Random House Struik has just launched two e-book library apps for the iPad. Mark Seabrook, the company’s Digital Director, discusses these exciting new products with Steyn du Toit.
How would you describe an e-book library app to someone not familiar with the term?
It is a virtual bookshelf on your tablet device, with a selection of books which you can purchase, and they will then be downloaded on to your device, enabling you to read them. The app itself is free, so you can download and see how it works without any cost.
How does this differ from, say, buying the book in its traditional format?
As new books are added you can buy and read them immediately without having to visit a bookstore. You are able to take the books you enjoy reading most with you on your device. The books are sold at a discounted price of the printed version.
I believe two Random House Struik imprints recently launched such apps. What are they and what is the difference between them?
They are Earth and Nature and South Africa in Print.
Earth and Nature focused on a range of our best-selling natural history titles. South Africa in Print is a selection of our popular non-fiction titles.
What are some of the Random House Struik titles currently available in the app?
Earth and Nature
How on Earth – Answers to the puzzles of our planet
Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa
Guide to the Night Skies of Southern Africa
Basic Bird ID in Southern Africa
What’s That Butterfly?
What’s That Reptile?
South Africa in Print
32 Battalion – The Inside Story of South Africa’s Elite Fighting Unit
To The Point – The No-Holds-Barred Autobiography
Winnie Mandela: A Life
Straight Talk – Conversations at Work that Get Results
Everyone’s Guide to the South African Economy
Fast Forward your Retirement through Property
Mark Seabrook
How often will you be updating the app with new titles?
We will be aiming to add a few new books each month to both apps.
Price-wise, how do they compare with similar apps in the market?
The apps themselves are free. The cost of the individual books within the apps varies depending on the book. However, they are all being sold at a discount off their normal price.
If someone is interested in one of these apps, where do they need to go?
iTunes app store, and search for Earth and Nature or South Africa in Print
http://itunes.apple.com/za/app/earth-and-nature/id514304868?mt=8
http://itunes.apple.com/za/app/south-africa-in-print/id513925702?mt=8