Also known as electronic publishing, digital publishing platforms are software that enables publishers to produce, edit, and publish content that can be downloaded and viewed on a screen via an e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or computer.
This includes books, journals, and magazines.
Given the growing popularity of electronic media, most book publishers will ensure that content is available digitally, as well as in print. This portion of our guide will focus on publishers, platforms, and other resources dedicated to digital publishing. However, the portion of a traditional publisher's website that deals with digital publishing could also be listed here.
Digital publishing can be an excellent way to bring a book by a new author to market, as a digital platform can allow an aspiring author to bypass the impregnability of a traditional publishing house and the expense of self-publishing a physical book while retaining full control over his work.
Digital publishing platforms include automated tools that allow individuals, businesses, and publishers to produce, publish, and distribute digital content.
These platforms may be online or distributed as computer software (applications). Online publishing platforms often operate on a subscription model. Upon logging into the account, the platform provides the necessary tools to upload, design, and compile the content. Often, a single content template can be used to create content formatted for multiple platforms.
It might seem obvious, but print media is any type of media you can pick up, touch, read, or view. Digital media appears on digital screens only.
Most people carry digital devices with them wherever they go, largely in the form of a smartphone, so digital media is more readily accessible. While a printed book would have to be either ordered online or purchased from a bookstore, which are no longer found in most towns, it's easier, more convenient, and usually less expensive, to purchase a book online and download it to your smartphone, tablet, or Kindle.
While there is still a market for physical books, readers are moving away from traditional publishing methods and relying more on digital publishing.
Traditional publishers also offer digital versions of their books, and some publishers exclusively focus on digital media. Another advantage of digital media is that authors can more easily and affordably self-publish their manuscripts. This has opened the book industry up to authors who would not otherwise have been published.
Of course, the downside of this is that readers are less assured that the book they download to their Kindle is of good quality, or worthy of reading. But that is a reader-beware issue, and it's not insurmountable. Overall, choice can be good, and good choices are even better.
Recommended Resources
With no upfront charges for formatting or updating books, Draft2Digital takes 10% of the retail price of each digital book sold. As a distribution aggregator, Draft2Digital utilizes several online vendors, allowing the author to choose between exclusivity with KDP Select or wide distribution, and the pros and cons of both are defined. Authors can set up scheduled price promotions, and free promotions, and view recent sales. Its Books2Read program is also defined.
https://draft2digital.com/
Based in Watertown, Massachusetts, Eastgate Systems is a software company and publisher of hypertext and electronic literature, primarily fiction, non-fiction, and poetry hypertexts by established authors with careers in print, as well as new authors. Its primary tools include Tinderbox and Storyspace, both for Mac computers and described and offered for purchase from the website. Published non-fiction, fiction, and poetry are featured, and may be purchased online.
http://www.eastgate.com/
FlippingBook converts PDFs into digital HTML5 flipbooks that can be embedded into websites or shared. As fewer people download PDF files, flipbooks have become a popular option, as they can include embedded videos, images, and outbound links. When used by a business or organization, each flipbook becomes an extension of the organization's brand, with a clickable logo, branded publication links, and trackable data. It is also available as desktop software for Windows.
https://flippingbook.com/
Nxtbook Media offers two digital media platforms: PageRaft and Nxtbook. PageRaft allows publishers to create digital-first responsive content across all devices, while Nxtbook replicates traditional print layouts that can be enhanced with interactive elements. Both are described in videos, and a demo is available on request. Also available are add-on digital marketing services, which are described here, along with examples, pricing, a digital publishing guide, e-books, and other guides.
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com/
Created by twin brothers, Christian and Rasmus Mikkelsen, the site promotes and offers tutorials on being successful through Amazon publishing. Free training resources are available via videos and live online sessions and a book (The Freedom Shortcut: How Anyone Can Generate True Passive Income Online, Escape the 9-5, and Live Anywhere), may be purchased through Amazon. The history of the business, student testimonials, and career opportunities are featured, and a mailing address is posted.
https://www.publishing.com/
