What's the Market Like for Local History E-Books?

[MV64]

I've toyed with this idea for a while and unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any research at all on this.

Does anyone have any idea what sort of market there might be for local history e-books? They sell pretty well in physical form, but I'm not sure if that would really translate to digital, since some of the appeal may be to have a conversation piece or gift.

I'm thinking for smaller or regional towns, not big studies of New York City or anything.

EDIT: I ask because it seems that this could be an untapped market for authors looking for new distribution outlets.

[cromag]

I live in a pretty historic part of the US and enjoy local history. Ours is old enough that much of it is in the public domain.

You might check your library to see if there's a local historical society -- they might be able to give you an idea of general interest in the subject.

[wizwor]

I think there could be a market for such things. Something between a tour guide and a history book. Something that could be interesting to local libraries, schools, and tourists. Priced such that no one minded paying to have a copy on their travel companion tablet or phone.

[drjenkins]

I checked out a local history book from our Overdrive connected local library, Fauquier County, published by Arcadia Publishing as part of their Postcard History series.

I checked their website and found that some, but not all, of their titles are available as e-books. There does not seem to be an easy way to identify which titles are available as e-books until you click on an individual title.

http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/

[RHWright]

Arcadia does pretty solid stuff, so my gut would say if they see a market, there's a market.

Personally, I think it's a great idea, as local history in print form tends to be a local market (unless it's a really popular, major city). I would think e-books would give a better chance of discovery and sales in other markets because of the sampling factor and instant downloads.

For example, I would have probably gotten http://www.amazon.com/Klondikes-Chip.../dp/0811728447 in e-book if I didn't know my mom would want to read it and she doesn't groove to the tech. But she's kind of an exception. I know plenty of older readers who devour e-books.

I think the more outlets for local history the better!

Two other things:
I would have been more inclined to e-book if it was available on NOOK, my preferred reader.
It may be tougher to produce a good history e-book if you are trying to reproduce older, black-and-white photos. I'm no technical expert, but that seems to be tougher than just dropping in spanking new digital images. Still, not impossible. Just extra work to ensure a quality product.