Bob Mayer and I were at Thrillerfest this past week. We gave a workshop on the Future of Publishing for the Writer. One of the things I talked about was that while we think our eBook is forever, the technology that is coming our way could actually put our eBook on the “out of stock” list. Why? Because generally speaking with technology you can almost always go forward, but you can’t go back. Think back to the days of DOS (Disk Operating System). Can we run anything we have now on DOS? Probably a couple of things, but the key issue is in coding and either things will show up as junk or it won’t show up at all because DOS won’t “understand”.
An eBook is basically a website. You know how you are constantly asked to update your browser? A while back we talked about different types of browsers. Google Chrome. IE (Internet Explorer). Firefox. Safari. And there are others. Each of these browsers work different and each has their own way of understanding the coding. I believe if you are still using IE 7 you will have a hard time with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Ever go to a website and your browser doesn’t read it right? Comes up all weird? Most likely that is because the website is more advanced in coding than your current browser can handle.
So what does this have to do with eBooks? Its simple. You created an eBook lets say about 2 years ago. Well since then, Mobi 8 has been introduced for Kindle. You also have the Kindle Fire. So, should you go in and update your eBook? Yes. Why? Eventually your eBook will become out of date with technology. Ah, but you say its just a fiction novel. Nothing fancy. Don’t need this or that. No bells and whistles. Remember, Readers rule and they are going to want the bells and whistles. I’m not talking about enhanced eBooks, I’m simply talking about keeping up with the technology.
So, while your eBook can be forever, you’re going to have to tweak it every once in a while with new coding, and any other changes that are going on in the industry. That is the beauty of it. But is also a responsibility.
This is great scoop, Jen, and thanks bunches for sharing it with us!
I was just thinking about this because over the weekend I uploaded my latest non-fiction release (10 Years and 24 Hours to Indie Epublishing Success), and Rob Siders gave it some really terrific Kindle/Mobi 8 bells and whistles. I wondered if and when I should go back and upgrade my 2010 and 2011 releases.
So yeah, how often would you suggest “upgrading” your older releases?
For example, I know I need to update the cover art because those sizes have now changed and been optimized for tablets.
There really isn’t a set time-line to when to update, unless technology says you must. I’m doing a major update after just doing one a few months ago, but that is in part due to cover changes. One thing we do regularly is we update the end matter, so when a new book is released, I go back into all the old titles and add the new book with a buy link. Its a lot of work, but worth it. Also, if there is an update, like with covers, I then change to any new technology that has affected ebooks.
I think my head just exploded. It seems there’s always something more to do. Pretty soon I’ll need an assistant – or at least an extra pair of hands. Lol.
Thanks for the info. Something to think about…
I’ve been wondering about this for quite some time, Jen, but anytime I mention it, people look at me like I’m nuts. Or maybe I’ve just been misreading their look and they’re actually thinking “We have to do more?!” lol
I appreciate hearing your thoughts in this and will try to work out a plan like you’ve outlined below. Thanks so much for the information!
Okay – so I could read this blog entry and get all depressed. I could start getting bummed over the notion of actually having to do more.
All of a sudden I’m back in grade school, sitting at the back of the class.
“Shit, you mean we have to learn something new today?”
OR – I could read this blog entry and start thinking about all the possible future sales and promotional opportunities that could possibly be “spun” out of a new-and-technologically-improved-e-book-by-noted-beer-drinker-and-funny-smelling-feller-Steve-Vernon!
Evolve faster, dammit!
Cheers to that, Steve!!!
It seems that I update my ebooks about 1 time every other year either with a fresh new cover, or I revise it with a better listing of my other books or any other reason I have to repurpose and remarket it.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately with another book due out in September. I think if I think about it too much, it’ll bring me down. Instead, I’ll plan a twice-a-year review of my books, and update accordingly.
Things are changing quickly, and we need to keep up or get sucked into yesterday’s black hole.
Thanks for the post.
Egad! My heart is exploding, along with my head, like Delaney mentioned! I’m a tech idiot. This is all super challenging to me. I found a great formatter whose prices are very reasonable. So basically this means I’m going to have to have her reformat my eBooks when they become outdated?
I already heard about the changes in book covers. *sigh*
The good news is that I’ll be able to add links to any new titles.
I think that for now I’ll deal with this in Scarlet O’Hara style – I can’t think about this today. I’ll think about it tomorrow!
Thanks for the heads up, Jen.
This is a great point and one I’ve never even thought of … until now. You’re so right in what you say. Here’s hoping we can roll with the times