Self-publishing was the best option for the Carindale Writer's Group - it allowed for a quick and easy way to reach a select audience.  The e-book is available in Brisbane public libraries, the Queensland State Library and will soon be in local bookstores. 

The eBook format was chosen as a convenient and economical way to reach a regional audience interested in local subjects and history. Working within a digital format has also simplified the tasks of editing, compilation and formatting. From our perspective, says Group Facilitator Beverley D Asmus:

The Carindale Writers' Group has many talented writers. They write from a broad selection of genres. However, it is not easy to find a royalty publisher in these times, no matter how deserving the work might be. Many good writers never see their works in print. Consequently, for a considerable time we have toyed with the idea of putting together a collection of stories to share with the general public. 

The e-book is the first venture into self publishing for us as a group, but it will not be the last. Currently, we are planning our 2004 publication which this time we intend to make available in hard copy book format, as well as another CD."

Carindale member Desley Melrose designed the eBook with reader convenience in mind. The eBook opens automatically when inserted into a CD drive or it can be opened manually, as with most programs on CD's. 

The CD has its own browser, so that the full book, which looks like a standard hard book, is displayed on the monitor after opening. As with other e-books, pages can be turned one at a time or one can jump to any selected page. But unlike other e-books this book looks and feels like a conventional book. 

A user can click on the cover of the book to read instructions for navigating or can click on the contents tab. The table of contents links the user directly to the work of any listed author. Once opened, the e-book page display has the familiar Windows toolbar for searching, bookmarking, printing, copying, viewing or auto-flipping of pages. Because of its graphic format, photos and illustrations are included in the e-book.

With a click of the mouse button it is possible to:

• turn the pages and browse through the book
• go directly to a particular page
• flip backwards and forwards through the pages
• print copies of any page or a selected range of pages
• print the photos and illustrations that appear in the book
• set display to automatic for a slide show presentation 

Special software is not needed to view the eBook - just pop it in your CD drive and off you go.

The eBook was produced by WebWay, a Brisbane based electronic publisher.