But I don’t have an e-reader…

The Taming of Mei Lin will be available as a digitally published short story on Wednesday, September 1. I’ve had more than one person contact me, concerned that they wouldn’t be able to read it because they didn’t have a reader. I’ve also had people ask about what format they should use.

I’m thrilled that people want to read the story enough to take a foray into e-reading. Actually, I’m thrilled that people want to read “Mei Lin” period. I hope you enjoy it and it’s worth the jump into digital reading.  I wanted to give a quick run down of the electronic formats in which the story is available depending on where you purchase it.

First, eHarlequin. Many people have gone to eHarlequin to search for “Mei Lin”, but the story won’t be listed there until September 1 which is the release date. Trust me, I will be updating all my links and telling the world next week!!

eHarlequin can be quite intimidating! There are so many links. It can be found under the “Ebook Store” section under “Exclusively in Ebook” and then “Harlequin Historical Undone”.

The four formats available are Adobe EPUB, Adobe PDF, Microsoft eBook, and Microsoft MOBI.

The Adobe formats can be read on any laptop or computer. You need to download Adobe Digital Editions — which is no biggie for me since you have to have a plug-in to read regular Adobe PDFs as well. This is how I read my downloads from eHarlequin. I like the format and how the chapters and the text look.  (The text has been blurred on purpose so I don’t get nabbed for unauthorized use of Stephanie Draven’s Wild, Tethered, Bound.)

Adobe Digital Editions - Read on your Laptop or PC

The Microsoft eBook format can be used on any Windows platform once you download the Microsoft eBook software. Activation is required — which I’m assuming means you give your information to Microsoft when you get the download and they send you a key. Microsoft MOBI is for use with the Mobi device.

Next up: Amazon. The Taming of Mei Lin is for sale through Amazon for the Kindle. This is most suitable for reading if you have the device. There is also software you can download to read Kindle files on your computer.

Finally: Barnes & Noble. Similar to Amazon, you can purchase “Mei Lin” here for the Nook. This is best used if you have a Nook device. There may also be software that allows you to read it on your computer.

It seems like a lot to take in, but once you pick a format and use it, I’ve found that reading on my computer is quite convenient and the text quality is really good. But I’m shackled to my computer for most of the day, as you know. That alone might be worth getting a reader in the future. I need to unhook from this thing before it starts to assimilate me….

All in all, I’m very pleased that people want to read The Taming of Mei Lin! I hope you enjoy it and that the digital format doesn’t chase anyone away.

*The free download of The Taming of Mei Lin for the September 15 Launch Celebration drawing will be from eHarlequin so it will be available in one of the four formats listed above.

*Edited to add — it appears an iPad is able to download and read Kindle formats as well as Nook  and Borders eBook. It shouldn’t have any issues with Adobe EPUB or PDF either. More brownie points for the iPad!

9 Comments

  1. Victoria Dixon
    Aug 28, 2010 @ 18:37:10

    I guess it’s good to start my learning curve sooner rather than later, huh? LOL

  2. Jennie
    Aug 29, 2010 @ 15:57:07

    I’ve had the same question for a while. I think the Kindle format is the best choice for me. I might buy one in the future. Anyway, thank you for this post. I can’t wait to read the story! 😀

  3. Jeannie Lin
    Aug 30, 2010 @ 15:37:37

    Victoria – I tend to be a late adopter of technology, believe it or not. I’ve been hanging on to reading on my laptop, even though I have a Sony e-Reader.

    Jennie, I’m waffling between the Kindle and the iPad myself. I love how clear the text looks on Kindle, but the iPad is more versatile for writing too…but more expensive! Hope you enjoy!

  4. Stephanie Draven
    Aug 31, 2010 @ 13:40:49

    Thanks for the reminder! I just pre-ordered it for my Nook. (I purchased an e-reader not because reading on the computer is difficult or unpleasant but because as a writer, I need to escape the desk chair now and again.)

  5. Jeannie Lin
    Aug 31, 2010 @ 16:10:38

    Stephanie, that’s one of the main reasons I’ve been scoping out the Kindle. And the iPad is technologically tempting, but I’d still be tied to an internet surfing device!

  6. Christine
    Sep 02, 2010 @ 14:58:36

    I just wanted to point out that you can also downlaod a FREE Kindle app and a FREE nook app onto your iPhone that will enable you to purchase and read ebooks directly on your iPhone. Of course, the text will be small compared to that of an iPad, but for novellas, it shouldn’t be too bad. I mean, I read emails, the news, twitter, etc.. on my iPhone all day long, so a novella should be a piece of cake, right?

    I’ll let you know when I try it. 😉

  7. Jeannie Lin
    Sep 02, 2010 @ 15:48:29

    Thanks Christine!

    This release has actually taught me a lot more about eReaders. For instance, Kindle or Nook are not only devices, they’re actually platforms – meaning you can download a reader to a list of supported devices, including your PC, iPad or iPhone. 🙂

    Also the Taming of Mei Lin is available for the Sony eReader from the Sony Reader Store:
    http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/jeannie-lin/the-taming-of-mei-lin/_/R-400000000000000271391?in_merch=SubjectLanding_Romance_1

    So I guess you can buy it anywhere ebooks are sold. 🙂

  8. Daz
    Sep 05, 2010 @ 15:18:49

    The great thing about the Kindle (on any of the platforms) is that you can change the size of the font. I like reading with fairly large type so I don’t strain my eyes and I like being able to choose how large my font size is. I just got “Mei Lin” on Kindle downloaded to my iPhone. I’m about 80% through a book right now on my iPhone, “Mei Lin” is next. Thanks.

  9. Jeannie Lin
    Sep 06, 2010 @ 12:49:33

    Daz – Tell me how the iphone reading goes! I’m enamored with how much easier it is to browse the internet with iphone versus Blackberry and may find myself making a switch as soon as the contract lets me.