| The business of eBooks is booming and it is | | | | actual text of the book begins, and so forth. EBooks |
| important to know how this affects the paper book | | | | that wish to be accepted like paper books need to |
| industry and how commonly used publishing practices | | | | follow this standard as well. The closer the |
| can be applied to electronic media. The problem is | | | | resemblance to paper books, the better. |
| mostly one of perception. Anyone can write up | | | | A book that is printed starts with a manuscript. This |
| something on the internet, call it an eBook, and sell it | | | | manuscript is sent to a publisher and goes through a |
| on the internet, which is an unfortunate thing for | | | | strenuous editing process before it is finally printed. All |
| readers, writers, or publishers. If eBooks are to gain | | | | the books in the bookstore have been through this |
| any sort of standing among printed books, the | | | | process. EBooks suffer because they do not |
| perception of eBooks needs to be one of a source | | | | necessarily have to go through the same steps that |
| of entertainment and information, instead of just a | | | | a printed book must travel. Digital books need to set |
| computer file. | | | | that same standard in order to achieve acceptance |
| Every book that has appeared in print has an ISBN | | | | and escape the impression of being amateur work. |
| (International Standard Book Numbering) designation. | | | | Standards in book publication also include standards in |
| Each book has its own 10-digit ISBN code. The | | | | marketing. Before purchasing a physical book, a |
| numbers in the code are separated into groups that | | | | reader can browse it, examine the format and style, |
| identify it by country and publisher. It is the only data | | | | and see if it is appealing or not. An eBook can |
| needed to identify a book in most bookstores. It will | | | | establish that same feeling by using some standards |
| always be a unique identifier, since it is never used | | | | of display. |
| again once issued to a book. | | | | Most eBooks only allow a browser to see the title |
| The reason this sort of designation is important is | | | | and author, or just a table of contents, or just a |
| because it is known and trusted in the publishing | | | | limited excerpt. That does not show how the book |
| world. For eBooks to gain the same level of trust | | | | will look. The readers cannot even see what they are |
| that printed books enjoy, along with a higher market | | | | buying. No one will buy a book like that, especially if it |
| share, they should voluntarily adopt standards similar | | | | is the same price as a printed book. |
| to those the paper book publishers employ. | | | | It is to the benefit of all eBook writers and publishers |
| Paper books will be around forever, more than likely. | | | | to adhere to certain voluntary standards of eBook |
| People are used to them and they are easier to deal | | | | publication. It has to be voluntary, because willing |
| with in many respects. They follow a familiar pattern | | | | participation is vital for eBook publication to reach the |
| - front cover, back cover, certain pages before the | | | | prestige it deserves. |