When I started writing fiction, there was no such thing as an ebook. Yes, this makes me sound like some relic unearthed during an archeological dig, but the fact is that ebooks are a relatively new phenomenon. As recently as the mid-90s, we authors submitted our manuscripts by schlepping them over to Kinko’s, getting copies made and sending them to our editors, after which the books were published bricks-and-mortar style.
My last three books were recent enough to come out both as physical entities and as ebooks, so readers have been able to download An Ex to Grind, Some Nerve and Confessions of a She-Fan as well as buy the actual printed versions.
My earlier novels, on the other hand, weren’t available as ebooks and it was frustrating.
Not anymore.
Thanks to Ellen Levine, my literary agent, and the ebook division at her company, Trident Media Group, all eleven titles are going digital, with kick-ass new covers (courtesy of the talented designer Lilien Hoffman), starting with the first six that are being launched today: Best Enemies, Clean Sweep (Formerly Cha Cha Cha), Crystal Clear, Infernal Affairs, Sis Boom Bah and The Club.
Coming in a week or so will be four more titles (Princess Charming, Name Dropping, The Secret Ingredient and Lucky Stars), followed in another month by Female Intelligence, which had some technical problems during the conversion process. I’ll post their on-sale dates as soon as I know them.
Some readers may still prefer to buy the physical books, and they’re around too, but now there’s the ebook option, which will satisfy all those who’ve said the hardcovers and paperbacks have been hard to find and will offer the novels at a very affordable price. I adore my Kindle and I’ve read more books on it than I ever thought I would. I think it’s great that we have so many devises on which to buy and then read – in the time it takes to click a link – whether it’s on a Nook, an iPad or a smartphone.
Getting everybody to read when there are so many demands on our time is the key. I hope my new ebooks will please long-time fans of my work as well as attract a whole new readership.
Congratulations Jane!!!
I know this will mean many more sales for you.
(I think I am your last reader who buys the hardcovers)
Congratulations. I just bought a paperback of yours to take on vacation. I am not ready for e book but maybe some day. I am glad their are options for people to read your books!
The hardcovers of my novels have long been sitting on remainder and used books tables, Peg. It was time for me to get with the program!
Which paperback did you buy, Barbara?
That’s great news! I read several of your books, and loved them.
So nice to hear, Freya. Thanks.
Best enemies. I think I read it long ago but i wanted a light good book on the trip.
It’s a fun one, Barbara. I enjoyed writing it from the points of view of both women.
Late to the party…but just wanted to offer another Hearty Congrats. I know how much you’ve been anticipating this, and how exciting it is! I may be in the Retirement Home before getting around to e-books, but it’s today and the future, and now you’re SO well positioned.
Guess I’ll have to dig out my paperback of “An Ex To Grind” that I haven’t finished (left it at Mom’s before the Second Big Move & Consolidation — it got lost on a bookshelf — but I recovered it in the 3rd Big Move).
And speaking of “out with the old, in with the new” — at last, “enfin” — got to rent “The Artist” this weekend and share it with The Wife, Ma-In-Law, Son #2, and Sorority Sister Susie (my wife’s, of course). Everybody liked it — even Son #2, who rarely gets into flix like this. For me, it was so gratifying — telling “The Story of Jane” once again…how long ago you discovered it, and clued me in…how we could never seem to catch it while playing in one of the “art theaters” (bad timing every time)…all those wonderful Oscars, sweet vindication…we watched it TWICE before taking it back to Redbox. Then I told the guy behind me in line how great it was. Takin’ the baton & pass it on…and thanx everso again…
Glad you and your family enjoyed “The Artist,” Dave. I don’t know what the “story of Jane” is, but it’s great that you could all share the fun of the film.