Book
On the eve of Boi Mela, publishers expecting bumper month
The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, or Boi Mela, is almost here. Bangla Academy, the traditional guardian of the month-long book fair, which takes the form of a literature festival, has already allotted stalls and pavilions to the publishers.
Visiting the fairgrounds in Suhrawardy Uddyan and Bangla Academy’s sprawling premises in recent days, UNB observed that the publishers have been working diligently to prepare their stalls and pavilions since receiving their allotment on January 23.
The publishers were seen instructing their workers and carpenters to build the stalls according to their preferred design - some simple and traditional, others quite extravagant.
While talking to UNB at the fair premises, the publishers expressed their hope to see even bigger crowds than previous ones due to the Metro Rail opening in the city. They mentioned the two metro stations located near the fairgrounds (Shahbagh and TSC stations), which will allow people from distant locations in the city to attend the fair easily and smoothly.
Ahmed Munir, the proprietor of Uchhas Publications, is confident this year's fair will be more crowded than ever, and the number of readers and visitors will increase. Many people will come from different parts of the country even, because the overall communication system is much better now. So, readers will be able to come to the fair very easily and in less time than before.
Curtain falls on Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2023
How to Make Money with Amazon Kindle Publishing: A Step by Step Guide
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a self-publishing platform by Amazon that allows authors to share their books with a global audience.This program allows self-publishing of eBooks, including control over pricing and royalties. KDP enables writers to connect with readers and gain valuable insights into book performance. Whether one is a seasoned author or a newcomer to publishing, KDP offers an accessible and empowering way to share one’s work with the world. Here is a step-by-step process to make money from Amazon Kindle Publishing.
What is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)?
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a self-publishing platform offered by Amazon that allows authors and content creators to publish their books and reach a vast audience worldwide. Through KDP, authors can publish both eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks, making it a convenient and accessible platform for aspiring writers and established authors alike.
How does Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing work?
Step 1: Creating an Amazon KDP Account with a Definitive Payment Method
The first step to getting started with KDP is to create an account on the platform. This involves providing necessary details such as your name, email address, and payment information. When creating an Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) account, you will need to provide some payment information for royalty payments. Here are the details you may need to provide:
Bank Account Information:
You must specify the bank account where Amazon can deposit your royalties. This includes details such as the account holder's name, account number, and the bank's routing number.
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Address and Tax Information:
Amazon KDP requires you to provide your tax information, such as your mailing address and tax identification number (TIN). For the inhabitants of USA, Social Security Number (SSN) will be required.
Payment Method:
Apart from bank account information, Amazon KDP may offer other payment options depending on your location and the payment methods supported in your country. Common alternatives include Payoneer, PayPal, and checks.
Currency:
You may also need to specify your preferred currency for receiving royalty payments. Amazon supports payments in various currencies, and you can choose the one that suits you best.
Step 2: Preparing Your Manuscript
Before publishing, it's essential to format your manuscript correctly to ensure a seamless reading experience for your audience. KDP supports various formats, such as Word, PDF, and ePub, so authors have flexibility in preparing their content.
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Step 3: Designing a Book Cover
An eye-catching book cover plays a crucial role in attracting readers. KDP offers design tools and templates to help authors create professional book covers without the need for advanced graphic design skills.
Step 4: Setting the Price and Royalty Options
Authors have control over pricing their books and can select royalty options that best suit their publishing goals. KDP offers two royalty options: 35% and 70%, with the latter requiring the book to meet certain pricing criteria.
Step 5: Publishing Your Book
Once the manuscript is ready and the book cover is designed, authors can upload their work to the KDP platform and make it available for sale on Amazon.
What are the Steps Involved in Creating a Kindle Direct Publishing Book?
Write and Edit Your Manuscript
Creating an engaging book begins with the art of writing. Let your creativity flow as you put pen to paper or type away on your keyboard. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, ensure that your content is well-structured and compelling. Once you've completed your first draft, it's time to polish it. Editing is an essential step in refining your work. Make your manuscript shine by paying attention to grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
Read more: 7 Top AI Writing Tools, Software to Generate Human-Like Text
Choose the Right Book Title
The title of your book is like a window into its soul. It should intrigue potential readers and give them a glimpse of what awaits within the pages. Brainstorm different titles that resonate with your story or subject matter. Keep it simple yet powerful, and make sure it aligns with the genre and tone of your book.
Create an Eye-Catching Book Cover
"Don't judge a book by its cover" may be a popular saying, but the reality is that readers often do. Your book cover is the first thing that grabs a reader's attention, so invest time in designing a visually appealing and professional cover. If you lack design skills, don't worry; plenty of talented graphic designers can bring your vision to life.
Format Your Manuscript for KDP
Proper formatting ensures a seamless reading experience for your audience. Amazon KDP has specific guidelines for formatting, so familiarize yourself with them. Attention to font choice, paragraph spacing, chapter headings, and page numbering. A well-formatted book shows readers that you care about quality.
Set the Book Description
The book description serves as your book's sales pitch. It should be persuasive and enticing, leaving readers eager to explore your book further. Use engaging language to convey the essence of your story or the value of your non-fiction content. Don't give away all the details; leave some intrigue to pique curiosity.
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Select Appropriate Keywords
Keywords are like signposts that lead readers to your book. Research relevant keywords that match your book's content and genre. Incorporate these keywords in your title, subtitle, and book description to improve discoverability.
Choose Categories and Keywords
Properly categorizing your book on Amazon is vital for reaching the right audience. Select the categories that align with your book's content and theme. Accurate categorization helps your book show up in relevant search results, increasing its visibility.
Set the Book Price
Determining the right price for your book requires consideration of various factors. Take into account the length of your book, its genre, and your target audience. Pricing too high may deter potential readers, while pricing too low might undervalue your work.
Enroll in KDP Select (Optional)
KDP Select is a program that offers certain promotional benefits but also requires exclusivity with Amazon for a limited period. Decide if enrolling in this program aligns with your marketing strategy and goals.
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Upload Your Book to KDP
With your manuscript, cover, and details ready, it's time to upload your book to the KDP platform. Follow the step-by-step process, carefully inputting the required information. Double-check for accuracy to avoid any potential issues later.
Preview Your Book
Before hitting that publish button, take advantage of Amazon's preview tool. This tool allows you to see how your book will appear on different devices. Check for formatting errors and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a professional presentation.
Publish Your Book
Once you are confident that your book is ready for the world, it's time to publish. Click that "Publish Your Kindle eBook" button, and your book will become available for purchase on Amazon.
Promote Your Book
Publishing your book is just the beginning. To attract readers and build a loyal audience, you need to promote your book. Utilize social media platforms, reach out to book bloggers and reviewers, organize virtual book tours, and consider running Amazon ads to boost visibility.
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What are the benefits of using Kindle Direct Publishing?
Global Reach and Distribution:
Through KDP, authors can tap into Amazon's extensive global marketplace, reaching readers in various countries and regions.
Control and Flexibility:
Authors retain full control over their publishing journey, from pricing to promotional strategies. They can update their books and make changes as needed.
Royalties and Earnings:
KDP offers competitive royalty rates, allowing authors to earn up to 70% of the list price for each sale, depending on the pricing and distribution options chosen.
Publishing Speed:
With KDP, authors can publish their books rapidly, making their content available to readers within hours of uploading.
Data and Analytics:
KDP provides valuable insights into sales data, allowing authors to track book performance and make data-driven decisions.
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How Much Can You Earn from Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?
KDP provides a fixed royalty rate of 60% for paperbacks sold on Amazon marketplaces, where they support paperback distribution. This means you will earn 60% of the list price as your royalty. However, your actual earnings are determined by deducting the printing costs from this royalty amount. The printing costs are influenced by various factors such as the trim size, page count, ink type, and the specific Amazon marketplace where your paperback is ordered. You can find more details on calculating printing costs in the provided link.
To illustrate this with an example: Let's say your book's list price is $15, and it is a 333-page regular trim size paperback with black ink sold on the US marketplace. The calculation would be:
Royalty = (60% x $15) - $5.00 = $4.00.
You will earn a $4 royalty per sold book.
Conclusion
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers a remarkable avenue for writers to fulfill their publishing dreams and reach a vast global audience. By following the step-by-step guide provided, authors can easily navigate the self-publishing process, from creating an account and formatting their manuscript to designing an eye-catching book cover and setting the right price. The benefits of KDP, such as its wide distribution network, author control, competitive royalties, and valuable data insights, make it an attractive choice for both aspiring and established authors.
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PM unveils Duranta Biplob’s book on Bangabandhu
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday unveiled the cover of a book titled "Bangabandhu Bhalobashar Opor Nam" written by Duranta Biplob who recently died in an accident.
PM’s Assistant Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas said that Biplob’s mother Rokeya Akter Khatun, his brother Durjoy Biplob and sister Shashwati Biplob were present on the occasion at PM’s official residence Ganabhaban.
Biplob, ex-general secretary of Jahangirnagar University unit of Chhatra League and a former member of the Agriculture and Cooperative Sub-Committee of the Central Awami League, drowned on Buriganga River when his boat was hit by a motor launch on November 7.
Read More: PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu at Tungipara
The 51-year-old entrepreneur was travelling by a boat from Keraniganj to Mohammadpur to meet his mother.
Book on sports journalism hits Ekushey Book Fair
Renowned Bangladeshi journalist Azad Majumder’s first book "Inside the Press Box: Sports Journalism in Bangladesh Context," is now available at this year’s Ekushey Book Fair.
The book explains the fundamentals of sports journalism in simple language.
Drawing from his two-decade-long career in sports journalism, the author shares his personal experiences in the context of Bangladesh's sports journalism. While many books exist on sports journalism, few shed light on its unique context in Bangladesh.
Throughout his long career, Azad reported for various news organizations including Reuters, AFP, and the local newspaper New Age, among others.
Inside the Press Box: Sports Journalism in Bangladesh Contextis would be a great resource for anyone interested in sports journalism, especially in the Bangladeshi context.
The author, Azad, is a journalism graduate from the top educational institutions in the country, and has been working in the field for over two decades. This impressive background provides readers with a clear idea of the author's expertise and the valuable insights they can expect to gain from the book.
With 12 chapters and a length of about 100 pages, the book provides a beautiful illustration of the context of sports journalism in Bangladesh. The author's personal experiences offer valuable insights into the industry, making it an excellent resource not only for young and aspiring journalists but also for those already working in the field.
The book covers a wide range of topics in sports journalism, including the basic concepts, fact-checking, interviewing, and the use of data journalism. It also addresses the challenges of sports journalism in the rise of technology and the importance of accepting these challenges. Additionally, the author discusses the role of objectivity and nationalism in sports journalism.
The language of this book is straightforward and uncomplicated, making it accessible to a broad audience. Whether you're a novice journalist, a journalism student, or an individual fascinated by sports journalism, this book is bound to quench your thirst for knowledge.
“Inside the Press Box: Sports Journalism in Bangladesh Context” is available at the Oitijjhya stall of the ongoing Ekushe Book Fair.
First-ever AI-generated mini-comic book in Bangladesh launched
For the first time in Bangladesh, a mini-comic book created with artificial intelligence (AI) was published on Sunday (January 15, 2023) night.
Science Bee, one of the largest science-based education platforms for youths across the country, published the AI-generated mini-comic titled ‘Manobjatir Grohon’ on its official Facebook page at 8 pm.
Regarding the publication, Science Bee said in its post: "Imagine this, an artificial intelligence program is writing stories for you, and another artificial intelligence program is illustrating the stories. Could we have imagined this a few years ago?
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The script, title, character development, and illustration were all handled entirely by artificial intelligence in this science fiction comic book, produced for the first time in Bangladesh and perhaps in the Bengali language as well.”
The 17-page mini-comic book narrates the journey of humankind, envisioning the end of the human race in the world and the aftermath.
“By using ChatGpt and Midjourney Ai, we created the comics. Artificial intelligence was used to produce the storyline, characters, narration, and each page image in the comic. As per our human contribution, we worked together on the translation and a little bit of Photoshop,” according to Science Bee.
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Co-created with human assistance by Annoy Debnath, the free mini-comic book has already created a buzz on Facebook and is receiving positive feedback from its readers.
Founded by Mobin Sikder, a student of Chemistry at Jahangirnagar University, Science Bee was founded in 2018. The purpose of this platform is to transform diversity and inclusivity of science and technology, to reach the under-served community, and to increase the number of those actively engaged and involved in science and technology.
The mini-comic is available at https://www.sciencebee.com.bd/ebook-3/.
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Prince Harry says book an attempt to “own my story” after 38 years of “spin and distortion” by others
Prince Harry defended his decision to publish a memoir that lays bare rifts inside Britain’s royal family, saying it’s an attempt to “own my story” after 38 years of “spin and distortion” by others.
Harry spoke to Britain’s ITV and CBS’s “60 Minutes” to promote his book, “Spare,” which has generated incendiary headlines with its details of private emotional turmoil and bitter family resentments.
In interviews broadcast Sunday, Harry accused members of the royal family of getting “into bed with the devil” to gain favorable tabloid coverage, claimed his stepmother Camilla, the queen consort, had leaked private conversations to the media and said his family was “complicit” in his wife Meghan’s “pain and suffering.”
Read more: Prince Harry’s claim he killed 25 in Afghanistan draws anger, worry
Harry said Camilla had to rehabilitate her image with the British people after her longtime affair with his father and that he was one of the victims of her efforts for better coverage in the tabloids.
“That made her dangerous because of the connections that she was forging within the British press,” he told CBS. “There was open willingness on both sides to trade information. And with a family built on hierarchy, and with her, on the way to being queen consort, there was gonna be people or bodies left in the street.”
He repeated his claim on ITV that there was “concern” in the royal family about his unborn child’s skin color after he married biracial American actress Meghan Markle, and said the British monarchy should address its attitudes to race.
Harry and Meghan first mentioned the incident during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. They have not identified the family member who expressed concern.
Read more: Prince Harry says William called Meghan “difficult, rude and abrasive” before physical attack
Harry said the episode was an example of unconscious bias rather than racism, adding that the royal family needed to “learn and grow” in order to be “part of the solution rather than part of the problem.”
“Otherwise unconscious bias then moves into the category of racism,” Harry said. He said that “especially when you are the monarchy – you have a responsibility, and quite rightly people hold you to a higher standard than others.”
He said a recent incident in which a former lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II asked a Black British woman where she was “really” from was “a very good example of the environment within the institution.”
“Spare” explores Harry’s grief at the death of his mother in 1997, and his long-simmering resentment at the role of royal “spare,” overshadowed by the “heir” — older brother Prince William. He recounts arguments and a physical altercation with William, reveals how he lost his virginity (in a field) and describes using cocaine and cannabis.
He also says he killed 25 Taliban fighters while serving as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan — a claim criticized by both the Taliban and British military veterans.
Harry told ITV that he cried only once after his mother’s death — at her burial. He said he feels guilt about not showing emotion when he and William greeted crowds of mourners outside Kensington Palace, Diana’s London home.
In the book Harry blames his family’s stiff-upper-lip ethos, saying he had “learned too well … the family maxim that crying is not an option.” The Associated Press purchased a Spanish-language copy of the book in advance of its publication around the world on Tuesday.
“There were 50,000 bouquets of flowers to our mother and there we were shaking people’s hands, smiling,” Harry told ITV journalist Tom Bradby. “I’ve seen the videos, right, I looked back over it all. And the wet hands that we were shaking, we couldn’t understand why their hands were wet, but it was all the tears that they were wiping away.
“Everyone thought and felt like they knew our mum, and the two closest people to her, the two most loved people by her, were unable to show any emotion in that moment.”
Harry told “60 Minutes” that it took him over a decade to accept that his mother was dead. He and his brother often discussed the notion that she had gone into hiding and would reappear later.
“I had huge amounts of hope,” he said.
It was only after reading the police report of his mother’s death, seeing photos from the scene and later — at the age of 23 — following the same route into the Paris tunnel where his mother died when her driver crashed while evading paparazzi that her death became a reality, he said.
“Spare” is the latest in a string of public pronouncements by Harry and Meghan since they quit royal life and moved to California in 2020, citing what they saw as the media’s racist treatment of Meghan and a lack of support from the palace. It follows the Winfrey interview and a six-part Netflix documentary released last month.
In the ghostwritten memoir, Harry, 38, describes the couple’s acrimonious split from the royal family in early 2020, after their request for a part-time royal role was rejected.
Harry contrasts the withdrawal of the couple’s taxpayer-funded security with the case of his uncle, Prince Andrew, who was removed as a working royal over his friendship with the U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Last year, Andrew settled a lawsuit from a woman who accused him of sexually abusing her while she traveled with financier Epstein when she was 17. Andrew paid an undisclosed sum as part of the settlement, but didn’t admit wrongdoing.
Harry alleges that no one considered removing Andrew’s security despite the “shameful scandal.”
The TV interviews are just two of several given by Harry that are set to heap more pressure on the royal family. He is also appearing on “Good Morning America” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Royal officials haven’t commented on any of the allegations, though allies have pushed back on the claims, largely anonymously.
Veteran British journalist Jonathan Dimbleby, a biographer and friend of King Charles III, said Saturday that Harry’s revelations were the type “that you’d expect … from a sort of B-list celebrity,” and that the king would be pained and frustrated by them.
In the “60 Minutes” interview, Harry denied that his description of his brother’s “alarming baldness” and fading resemblance to their mother as he aged was harsh and said his book was not intended to hurt his family.
While he said that he hadn’t spoken with his father or brother in a while, he hopes to find peace with them. Harry told ITV that he wants reconciliation with the royal family, but “the ball is in their court.”
“They’ve shown absolutely no willingness to reconcile,” he said.
A book on BD-Japan relations unveiled
A book titled ‘Bangladesh-Japan Diplomatic Relations (1972-2022): A New Paradigm of Strategic Partnership’ has been unwrapped at a function in the Japanese embassy here in Dhaka.
Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, Associate Professor of Japanese Studies Department of Dhaka University (DU), composed the book mainly to explore the Japan-Bangladesh comprehensive relations to understand Japan’s miraculous development models and apply them in Bangladesh’s development policy initiatives.
Addressing the book unwrapping function held on Tuesday, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid said Bangladesh can learn from the miraculous development of Japan—how this country developed from the ashes after World War-II.
He said the book has highlighted the present relation and the future direction of the relations between these two friendly nations.
Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki, in his welcome speech, described this book as a historic mark in academia considering the 50 years mark of Bangladesh-Japan diplomatic relations. The book might be highly influential for future academics, he said.
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DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal said it is an important book since Japan is a development partner of Bangladesh, which is helping Bangladesh implement some most significant megaprojects including the Matarbari deep sea port, MRT line in Dhaka, and third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Presiding over the function, Chairman of the Japanese Studies Department Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun said this is one of the rarest academic endeavours in the field of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Member of Bangladesh Public Service Commission and also DU International Relations Professor Dr Delwar Hossain also spoke at the event conducted by Japanese Studies Associate Professor Shiblee Noman, said a press release.
IUB launches research publication on Rohingya camp narratives
The Department of Global Studies and Governance (GSG) of the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) Thursday launched the book titled "Rohingya Camp Narratives: Tales From the 'Lesser Roads' Traveled."
It is the fourth international volume that the department published in the last five years.
Edited by Dr Imtiaz A Hussain, professor at the department of GSG and director of IUB's Centre for Pedagogy, and published by renowned international publishing house Palgrave Macmillan, the book contains 13 chapters.
The book was reviewed by Professor Dr Meghna Guhathakurta, executive director of Research Initiative Bangladesh, and Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, professor and chairperson at the Department of Political Science, University of Dhaka, and founding chair of RMMRU.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen joined the programme online as the chief guest.
Shabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, secretary (west) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Johannes van der Klaauw, UNHCR's representative in Bangladesh, attended the programme as special guests.
Abdul Hai Sarkar, chairman of the IUB Board of Trustees, Tanweer Hasan, vice-chancellor of IUB, and former ambassador Tariq A Karim, director of IUB's Center for Bay of Bengal Studies, also spoke.
Professor Taiabur Rahman, dean of IUB's School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, moderated the programme.
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FM’s book on Padma Bridge unveiled
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury unveiled the cover of the book titled “Amader Aurthey Amader Padma Setu” (Our Padma Bridge by Our Own Funds) in the capital on Tuesday.
The book edited by Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was unveiled at a programme organised by “Chandaboti Academy” at auditorium of Foreign Service Academy.
Foreign Minister Momen, Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs Minister Anisul Huq, State Minister for Foreign Minister Md Shahriar Alam and Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam were present at the ceremony.
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Speakers at the programme said the Padma Bridge is the symbol of the capability of the country as the bridge was implemented under determination of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
They also said the book will be a document in the history of Bangladesh’s development as several aspects of the implementation of the bridge was scripted in the book.
Foreign Minister Momen dedicated the book to the premier.
The 400-page book contains 67 articles written by the prominent writers on various aspects of the recently inaugurated Padma Bride which is the symbol of pride and self-confidence of the Bangladeshi nationals.
'Beerer Mukhe Birottogatha': Book on 25 freedom fighters from Armed Forces unveiled
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed recently unveiled the book "Beerer Mukhe Birottogatha," which contains interviews of 25 eminent freedom fighters from Armed Forces.
General Shafiuddin, Tanvir A Mishuk, founder and managing director of Nagad, and Tasmima Hossain, editor of The Daily Ittefaq, unveiled the book – edited by Tasmima and Tanvir – in Dhaka Friday evening.
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To pay tribute to the war heroes of 9171, Ittefaq featured 25 freedom fighters from Armed Forces and published their interviews during March 2022.
Later, Nagad and Ittefaq took the initiative to publish "Beerer Mukhe Birottogatha" compiling the interviews.
Earlier, Nagad unveiled the publications "Chattogram in Language Movement" and "Joy Bangla," recognising the contributions of 21 Language Movement heroes of 1952 and 50 veteran freedom fighters of 1971.