The Apple iBookstore and You

Updated: 6/28/10

With many of our members asking: "How do I get my book into the Apple iBookstore?" we have created this page to help streamline the process of searching for the information that goes along with this new paradigm shift.

As you may already know, the new device from Apple will feature an ebook App called “iBook." This App will allow for a proprietary point of sales system through Apple’s iBookstore-much the same as Apple has sold music through it’s iTunes store.

In addition, the iPad can read any DRM-free (Digital Rights Management) epub, or PDF formatted file, as long as it is synced through iTunes 9.1 or later.

This means that you can sell your ebook directly from your Web site to iPad owners, just as long as it’s DRM-free, and they download it to their computer, not directly to their iPad.

This technical shuffle means that the most direct, and probably monetarily efficient, way to sell your ebook to iPad users will be through the Apple iBookstore.

In other words, if you want to be selling a version of your book that is copyright protected, and being read on the iPad, the best way to accomplish this is by having it listed in the iBookstore.

If you would like to publish directly with Apple, learn about the pros and cons of such a move here.The biggest downside to working direct with Apple is that specific payment thresholds have to be met before the publisher can receive a check. Additionally, Apple will not help you market your book at all, meaning there may be definite advantages to putting your book in the iBookstore through 1 of the 8 Apple approved content aggregators.

Each one has a slightly different business model, and variety of distribution options (that extend digitally beyond Apple and the iBookstore). Some are asking for a flat fee up front, others are taking a percentage after Apple’s cut of the sales. Regardless of who you choose, there are four things that will remain constant:

• Apple keeps 30% of the sales off the top

• An ISBN is required for each eBook published

• Your ebook must validate in ePub check v. 1.0.5

• Apple will have a contract with the Aggregator, not with the publisher

Most of the Apple approved content aggregators offer eBook conversion, and some, like Ingram or Lulu, are providing the service in a streamlined fashion to their current print and digital distribution clients.

1. http://www.bibliocore.com/
Author keep 100% of proceeds after Apple’s cut (30% of sales), and is charged a one time up front fee.

2. http://books.cdbaby.com/
Author keeps 100% of proceeds after Apple’s cut, there is a $49 up front fee, and a $19 annual fee thereafter. If needed they can convert your manuscript to the required epub format, and/or help to assign it an ISBN for $19 each, respectively.

3. http://www.perseusdigital.com/constellation/ipad/
They are the largest distributor of independent publishers in North America. Specific pricing is not listed publicly, you can contact them for pricing options.

4. http://www.ingrooves.com/digital-publishing
Allows for digital publishing of content across many different platforms, while the content owner maintains control. Contact them for pricing options.

5. http://www.ingramcontent.com/Apple/default.aspx
“Ingram can be the single source for publishers to store, distribute, market, and sell content in both traditional and digital formats.” Pricing is variable and is not listed publicly.

6. http://apple.libredigital.com/
After Apple’s cut the publisher keeps 85.75% of the proceeds. Already working with some of the largest book Publishers in the world to deliver content to the iBookstore.

7. http://www.lulu.com/apple-ipad-publishing/?cid=eng_ebk_epub_041410
80% of the proceeds after Apple’s cut goes to the author. Lulu offers eBook conversion and free ISBN registration. As well as “ distribution to other retail channels in all formats (paperback, hardcover, and eBook.”

8. http://www.smashwords.com/about/how_to_publish_ipad_ebooks
After Apple’s cut the publisher keeps 85.75% of the proceeds. They require file submission in Microsoft Word .Doc format, and offer support and advice on conversion and formatting.



The biggest difference between the 8 aggregators seems to be the pricing structures. If you have any experience with any of the above companies, please share any information you have in the comments below.


If you would like to be kept updated with any important changes to the iBook distribution puzzle you can subscribe to Scott Flora's, Executive Director blog, where we will be posting updates and information as they appear.



Some of our facts and numbers about the content aggregators came from the Publishers Lunch Daily Newsletter. The online article is no longer available to the general public, but is available to members of the Publishers Marketplace.