New book launches include interactive CDs

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/04/2002 (8778 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

COMPANIES have been doing it and now writers can too.

Imagine an author promoting their book with an interactive CD, either in press kits sent to media, or as an electronic compliment to the book itself. With a simple click of the mouse, video, photos, and related information come to life, adding a new dimension to the experience of the volume itself.

Businesses have been promoting themselves with such CDs for a few years now, and the idea inspired Art Bookbindery to offer a similar optional service to compliment the work of their self-published authors.

In the past year, Art Bookbindery has published 30 titles of various genres, from Canadian and American writers. The writers just bring in their edited manuscript, and within three weeks, they have a professional-looking volume to call their own, complete with a slick cover design created by Darlene Schacht, design co-ordinator. The company, owned by Schacht and her husband Michael, offers full publishing services from book layout to cover design and scanning. And now, the production of a professional CD to go with the book is also an option.

In March, one of their authors was the first to have the company make her a CD. An excerpt of Gail Blanchette’s book, Harsh Lessons and Unexpected Gifts, was featured in Chatelaine magazine. It’s a story about her abusive childhood.

Blanchette’s CD, that comes with each copy of her book, opens with a quote from the author. The menu includes interview clips, reader comments, scenes from her book launch (including a reading); and links to her website and other resources.

“All of the production work on the CD is done through us,” says Michael. “We use a professional studio to produce video clips. We bring the author to life with clear, quality sound and production.”

The CD is also a great compliment to a family history book, because it can include vintage video footage, colour photos (that might be printed more economically in black and white within the volume), and sound clips.

“It’s a more complete way of portraying a family history,” says Michael, a Fort Rouge resident.

In a press kit, a CD becomes an electronic press kit that might include a video interview with the author, a short reading by the author, and other related information brought to life via the magic of technology.

“It’s another option for our authors,” says Schacht. “It’s quite something. People are showing great interest. And we can keep their CD and manuscript on file for future press runs as needed.”

Art Bookbindery is also launching its online bookstore in time for Manitoba Book Week, April 22 to 27. The site, linked to their informative publishing website, will allow those who publish their books through them to sell books online through them, allowing credit card purchases as of April 15.

Manitoba Book Week includes a number of book-related events including a selection of readings, book launches and more at various locations.

The week wraps up with Brave New Words: The Manitoba Writing and Publishing Awards Gala at the CanWest Global Performing Arts Centre, on April 27 at 7 p.m.

For further information on Manitoba Book Week, visit www.bookpublishers.mb.ca/mbw/mbwevents.html or call the Manitoba Association of Book Publishers at 947-3335.

For more on self-publishing and book CDs, visit www.artbookbindery.com or call 944-1000.

PHOTO LINDA VERMETTE/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Author Gail Blanchette with her self-published book and interactive CD from Art Bookbindery.