With technology evolving at the speed of light, it can be hard to keep up with the latest gadget, program, or innovation. In fact, you may think you can get by just fine without updating every device you own when a newer version comes out. This is true in some cases, but the dynamic world of book apps is one area you may not want to miss. With a little education, you may be surprised at how easy these apps are to use and understand, and how they can enrich your life.
What are Apps?
The word "app" is an abbreviation for "computer application," which is a computer software program, such as games, word processing or data entry, that is normally accessed through an icon on your screen. Recently the term "app" has taken on a whole new meaning as Apple Computers have developed programs for their computers, iPads, iPods and iPhones that include everything from games, websites, television stations, and yes, now books.
The difference between an ebook and a book app, is that an ebook is an electronic book designed to be read on an e-reader, and a book app is an interactive story book used on mobile devices like Apple iPad/iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and android phones. This means the user can interact with the story by touching the screen in areas that produce music, video movement, or search capabilities. In his June 29, 2011, New York Times article, "For the iPad, Books That Respond to a Child's Touch," Bob Tedeschi describes apps like The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore as a "visually stunning bit of work with entertaining interactive features."
Where to Get a Storybook App
Apps can be purchased from iTunes or the App Store on your Apple Computer device. Karen Robertson, award winning author of the interactive book, "Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island," had her book developed as an app, and has a link on the Treasure Kai website to iTunes, so that the app can be purchased by those discovering it on her web site. The app version of her book sells for $4.99 compared to around $17.00 plus shipping for the hardback version.
If you're looking to review apps before purchasing, web sites like PublishersWeekly.com give write-ups and reviews on apps including children's book apps.
How to Publish Your Children's Book as an App
Turning your children's book into an app is less expensive and easier than you may think. Karen Robertson explains that it is well worth the effort because "the size of the opportunity is too big to ignore. In early 2011, Apple reached the 10 billion app download mark." Her "Treasure Kai" book app reached #5 on the U.S. App Store for Paid Books on June 15, 2011, and has sold in 40 countries. Not only do apps reach a worldwide market, and they are cheap to produce compared to self-publishing conventional books.
App creators like Talespring.com take your illustrated children's story and turn it into an app for $150.00, and you get a 50% royalty on all sales. This is a fraction of the cost to self-publish as a paper book, which normally runs around $1,000 for the publishing alone, not to mention the up-front costs of printing the books. This doesn't mean the book will sell itself, however. As with any self-publishing endeavor, you'll have to do your fair share to market your app and create buzz.
With a tap of the screen, an app brings simple narration, movement, and sound to a children's story. Whether they are tucked in their beds at night or reading on the go, it's an effective way to capture the attention and imagination of today's young readers.
To learn more about how to write a children's book, read "How to Write and Publish a Children's Picture Book or Story."
Sources:
Answers.com. "What are computer applications?"
Digitalkidsauthor.com. "Author's Guide to Book Apps"
