e-book Digital Rights Management Solution?

[kevin]

I'm a complete novice when it comes to e-books.

I have simply used the Free Microsoft Read Reader software to convert some of my Word documents into the .lit format. The result is perfectly acceptable.

However, I now need to identify some software to compile the e-books (design cover page, create Table of Contents etc.) and then work out how to protect my e-books from distribution beyond the purchaser.

Any Thoughts?

Kevin

[Nurhisham Hussein]

I'd talk to Fictionwise (http://www.fictionwise.com) for advice if I were you. They're pretty approachable. You can also try their messageboard (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fictionwise/) - it's pretty active, and includes quite a few e-book authors.

[kevin]

Thanks Nurhisham,
I had a look over at Fictionwise but the answer to my issue didn't ''Leap off the page".
I'm going to place my faith in our own community here @ Pocket PC thoughts.
All I need is some software to "compile" e-books with and add some e-commerce features to achieve Digital Rights Management (DRM).
Can anyone offer any assistance?

[Steve Jordan]

Most of the people about these parts are generally trying to take DRM off of their e-books, me included. ;)

However, there are some conversion apps that will allow anyone to DRM an e-book with a simple embedded code given to the purchaser (and which you hope they will not share). Adobe Acrobat (full version) and iSiloX will give you that capability for PDF and PDB files, respectively.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

All I need is some software to "compile" e-books with and add some e-commerce features to achieve Digital Rights Management (DRM).
Can anyone offer any assistance?

In that case, have a look here (http://www.overdrive.com/drm_solutions/drm_midas.asp). I would've offered this link up first, but I have a feeling it can get kinda pricey. They also offer Microsoft Reader ebook publishing software (both free and commercial), but I don't think the DRM is included in those.

[kevin]

Thanks again Nurhisham.

I'm pretty confident that I am now on the right track.

[kevin]

Steve,

Thanks for your comments.

Unfortunately, I'm dealing with technical content that is quite valuable and distributing to Members of an Industry Association. This "Community" of common interest results in a significant opportunity (and incentive) for Purchasers to "Pass On" material to others.

I therefore, need an effective DRM process. To be honest, I'm still struggling to find software that will enable me to compile an e-book with DRM embedded.

The nearest solution I have found is Digital River but I want control over the "hosting" of my Library and the e-commerce process.

I'm not sure if I'm going to achieve my desired outcome. However, your contribution to my quest is greatly appreciated.

Kevin