For a long time now I have been wondering wether to create or not an electronic version of The hidden world of diatoms book. I even posted a poll on twitter to ask my followers what they thought about this. The majority answered that yes I should do it.
Pro
The theoretical advantages of an ebook are quite obvious, starting from the trees saved by not printing on paper (although I am totally ignorant of how a 56 pages book compares to the energy needed for the use of electronic devices). It is also much quicker to get (especially when you do not enjoy the cheap shipping costs of big distributors and have to go through normal snail mail) and because of the former two reasons, you also get it for cheaper. I am a constant reader, so I also appreciate the weight that you don’t have to carry around when all you need to get your fix, even on a long trip, can squeeze in a tablet.
As I already admitted, I do have a e-reader myself, so it should have been a no brainer that as soon as I wrote my book, I would create the electronic version as well. Actually, most self-published authors nowadays do that in the first place. There are even templates on most e-book distributors, where you just add your text and pictures and they make it all for you. So what’s the problem?
Con
The hesitation for me lays in the romantic view I have for books. For me it is not only the information that goes through the eyes and into the brain to release dopamine, it is all the action of holding a book, feeling the paper, turning the pages. Maybe it has to do with my age and upbringing as well, but to sit or lay down with my kids holding an electronic device and tap on it, just does not make it. Being surrounded by actual books, seeing them, is part of the décor. It makes you feel home.
Yes, you got me, books are the one thing I cannot refrain myself from buying, as my daughter very well knows, it is enough to convince me to put my foot in the bookshop, to be sure that I will buy her at least one new book, even though I had promised that this time it would not happen. What can I do, there are worst habits to have and to fight….
What brought me then to finally create the ebook of The hidden world of diatoms? Well, I consider myself lucky to be part of the wonderful world of scientists. Attending the VIII European Congress of Protistology- ISOPJoint meeting I was reminded that I am part of that world, even though I have left the academic career. But the goal of this book, and the ones that will follow in the series, is to reach every and all kids, not only the ones that have a contact in the scientific world. And to do that, to reach children from all context of life, I believe I have to acknowledge that my romantic view of books is not the only one out there, and maybe more importantly, most people out there do not have the possibility or the willingness to go for the papery and more expensive choice.
In conclusion, it is my pleasure to introduce you to The hidden world of diatoms- ebook, available for the launching price of £4.50 for the first 2 days of publication, and £5.90 after that.
Enjoy and please leave a review or contact me if you think we can improve.