iBooks Author tool aims to simplify ebook creation


Also at its education event Thursday Apple announced iBooks Author. The tool is free and available on the Mac App Store. It's designed to essentially be a content creation tool similar to Apple's iWork apps. Users will be able to import Microsoft Word files, Keynote presentations and other content into templates for rich, interactive books. Geared towards text books, the tool should also be handy for anyone looking to create and publish an ebook.

The tool supports multi-touch widgets, photos, videos. Users can also customize their work with HTML5 and Javascript.

After it's all said and done, users can then export their projects to the iBookstore. Interestingly, text books will sell for $14.99 or less. Such a system would really rethink the whole model of how schools buy text books. Apple says the books are always current and students get their own copy to keep forever.

Now anyone can create stunning iBooks textbooks, cookbooks, history books, picture books, and more for iPad. All you need is an idea and a Mac. Start with one of the Apple-designed templates that feature a wide variety of page layouts. Add your own text and images with drag-and-drop ease. Use Multi-Touch widgets to include interactive photo galleries, movies, Keynote presentations, 3D objects, and more. Preview your book on your iPad at any time. Then submit your finished work to the iBookstore with a few simple steps. And before you know it, you're a published author.


iTunes Link