For the past few weeks, we’ve discussed the latest craze in the world of electronic books—enhanced e-books.

To recap, what in the world is an enhanced e-book?

Instead of just black and white numbers and letters printed on the page, or embedded since we’re talking electronically, enhanced e-books also include multimedia files (.PDFs, images, videos, and audio files) within the e-book itself.

With this explanation, some may still be asking what in the world an enhanced e-book is… and that’s okay; they’re not alone.

Let’s look at these three examples:

1. Say that Abby the Author hand-drew art that she wants to include in her story, giving the book another form of visual appeal.  She can do this now.
2. Say that Rocky the Rocker wants to include some of his popular hits within the text of his autobiography for the reader, allowing his fans to actually hear the music instead of only reading the lyrics.  He can do this now.
3. And say that Cathy the Cook wants to include actual video footage of herself preparing meals in the kitchen inside her e-cookbook, instead of only listing the recipes for her chefs-in-training.  She can do this now.

Sounds cool, right?

We think so.

But with everything new and interesting comes conflicting views as to whether or not the latest “hot” technology is good or bad—pros and cons.  For the most part, pros and cons are only seen as such depending on a person’s opinions.  What might be concerning for one is not an issue with another.  So instead of saying whether or not we think these points are good or bad, we’re going to list the facts and let our readers decide how they feel about them.

First, adding multimedia features (images, PDFs, audio, and/or video) to an e-book can be very tricky and it takes time.  Embedding these files correctly can be frustrating and time consuming—be sure and breathe and keep calm.

But the end result is worth it.  These enhancements will help the reader visualize what he or she is reading and add depth to the reading experience.

Second, embedding multimedia files increase an e-book’s file size and getting the file approved by the Direct Sale Vendors (Apple iTunes Connect, Barnes & Noble’s PubIt, and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing) will be tough.  Direct Sale Vendors simply don’t allow files over a certain size on their systems.

Also pertaining to enhanced e-book file size, e-readers have limited space on their devices; the more books the user has saved, the more space that is taken up and no longer available on the device.  If an enhanced e-books turns out to be some huge file size, users won’t be able to save as many books on their devices.  And who wants to delete a book that they’ve already purchased?

And while there are a few different ways to embed the multimedia files within an e-book’s contents (True Embedding versus Quasi Embedding), the author needs to be aware of this fact.

But let’s be honest; readers who purchase enhanced e-books, aren’t thinking about the size… they’re thinking about the experience.  A reader doesn’t just want to read a book about the stock market; they want to see graphs and pie charts that explain the scenarios they’re studying.  They want to see “how” it works.  After all, most people are visual.

Third, not all readers/devices support audio and video.  What??  That’s right; older devices in the Kindle and Nook family will not play multimedia audio and video files.  In general, the iPad (ePub format), the Nook (ePub format), the Kindle Fire (KF8 format), and the Kobo VOX (ePub format) are the devices that will play audio and video files.

This rule may play a major role in an author’s decision to use audio and video because most writers want to create a single e-book file that can be used with all devices; but as we learned in our last series, this is becoming almost impossible and creating a file for each device is becoming more of “the norm.”

But for the devices that do support the audio and video files, the experience is magical.  Think back to when we were kids… did we only read “text” books?  Or did we enjoy the occasional picture?  Some may consider the new enhanced e-book the “pop-up” book of today.  The images may not be 3-D, but they do add that “extra” feature that many of us enjoy will reading.

Fourth, not all file types will work.  For images, the types of attachments that will work in an enhanced e-book include .jpg, .gif, .png, and PDF files. These file images can be stock photography or actual pictures that one has of characters in his or her book.  Images can also be made of tables, charts, or graphs.  For audio, the best file is the familiar MP3 format.  This file format is universal to all players and allows audio controls (similar to video controls) for playback.  And for video, M4V (MPEG-4) files formatted with H.264 is the best file for all devices, including the iPad.  This format compresses nicely with regards to file size and works with the video controls (including the ability to control sound, full screen choice, and forward/backward/and pause features) of video-supported devices.

But when done properly, enhanced e-books take the reader on a journey.  Go back to our examples above… who doesn’t love the idea of reading their favorite band’s autobiography with not only audio, but video files as well scattered throughout the text.  By simply pressing “play,” the reader lives the band’s experience—by watching a concert excerpt, music video, or taped conversation piece AND by reading the words.  It’s the best of both worlds.

Fifth, adding multimedia files to an e-book generally increases the price of the product.  If a self-published author is concerned with selling books, this might definitely be something he or she should consider.  But don’t get us wrong; it makes sense.   Adding these files takes even more time than writing and editing a book, and time is money.

But on the flip side, if a reader wants to buy an enhanced e-book, the cost is more than likely not going to stop them.  Most e-books range from FREE to $16.99.  That’s still cheaper than a hardback book on the shelves at the bookstore.  And if a reader is uncertain as to whether or not he or she wants to buy an e-book or its paperback counterpart, doesn’t the addition of multimedia files embedded within the e-book serve as an advantage?  A reader isn’t going to experience the same thing with a print book without the multimedia files…

And finally, especially where children are concerned, many fear that adding these files to an e-book slows down a child’s reading skills.  Where one could argue adding images and video to a children’s book adds interest, making it more visual, one could also argue that adding audio (especially when it’s the author reading along with the child) takes the actual reading away from the young one.

But since we’re looking at all sides here, how is this different from a parent reading to his or her child at night?  If images, videos, and audio files embedded in an e-book help engage the child, where are we going wrong here?

Definitely some food for thought… what do you think?