kareina: (stitched)
kareina ([personal profile] kareina) wrote2016-11-30 07:28 pm
Entry tags:

it shouldn't be that difficult

Edited to add: it turns out that if I had created an account with the publisher there would have been a button to push to send the book direct to my kindle app. So, if I hadn't been too lazy to fill in the form, it wouldn't have been that difficult. Read several chapters last night. Worth the frustrations trying to get it.

I just tried to buy [livejournal.com profile] hrj's newest book. Or, rather, it has been paid for, I just can't read it. I decided that there would be some value in buying directly from her publisher. The publisher's web page says that if one buys the e-book in mobi format, and has it sent to an email address which is on one's "Send to Kindle email address" list then it should work. I followed the instructions on that web page to make certain the email address I used in my order is on that list. However, the book isn't showing up in my list of Kindle content on the web page, nor on my phone. I can open the email to which they sent the download link, but when I downloaded it to my phone, even though the email says it will be a "mobi" format ebook, the file name has an .prc extension, and when I try opening the file with Kindle or a pdf reader both tools say it is an unsupported file type. I have tried forwarding that file to the same email address, on the off chance that for Kindle to notice it it needs to be an attachment, not a link in the body of the message, but that didn't help either. I have no idea what I need to do to get Kindle's attention that the book has been purchased. I guess the next step is to try emailing the publisher and see if they can help.

definitely contact the publisher

[identity profile] hrj.livejournal.com 2016-11-30 06:04 pm (UTC)(link)
I've noticed previously that the mobi files have the "prc" extension, but since I'm not a Kindle user I've never had to figure out what that means logistically. This thread seems to indicate that you have to have your Kindle physically connected to your computer, then drag the file over: https://www.amazon.com/forum/kindle?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1D7SY3BVSESG&cdThread=Tx18FQYYZ3V6WFX

A couple of other recent discussions suggest that Kindle used to directly import prc files but something changed a year ago, and now the cable+drag&drop method or converting to mobi via Calibre or the like is necessary. If this is the case, then Bella may need to update their instructions. (But complaints/suggestions always come more strongly from customers.)

Re: definitely contact the publisher

[identity profile] kareina.livejournal.com 2016-11-30 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
We don't actually have a physical kindel--just the app on the phone, but, usually, one can see all of one's kindle books on their web page, and them access them through the app. I have written to their e-book address for help. With luck they will reply.

They replied

[identity profile] kareina.livejournal.com 2016-12-01 05:48 am (UTC)(link)
Just as I was going to go to sleep the publisher replied to my email wirh the book as an attachment and said that if I forwarded the message to the actual kindle address associated with the account (ends in "kindel.com" after the at symbol) it should work. I tried it, and it did, but, of course, then I started reading, and the next thing I knew an hour had elapsed. Oops. So I am a bit tired this morning. But so worth it. Love your world, your story, your tallent as a writer. Thank you for being willing to put in such efforts to entertain us!

They also said it is worth creating an account with them, as they have a button one can press to send the ebook direct to Kindle. This might be useful info for you when talking to people about how they can obtain your book.

Re: They replied

[identity profile] hrj.livejournal.com 2016-12-01 05:03 pm (UTC)(link)
I will never get tired of hearing, "Argh! Your book kept me up all night!"