iPad the key to future self publishers?

Today sees the release of the iPad in the United States.  For those of us in Canada and many other parts of the world, we still need to wait a couple of weeks before we see this shiny new device.  Naturally, everyone is waiting to see just what success the iPad will be.  With the power of Apple behind it, I have little doubt that the iPad will be a winner.  Will it be a champ?  We’ll see.  I don’t think we’re talking iPod or iPhone type domination, so I don’t think laptops should be shaking yet.

That said, if I was really interested in getting an Ebook reader, I think I’d rather spend the extra $200 and get an iPad.  Afterall, with full colour internet connectivity, the ability to use Apple’s Pages software to write and run the millions of iPhone apps, well, that’s pretty awesome.

For writers, the iPad’s success could mean a whole new way of getting our work into the hands of consumers.  While self-publishing has had a somewhat sketchy reputation in the past, the iPad allows for products to look professional, yet be produced at virtually no cost to the author.

This link, that I was pointed to by someone on Twitter (sorry, no credit cause I forget who, I opened it in Safari) gives some ideas on How to Get Your Novel on the iPad.

Giving it some thought, this could open a whole new area for freelance book cover designers as well.  I mean, having a great cover graphic would go a long way to help sell the product.

I’d much prefer to be published by an actual publisher, though I suppose that’s more a pride thing.  At least this exists as a possible back-up plan!