tablet	Thanks, Neil. Although I am strongly prejudiced against pdfs as ebooks I sent a request for three books to you, in descending order of preference. I'll let you know whether they are readable on my ECO reader - or I might get the Cybook out of the cupboard and try that. Regards, Alex

08-28-2009, 03:52 AM	#22
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	Thanks, Alex. I sent your books over a few minutes ago (first-coffee-of-the-day time here in Europe). I also included the ebook version of a book we're releasing next month, Last Birds by Australian author Andrew Thelander. Thought it might interest you because of its 1950s Australian setting. Very best. Neil

08-28-2009, 08:49 AM	#23
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	The interest you've shown warms the ol' cockles. I hope everyone has their books now (though I did have to make appropriate substitutes for some I didn't have handy -- I should get the original title requests in today and they'll also be sent ASAP). Don't hesitate to holler if there's anything else that catches your eye. We release about a dozen new titles a year, so there's always something fresh popping up. Cheers -- and thanks again for your kindness and enthusiasm. Happy weekend, people. Neil

08-28-2009, 01:36 PM	#24
ErwinOtten Addict Posts: 338 Karma: 444 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The Netherlands Device: Cybook G3	Neil, Thanks again for the books you send me. I've run 'Treason' through Mobipocket Creator and I must say that the result isn't at all bad. So, for people who really can't (or won't) read PDF's on their device, the PDF I've got converts rather well into mobi.

08-28-2009, 01:55 PM	#25
Gibbo Guru Posts: 776 Karma: 2475053 Join Date: May 2007 Device: Galaxy Tab A (2019) - iPhone 11 - KA1 - Onyx Boox Nova Pro	Last night I bought "The End of Science Fiction" and converted it via Mobi Creator and the result isn't that good but I'm happy reading the PDF version on my Q7

08-28-2009, 02:08 PM	#26
DixieGal Hi There! Posts: 7,473 Karma: 2930523 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ft Lauderdale Device: iPad	I started Allakazzam earlier during my break. I've barely gotten started, but it looks interesting. It was in the "humor" category at BeWrite.

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08-29-2009, 08:25 AM	#29
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	*Last night I bought "The End of Science Fiction" and converted it via Mobi Creator and the result isn't that good but I'm happy reading the PDF version on my Q7* No need for anyone here to acgtually BUY our ebooks, Gibbo. Just drop me an email and I'll send anything you fancy as an attachment. It's fair return for all the sound advice I'm getting from MobileRead members. (We manage pay the bills [just] with paperback sales, so giving ebooks away to pals doesn't hurt). For instance -- with a new technotop who's just joined us -- we're taking into account hitches like those you and Alex have encountered with our PDF versions (and kindly described) and will soon put that to right by makng everything available in a choice of more acceptable formats. You did choose a neat wee book, though. Sam Smith's End of Science Fiction is an unusual wee piece ... just a pity that the story denies a sequel (unless anyone here thinks differently, of course). I love the way Sam suspends disbelef in a short prologue and then goes on to tell of what suddenly seem every-day events of some normality against an incredibly bizarre backdrop. Very best. Neil

08-30-2009, 06:27 AM	#30
AlexBell Wizard Posts: 3,413 Karma: 13369310 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Launceston, Tasmania Device: Sony PRS T3, Kobo Glo, Kindle Touch, iPad, Samsung SB 2 tablet	Neil has mentioned in an earlier post that he is a professional editor at BeWrite, and has already shown himself to be approachable. With the greatest respect for people who have the ability to be authors some of their productions could do with a good edit - in my opinion at least. We have a forum section for writers; how would people feel about a forum for editors where people like Neil could discuss what editors do, and offer advice? Regards, Alex