Avon Launches New E-book Technology

Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, has introduced a new e-book featuring embedded video starring the book’s author. “Lady Amelia’s Secret Lover,” a historical romance novel by Victoria Alexander, was made available for purchase Tuesday for $3.99 through the HarperCollins Web site (www.harpercollins.com/ladyamelia). According to the publisher, this is the first published e-book to include video.

As readers navigate through the e-book, Alexander pops up onscreen at various points to discuss plot points and characters. “Through Avon’s many successful online initiatives, we’ve learned that romance readers want to foster a relationship with their favorite authors,” says Liate Stehlik, publisher, Avon Books. “The publication of this exclusive e-book featuring a popular author allows us to deliver the personal contact that fans desire.”

According to Lucia Macro, executive editor, Morrow/Avon, Alexander was chosen specifically to launch this new technology. A former broadcast journalist, the author has extensive on-camera experience. “She also has a great sense of humor,” says Macro, “which comes along winningly in these interactive pop-ups.”

The e-book also contains a preview of Alexander’s forthcoming novel, “Secrets of a Proper Lady.”