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The Future of Publishing: eReader Platforms for Modern Publishers

For a long time, the term eReader signified a portable physical device that enhanced the reading experience for book consumers. Today, several brands produce and market such devices at varying prices. eReaders have, no doubt, transformed the way people read and have driven the shift from reading physical books to eBooks. 

However, eReader devices can be expensive and inaccessible to millions of readers. Publishers were also dependent on the capabilities of such devices to drive sales and build a reading market for their eBooks. The arrival of eReader platforms for publishers is disrupting the status quo and addressing many challenges for publishers. 

In this blog, we deconstruct eReader platforms for publishers, their benefits, and their potential impact on future generations of publishers. 

Table of Contents

I. What are eReader Platforms for Publishers?

II. eReader Platforms for Publishers: Key Trends

  1. Creation and Publishing of Interactive Ebooks
  2. Easy PDF to ePUB Conversion 
  3. Secure Distribution of eBooks
  4. Cross-Platform Availability
  5. Advanced Analytics Support 
  6. Creation of a Branded Web Store
  7. Hyper-Personalisation Strategies 
  8. Downloadable eReader App 

III. Impact of eReader Platforms 

IV. The Takeaway

What are eReader Platforms for Publishers?

eReader platforms for publishers are essentially software solutions that enable publishers to execute the entire publishing workflow – from creation and publishing to distribution and, most importantly, delivery of a superior reading platform for users. 

Cloud-based platform KITABOO, for example, enables publishers to bring efficiency and automation to the creation, publishing, and distribution of multimedia-rich eBooks. In addition, KITABOO offers a downloadable eReader app to users, which enriches the discoverability of eBooks and the reading experience itself. 

The growth of eBooks greatly depends upon the ecosystem for creating, publishing, and distributing them securely. Such a shift requires early investments in technology that can support publishers in reaching their content creation and marketing goals while delivering a superior experience to readers.

eReader platforms for publishers address many of the key challenges. Here’s a snapshot of trends spearheaded by this unique, innovative publishing software solution.

1. Creation and Publishing of Interactive Ebooks

Superior eReader platforms for publishers enable the creation and publishing of eBooks, which are text-heavy as well as interactive, based on the content and genre of the eBook.

The platform simplifies the creation and publishing workflow, automating steps such as the creation of the content table. Such platforms also offer plenty of flexibility.

For instance, eBooks can be published in multiple formats according to the publisher’s needs and with a fixed or reflowable layout, depending on whether they have multimedia elements. 

2. Easy PDF to ePUB Conversion

Since so much of eBook content already exists in the PDF format, eReader platforms help automate its conversion to the ePUB format, which is growing in popularity. 

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Uploading your eBook in the PDF content and conversion into ePUB can be done at scale. This feature is especially helpful for the conversion of physical textbooks into interactive eTextbooks, which can be globally accessed. 

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3. Secure Distribution of eBooks

With growing concerns about eBook piracy online, publishers are seeking ways to protect their intellectual property rights and revenues. The use of Digital Rights Management (DRM) protected eBooks is helping to address this issue.

Superior eReader platforms for publishers come with an in-built DRM system that simplifies the process of managing and limiting authorized access to readers. This key feature enables publishers to capture more revenues, design innovative subscription plans, and protect eBooks from piracy.

4. Cross-Platform Availability

Publishers have the opportunity to publish eBooks across a wide range of platforms or opt to publish only on a specific platform, such as Kindle.

Publishers can choose the right file format and distribute eBooks accordingly based on their platforms of choice. Popular file formats include PDF, Mobi, and ePUB.

5. Advanced Analytics Support

Publishers have access to a wealth of AI-powered data insights on all aspects of content creation, publishing, distribution, and readership patterns. They can access customized dashboards, which form the backbone of data processing.

The smart use of advanced analytics can help publishers understand how users are engaging with their eBooks. Use of AI can help predict future trends – for instance, how an eBook will perform, or a specific user will respond to specific topics.

6. Creation of a Branded Web Store

The adoption of eReader platforms for publishers enables them to set up a fully functional and branded eBook store quickly and seamlessly. Such a facility comes with superior catalog management capabilities, search and browsing functionality, SEO-friendly strategies, a seamless check-out process, and a secure payment gateway.

Access to a branded web store enables publishers to capitalize on revenue generation and design unique products and subscription models. You can publish your eBook and start marketing it instantly.

7. Hyper-Personalization Strategies

The trend of hyper-personalization in marketing has also percolated into eBook marketing.

A superior eReader platform for publishers makes it easy to hyper-personalize marketing campaigns that are relevant for users via email and on-site content. The entire process is automated and comes with advanced data analytics to track campaign performance.

8. Downloadable eReader App

One of the key innovations in eBooks reading is the introduction of eReader apps, which can be downloaded and operated from one’s mobile phone or device of choice. This innovation allows readers to enjoy a superior, accessible, interactive reading experience, discover free and paid eBook titles, and tailor the entire engagement with eBooks to one’s preferences.

Impact of eReader Platforms

Here’s a quick round-up of how publishers can benefit from eReader platforms:

  • Publishers can automate the entire creation, publication, and distribution process, function with lean teams, and streamline the process to be more efficient.
  • eReader platforms for publishers help publishing teams collaborate effectively even across time zones through the smart use of automation and cloud computing.
  • They can optimize the marketing process and drive revenues with the use of DRM systems. Hence, the entire workflow is optimized for success.
  • Readers can enjoy an elevated reading experience that is tailored to their accessibility and reading needs. They can discover more eBooks with ease and purchase eBooks and printed books securely, which benefits publishers. 
  • Readers need not invest in a physical eReader device. Instead, they can download an eReader app, such as KITABOO, on their mobile phone and start reading instantly.
  • Early investments in software can help publishers stay ahead of the curve and capture more market share.

The Takeaway

The adoption of eReader platforms for publishers is helping them offer more value to consumers, gain more control over access, innovate revenue models, drive revenue generation, and build a sustainable, profitable business. 

Publishers can partner with the digital textbook publishing platform KITABOO, which enables the creation, publishing, and distribution of eBooks and access to a downloadable eReader app for consumers to access eBooks. Leverage our cloud-based digital publishing platform, available in both a licensed version (one-time purchase) and a flexible subscription model.

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Mike Harman

Mike Harman

Mike is the SVP Business Development at KITABOO. He has over 30 years experience in achieving consistent top-line revenue growth and building mutually beneficial relationships. More posts by Mike Harman