S&S Introduces Vook: Innovative Way to Read

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October 8 – October 15, 2009 Edition

S&S Introduces Vook: Innovative Way to Read

NEW YORK, NY and EMERYVILLE, CA/Authorlink News/10/05/09–Simon & Schuster last week introduced vook, an innovative new way to read. The vook blends text and video into a single, integrated and uninterrupted reading and viewing experience, enabling readers to seamlessly read, watch, and enjoy both text and video at the same location on their screen. A state-of-the-art advancement in digital book technology, a vook uses high-quality, professionally produced video to add depth to the practical information offered by nonfiction in a way that static pictures or illustrations could not previously accomplish. For fiction, vooks use text and video interdependently to advance the plot and enhance the sense of place.

Four vooks are being published this month by Atria Books as part of a partnership between Simon & Schuster, Inc., and Vook, who jointly announced the news. The inaugural vook titles are available in two formats: standalone mobile applications for the iPhone and iPod touch (at the Apple App Store), or as Web browser based editions ( www.simonandschuster.com/aboutvook, and www.vook.com)

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The inaugural four Vooks are:

PROMISES by Jude Deveraux ($6.99) – a novella set in 19th century South Carolina, from the beloved author of 36 New York Times bestsellers THE 90-SECOND FITNESS SOLUTION by Pete Cerqua ($6.99)- an innovative new fitness program from one of New York’s most respected trainers that can be practiced at home, in the office, or using Vook’s mobile application, at the gym EMBASSY by Richard Doetsch ($6.99) – a suspenseful thriller from the bestselling author of THE THIEVES OF HEAVEN RETURN TO BEAUTY by Narine Nikogosian ($6.99) – natural, old-World, time tested skin care recipes from a well-known Hollywood aesthetician

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Vook to introduce to the world this exciting new way to read,” said Judith Curr, Executive Vice President and Publisher of Atria Books. “The Vook’s innovative integration of text and high-quality video both advances and strengthens the reader’s knowledge and understanding, helping to frame plot and enrich character and locale. It is perfectly suited for the page-turning fiction and prescriptive nonfiction of the first vooks that we are offering to readers. Our authors have been actively involved in the creation of their vooks, and we think readers will be delighted with the results.”

“For the benefit of authors, publishers, filmmakers and most of all readers, Vook is bringing together two creative mediums-books and video-taking the best of both and redefining how we tell and consume stories,” said Bradley Inman, Founder and CEO of Vook. “Vook’s professionally-shot videos are downloaded to an iPhone and iPod Touch or streamed directly to a browser application alongside the text to create a seamless new reading experience that will energize and engage readers far more than the one-dimensional e-book options currently on the market. Atria, Simon & Schuster and their talented authors have been terrific launch partners in helping bring these first vooks to readers everywhere.”

“Vook is a game-changing model for reading in the age of digital multimedia, the first viable combination of text and video that is user-friendly and that addresses today’s multitasking audience and how it absorbs information and entertainment,” said Ellie Hirschhorn, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer of Simon & Schuster. “It is easily accessible in the way that consumers have come to expect from digital content, has great potential for distribution through traditional and non-traditional outlets, and expands and improves upon what was previously possible in the area of reading digitally. We look forward to publishing more vooks with other Simon & Schuster imprints.”

On the desktop vooks are viewable via the Vook Reader, which is built in Adobe Flash.

Its XML-based text and HD-quality videos are streamed directly through any browser, so the reader can expect a continuous, streamlined reading and viewing experience unlike any other on the market. Whether on the browser-based or mobile platform, the Vook Reader also allows and encourages readers to communicate and share their enthusiasm for vooks with other readers via social media functionality and connections that are built into the Vook Reader.