Monday, October 24, 2011

Ebooks - What? Where? How?

Welcome back everyone - and a big special hello to those you who are new here! We certainly hope you find the JLB Creatives Blog to be a regular stop on the web for you and your family to keep up with my creativity of novel writing, scenic nature photography, and hopefully be entertained while possibly even learning a thing or two.


SOMETHING FUN!
Head over to the HIDDEN EARTH 
page of the blog and vote for your 
favorite book cover. There are 6 to choose from.
No guarantees that the winner will be used, 
but it does give me good stuff to present to 
the publisher - who ever they may be. 




FYI:
Always be sure to check out the right side 
of the blog for current coolness!
It's filled with ever-changing
Contests, Giveaways, News, and more!


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Other News!
Get Ready for the Trick or Treat Blog Adventure
starting on Oct. 28th!


You'll start here at JLB Creatives on Oct. 28th
then choose one or all of the blogs listed
who are offering "treats" to those who take the time
to Trick or Treat to their blogs!


Free books, giveaways, contests and more!


Weekly posts will resume Tuesday Nov. 1st


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This week it's all about Ebooks - check out the video and the Topic Post to gain a better insight on the subject.

WEEKLY VIDEO
EBOOKS: WHAT? WHERE? HOW?



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WEEKLY TOPIC POST: 
     When it comes to buying ebooks there are a lot of choices - which is a good thing! 

     Keep in mind that ereaders and electronic tablets (such as an IPad) are two different things. There are ways to read ebooks on pretty much any digital device - as long as you can connect to the internet to download them. Once books are downloaded onto your device of choice - be it an ereader, tablet, cell phone, or even your PC or laptop - you can read them without being connected to the internet.

     When it comes to reading ebooks on your PC's or Laptops you'll first need to download and install the needed software from like say Kindle or Nook. But once you've done that - you'll be able to download books just like those who are carrying more portable type devices.  

     Let's take a look at two of the top ereaders: Kindle and Nook. Kindles are ereaders that allow you to download entire novels in minutes (if not seconds) from Amazon. The Nook ereader allows you the same privilege through Barnes & Noble. Another brand by the name of Pandigital - which is what I am using at the moment - serves as a low end type tablet with a kickin' ereader tied in with Barnes & Noble, so I frequent Nook quite often.


     You'll want to keep your eye out as Kindle among others are beginning to bring out better ereaders and tablets at the speed of...well...technology!  

     Where can you buy ebooks? Just about anywhere online - from sites dedicated to books such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble to author webpages, blogs, and more! Another popular site is Smashwords. Keep in mind that just because a book is available on Kindle doesn't necessarily mean it's available on Nook. A newer site that brings you great details for several genres of books containing videos, links taking you directly to where you can find these authors ebooks, and more can be found at Orangeberry Books Collective. (One of our newest sponsors!)

     Ebook costs range from FREE on up! There are several that start out at 99 cents and are a very popular choice for readers to give a new author a try without a lot of investment. The problem this leads to for some of us is that epic books, such as mine, are governed by some of the ebook sites and as the self-publishing author you are not allowed to sell it for less than $2.99.  It's tough because you'd like for people to try your book - but as the author you are up against those who are uploading books regularly for FREE or 99 cents. 

     So the next time you are shopping ebooks and see one for 99 cents, yet the title of the $2.99 or $4.99 ebooks peak your interest just as much but are written by someone you consider to be a new author - think twice about what you might be getting for that extra money. ;-)

     How do you self-publish an ebook? Each site has their guidelines, so be sure and follow them for successful uploads. I'm not going to go into detail on this as we'd be here all day. HINT: Don't be afraid to do some research on your own and/or ask questions of those who have already published ebooks successfully. 

To check out some of my fellow authors 
and their wonderful ebooks from right here on the
JLB Creatives Blog, please visit the:
page by clicking the above link 
or by clicking the tab at the top on the blog.
Please Tweet, share on FB, etc. the Books-A-Palooza! page...
...these cool authors thank you for your support!
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And to help celebrate the TOPIC POST:
Janet and her husband also write non-fiction self-help books together regarding church-community-and other 
live events and productions.


JUST RELEASED!
Now available on Kindle of .99 cents!


Janet is using the name of Jan Beasley for her
author name in this series to help in keeping
her epic fantasies separate from her non-fiction. 

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Pic n' Thought
by
Janet Beasley
Find a pleasant setting and frolic until 
your heart's content!

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NOVEL UPDATES: 
     My dear faithful fans - you're hanging in there with us in style! Still waiting to hear from the publisher. We've only got 4-6 weeks left to wait before we can contact the current publisher to inquire about the progress of "Maycly" (Volume 1 in my 6 novel "Hidden Earth" series.)


     In the mean time, why not help get your friends and family interested in the "Hidden Earth" series? It's fast, easy, and fun! All you need to do is share the JLB Creatives Blog, JLB Creatives Facebook Page, or send them on over to become a follower of JLB Creatives on Twitter. Be sure and ask them to "Join the Blog," "Like" the Facebook Page, and/or "Follow" JLB Creatives on Twitter @JLBCreatives and they will be in-the-know just like you. 


     Because of your dedication and shared enthusiasm the author name of Janet Beasley, and JLB Creatives is getting out there. You totally rock!

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LINK OF THE WEEK: 
     One of my favorite birds is the swallowtail kite. A magnificent specimen to watch as it "sails" through the air with grace and dignity. Check out some of the coolest facts about the swallowtail kite from this week's link:

I by no means endorse this site, necessarily agree with their viewpoints, get money
for clicks or visits...it's just strictly one of my favorite birds, and I wanted to
share about them with you, my wonderful followers! 

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SUMMARY:
     How cool was this post? We learned a little bit about ebooks and how to download them for reading on several devices, checked out swallow-tailed kites, and frolicked in a field of flowers. Certainly there was something for you to get a smile from...right? 

     Hey, I just wanted to thank all of you who have been actively supporting us and spreading the news regarding my novels and photographs. It's people like you with shared enthusiasm that keep my creativity peeking from week to week!


REMINDER!
Get Ready for the 
Trick or Treat Blog Adventure
starting on Oct. 28th!

You'll start here at JLB Creatives on Oct. 28th
then choose one or all of the blogs listed
who are offering "treats" to those who take the time
to Trick or Treat to their blogs!

Free books, giveaways, contests and more!

Weekly posts will resume Tuesday Nov. 1st


Have a great day...until next time,
Stay casual - live life to the fullest - and have a piece of chocolate.
~Janet~





2 comments:

  1. Hi Janet,

    I just wanted to let you know that I nominated your blog for the Versatile Blogger Award.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey Bea! Just making the rounds - been busy getting ready for the Trick or Treat Blog Adventure. Thanks a whole big bunch for the nomination! What a wonderful way to close out my hectic day! Have a good one... ~Janet~

    ReplyDelete

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JLB Creatives Editor Dar Bagby (L) and JLB Creatives CEO Janet Beasley (R)