The DTP (desktop publishing) revolution of the mid-1980s has evolved beyond the printed page to include all forms of publishing. Digital publishing, which involves the use of digital methods to create, produce, assemble, and deliver sophisticated still, motion, and interactive products, has revolutionized centuries-old technologies, such as printing; redefined more modern technologies, such as film-making; and helped to create the new publishing-related technologies associated with the Internet.

Digital publishers contribute an essential service by taking data and information, and processing it into higher levels of knowledge. This is accomplished through logical organization, the application of aesthetics and good design, and the production of one or more forms of use-appropriate media.

Digital Dots has been created as a sole proprietorship with the express aim of assisting publishing houses and private authors to produce beautiful, professionally layed out books in either electronic (eBook) or paper-based format.

The publishing process has undergone a series of radical changes brought on by the availability of low-cost personal computers, versatile page layout software, and professional-quality output produced by affordable desktop printers. These significant developments have forever changed the processes and procedures comprising the activity of publishing. Among the basic lessons to be learned about the new age of digital publishing are:

• Digital publishing advances the reach of desktop publishing, which, by definition, is a process that serves to produce a single unit of a publication. That single, reader-ready original, or digital file, then generally enters a mass reproduction system, producing copies for distribution. The publishing process, however, must include both the creation of a publication and its distribution to a readership. Publishing is, after all, the process of preparing and issuing printed or displayed material for public distribution or announcement, often in exchange for money. A message that is not distributed or made known to the public is not published.

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Since the time of the First World War Van Schaik Publishers have been a well-known and respected Publishing House, producing books and publications of a high standard. When Ms Jean van der Meulen offered her services in the early days of Desk Top Publishing we were very cautious in trying out “newcomers”. However within a short time Jean emerged as our Number 1 typesetter and served us with excellence for more than three years. Acquiring the knowledge, feel and understanding of the publishing environment as a specialised field are the prerequisites of a successful relationship. Her pleasant disposition and ability to overcome problems made her an important contributor to the good performance of the publishing team and our company.

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An e-book (short for electronic book, also written eBook or ebook) is an e-text that forms the digital media equivalent of a conventional printed book, often protected with a digital rights management system. E-books are usually read on personal computers or smart phones, or on dedicated hardware devices known as e-book readers or e-book devices. Many mobile phones can also be used to read e-books.

History

Early e-books were generally written for specialty areas and a limited audience, meant to be read only by small and devoted interest groups. The scope of the subject matter of these e-books included technical manuals for hardware, manufacturing techniques, and other subjects.

Numerous e-book formats emerged and proliferated, some supported by major software companies such as Adobe's PDF format, and others supported by independent and open-source programmers.

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