About a week ago Penguin Group USA announced that they were pulling new e-books from libraries; in addition, it was not lending any e-books to libraries through the Kindle.
In a statement provided to Library Journal‘s Digital Shift blog, Penguin stated that due to security concerns, it finds it “necessary to delay the availability of our new titles in the digital format while we resolve these concerns with our business partners.”
No doubt it is unusual among the “big six” publishers in that it allows e-books to be borrowed through libraries at all. Here is a summary of the big six. Macmillan and Simon & Schuster do not distribute any e-books to libraries. Hachette Book Group does not allow new titles to be lent as e-books, and HarperCollins only allows new e-books to be borrowed 26 times before the library has to buy a new copy.
Unfortunately, this leaves Random House as the only “big six” publisher currently allowing access to its e-books through libraries.
Then, a few days later Penguin Group USA reversed their stance and decided not to pull the e-books from the libraries. We will keep an eye on this dynamic news story!
Books apps. We will surely start seeing more and more apps for smartphones and tablets that are derived from the publishing industry for both avid and casual readers. It is no surprise that iBooks leads the way in this category. AppData tracks the top apps of the past week and here are the top 20 book apps.
There are two types of callings: the loud, drama-filled, unmistakable directions that make the good Bible stories, and the quieter, more subtle, personal nudges meant for one person. These latter ones are not intended for public viewing. They are soft, personal, one-to-one messages from God to someone for whom He has a purpose. Maybe for you.
All Star Press is proud to announce the e-book release of James Hale’s “Quiet Spaces: Hearing God’s Voice in a Noisy World.” This powerful book is available for the Kindle and all e-book formats
Of the two types of callings, the quieter ones are the more common, but less understood. These are ones that Jesus and so many others experienced in biblical times…and today. It’s these quieter callings Hale teaches the reader to hear. These are much more subtle than the dramatic ones. These messages cascade gently down from on high, and we do hear them, but we often do not listen to them.
The great physicist Albert Einstein understood the goodness of God – like most people do – but he also understood the quietness of so many of God’s greatest works and how we often miss his messages or think he’s being elusive or tricky. Einstein observed that “God is subtle, but He is not malicious.” Yes, God is deep and profound, but not devious. Understanding God often baffles and confuses us, but there is no deception, no false path. God places the cookie jar within our sight, and invites us to stretch to reach it, without any traps in the way. He calls to us in quiet, subtle ways, and none of His callings are evil or misguided. There are no tricks, no deceit, no misdirection.
In “Quiet Spaces” author James Hale teaches you the simple steps to make your work your calling. This influential book includes an easy-to-use 45-day devotional on career choices that everyone can benefit from.
TESTIMONIALS
“Any young person who reads this book and follows its suggestions is bound to become a better and happier person.” Bethany Holt – Entrepreneur
“Even though I am past choosing a vocation in life, I still have a road to finish traveling. This book has helped tremendously.” Angela Masters, Retiree
“God often speaks to us in ‘gentle whispers’ (just ask Elijah). Quiet Spaces will prepare you to hear God’s call to your heart. This is another great resources for Christian workers from a great Christian organization–Path Choices.” James Smith- – Senior Minister, Mt Carmel Chirstian Church, Cynthiana, KY
To make it in digital book sales, authors and publishers need to be available on every platform possible to attempt to control the market share. Amazon and Barnes & Noble have recognized this on top of the hardware that they have produced…
Distribution and the storefront is one area where these two points have really converged into one thanks to digital book sales. Not only do players like Amazon and Barnes & Noble have control over both of these points for e-book sales, but they also have the power now to sign on publishing contracts themselves on top of their self-publishing platforms for authors. READ MORE
Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia is launching an e-book publishing program, entitled “E-books De Vanguardia.” La Vanguardia is Barcelona’s leading newspaper, and the third largest in Spain.
La Vanguardia is starting its program with two free titles, both of which are available in EPUB, PDF and MOBI formats.
Next up are two more books: ¡Adolescente en Casa! (“Teenagers at Home”), a guide for parents living with teenagers, which will sell for €5.99, and another free book, Las 30 Webs Más Relevantes de 2011 (“The 30 Most Important Websites of 2011”).
This is a growing trend as several English-language newspapers, including the Guardian, Boston Globe and Washington Post, have published e-books of varying lengths this year.
In a statement provided to Library Journal‘s Digital Shift blog, Penguin stated that due to security concerns, it finds it “necessary to delay the availability of our new titles in the digital format while we resolve these concerns with our business partners.”
