I've been thinking a lot about app/ebook builder websites. In other words - websites that provide tools for uploading image, sound, and text files so the user can create an ebook/app. I realize that my opinions are probably all wrong and that I've probably overlooked a lot but here's what I'm thinking and feel free to totally disagree/correct me.
I'm comparing an app builder site to hiring/partnering with a programer:
1 user friendly: I think one of the benefits of using a builder site is the ease of use compared to the hassle of finding and back and forth communication with a programer.
2 quick to market: I'm guessing that because the process is much easier with a builder site - you would be able to get your book published faster. (this is theory)
3 fewest limitations: Looking at the builder sites I've been able to find I think hands down there are more limitations in programing on a builder site vs what a programmer could do.
4 most money % 4 artist: This has to go to the programer ebook because if you hire a programer all the money from Amazon, B&N, or itunes comes directly to you instead of going through the builder site where they siphon off their percentage first. However if you partner with a programer then they get their cut so this one could go either way...
5 control of rights: Again this one goes to the programer ebook simply because when you're the publisher you control all the rights to your book - you decide where it's sold and if you want to license it or sell it to another entity.
6 viral potential: I don't see an advantage either way on this one - tie.
7 quicker payments: I give this one to the programer book because again the money doesn't go to the builder site first where you have to wait for more turn around.
8 sold on more platforms: Some builder sites will only allow your book to be sold on their site - others control which sites it will be sold on - so this one goes to the programer ebook/ app
9 cheapest to publish: This one depends on how you look at it and is too complicated to really answer - so many variables. If you are your own programer - perhaps you're doing a simple ebook with no animations, sounds, etc - you'll probably incur the fewest costs. So perhaps I should have had a third category - the self programed ebook - but I think most of us are scared of actually programing an interactive ebook ourselves.
One last thing I'd like to point out is that amazing things can be done with great limitations. We put a man on the moon with less computing power than you have in your cell phone. The Blair Witch project was filmed on a camcorder. Wilbur and Orville Wright accomplished flight with rudimentary building materials. Could you create a classic on a builder site? I believe so. Having said that I think the best method is to design the ebook including functionality on paper first. If you can realize your dream on a builder site and you like the terms - go for it. If the limitations demand too many compromises you may want to hire or partner with a programer.
I've been looking at the same points Will. I am looking at both. The programming route seems to cost more in the beginning, but I'm wondering if in the long term it would be more, less or the same as using a builder site. I guess it depends on the popularity of your book, which falls on marketing, which is not my cup of tea :(
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about something. What does an app programmer do exactly and what software do they use? Just wondering if it's something I can do myself, as I have some basic code experience.
ReplyDeleteI wrote you awhile back about possibly creating my book through a builder site. The site I was considering had a one-time fee of $500 but it was limited to the Apple platform. Honestly, why would I sell it on only one platform?! After a ton of research and evaluation I decided that going with a programmer was the best approach. I finally found an incredible programmer and I can get exactly what I envisioned. There can be some cost up front but it is worthy. Cheap is not always best. My opinion--you are "dead on" with your thoughts above.
ReplyDeleteI would like to create an enhanced ebook with sound, similar to your Monkey and the Croc book.
ReplyDeleteI need a programmer, anyone out there who can do this? megruss4@msn.com
Thank you:)
Meg
Karen - if you know someone with programing skills you might be able to partner with them saving up front costs...
ReplyDeleteTeresa - I have no idea - I know you have to pay apple $99 to be able to develop for apple IOS but I don't know what programs developers use...it's just not my world.
Thanks Mark! Can't wait to see your creations!
Good luck Meg!
Will, you can download the iOS SDK for free and start developing, and testing on the Simulator. You only need to pay the $99 if you want to test on an actual device, or upload your app to the app store.
DeleteSteve
Thanks Will, that's actually a great idea. I had only considered paying up front.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to figure out if I can do the programming myself. I did the html work for my own website, but I'm not sure how far that knowledge will get me when trying to understand how to make something move.
ReplyDeleteI downloaded the Moglue builder program, which seems like a lot of fun, but you can only preview how well your app is animated inside the iOS system. Plus it's a very hefty fee to publish, and they take some of the profit.
I've also considered just going with a flat ebook for the first time out, but the concept I am working on would be so great if it could move! Not really sure which way to go at this point. But thanks for all the advice Terry. I've started checking this blog daily to help me understand this process.
Crystal, I'm in the same boat with you! I have a great ebook, but want to enhance it. I'm also a graphic designer/web developer and have all of the skills, but don't know which way to turn...and I don't have a Mac or funding. Would VERY much appreciate input! I really want to learn how to create EVERYTHING--even regular phone/tablet apps.
ReplyDeleteoops. on the above I meant Interactive, not Enhanced. I have an enhance children's ebook on iTunes. See http://www.latetodinner.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI wish I could help you guys with programing info...so out of my league...I'll ask my programer what he's using and perhaps make a future post about it.
DeleteHere's a question I've not seen asked, or discussed;
ReplyDeleteWhen you self publish, what happens at tax time? Do the respective companies (amazon, B&N...) send you tax info, or are you expected to keep track of that yourself?
Hey Dark Kristal - you have access to the reports in your back office...all the information is there...you can even download it and bring it into a spreadsheet program. Very nifty indeed!
DeleteI think it's important to understand what you want the final product to be in terms of interactivity, and which platform (Apple/iPad, Android, Kindle, nook) you want to deliver to.
ReplyDeleteThe word "ebook" is very fuzzy. You can have an ebook that is nothing but an electronic version of your print book, or an ebook that has a 'read to me' feature in two different languages and every page has animations and hot-spots where the user can touch the screen and more stuff happens.
I was originally working with a developer but that fell through, so after a lot of research I'm going with Demibooks. I do not want to spend the time necessary to learn how to code to animate, sync voice-over, create touch hot-spots and drag-able objects and collision classes for my app. Demibook Composer is an iPad app that has the code already set up, so I just have to pick which actions I want an object to do and set up a bunch of If/Then statements (if they touch this, play this audio file and show this graphic). I'm only interested in creating something with a lot of interactivity that will play on the iPad, so this solutions works for me.
If you go the developer route, HAVE A SIGNED CONTRACT! If you go website/3rd party publisher, READ AND UNDERSTAND THEIR PUBLISHING CONTRACT!
Sorry to yell at you, but the contract stuff is vitally important. One of the options I looked at, which I was excited about, had a contract that said the content I upload would be owned by them as well as ANY derivative works, and that they paid on net terms. I would (maybe, after all their accounting was done) get paid a small percentage from the app sales and they could create plush toys or games or another book and essentially do whatever they wanted with my character/images/story.
There is a lot to this stuff, and it all comes back to you, which is both exciting and scary. :)
Thanks for the article, Terry!
- Heidi
Very good points Heidi. I just received my Kindle Fire today, and I am really shocked (and, frankly, dismayed) to see how poorly illustrated and expensive some of these books are. It seems that people were just in an enormous rush to get content up and make money, without giving much thought to content.
DeleteGiven the "throw you to the wolves" aspect of iPad apps, I am sticking with Kindle and Nook for now, even if it means my book is ultimately non-interactive. I would much rather learn to do these things myself and reap all the rewards, than possibly turn over part of my handwork to someone else.
hey Kristal - I'm curious to know what you mean by "throw you to the wolves" on iPad apps? Do you mean that apps die quickly in the app store?
DeleteYou mentioned that they put your app up on the homepage, and you better hope that people like it, or else it could get lost in the shuffle.
DeleteOh, absolutely! Monkey and Croc was on the "New and Noteworthy" section for a week - reason: it was decent a year ago - probably wouldn't make that list if I uploaded it today. Monkey & Croc is mediocre - predictable - average - plain - even boring. I'm not interested in making any more apps like that - it was a good experiment. Now on to really try to do something cool. If it's not really awesome in some way(beautiful, creative, funny, disturbing, etc) it deserves to get lost. I'm up for the challenge. Why should someone buy my crappy app? I expect to get the ax if I don't perform. iTunes is a virtual "gong show" (talent show) get ready to get booed off the stage if you don't lay it all out there.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that makes sense. I feel like I want to give the whole app thing a try, before I put one out there on the big stage. You know, just get my feet wet a little bit.
DeleteAs much as I feel that the book I'm working on would be better if it could move, I also realize it won't be the most innovative thing out there. However, up to this point, I've seen some pretty bad book apps (I'm only using the Kindle Fire, so that's all I have to judge from).
Good luck with it - I really hope you find your audience - if you can get people talking about it you've done your job.
DeleteI was just sent a link to this site, by an artist friend. I'm an app developer from Australia, with a background in animation. I am working on a couple of my own books at the moment, and will gladly answer any questions from a developers point of view. Have to run now but will check in later tonight (Oz time).
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled onto this thread. Although it's still in public beta, have any of you considered the PlayTales Builder? playtalesbuilder dot com.. I work with them and think that the tool has a great design potential and satisfactory capabilities to create interactive books for kids.
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