Putting Together an Ebook

jagfish · May 2, 2008

I have no idea where to put this question. Sorry if it's already out there and I didn't find it....

I am considering putting together an ebook, basically a repackage of my reprint parenting articles. If I own the rights, is this ok? Will those articles still be saleable as reprints to pubs?

Any thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks!

soma · May 4, 2008

If I own the rights, is this ok?
Yes, provided that includes exclusive or nonexclusive electronic rights.

Will those articles still be salable as reprints to pubs?
Yes, but having them available electronically--especially if the eBook is available for free--may decrease your chances of reselling.

jagfish · May 4, 2008

Thank you for the help! (I was getting a little lonely here.)

I was planning on charging for the ebook. Does that make the resaleability better?

Thanks again,
J

soma · May 5, 2008

Possibly. What you have to keep in mind is that there is no 100% reliable way to keep people from distributing the eBook after they've paid for it, so while putting some control on the distribution by charging for it does help your case, it's not better by a terribly wide margin.

The best way to insure your chances of reselling the articles is to keep yourself up as a presence in the field, making the articles more of a commodity. You can still do it otherwise, but I'm hesitant to judge on the specifics--alas, your genre is not particularly my field.

Hope this is helpful anyway.

Putting Together an Ebook

jagfish

soma

jagfish

soma