National Geographic Books Launches New Line Of E-Book Shorts

By Press Release

WASHINGTON (March 15, 2012)—On Tuesday, March 20, National Geographic Books will release the first in a brand new line of e-shorts. These shorts, available everywhere e-books are sold, include color photography and original content as well as extended articles from National Geographic magazine. Approximately 5,000 to 15,000 words long, each e-short is a quick and affordable way for readers to get greater insight into popular topics covered by National Geographic journalists and writers.

The first of five titles to launch the series is “Titanic:Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Greatest Shipwreck” (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-0979-6; March 20, 2012; list price $4.99 e-book), by Mike Sweeney, author of the 2004 book “Return to Titanic.” The digital short features exclusive interviews with descendants of the ship’s builders conducted by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Robert Ballard, who found the Titanic wreck site in 1985. It also includes information on some of the scientific studies surrounding the wreck, including a look into the underwater mapping techniques that offer high-resolution images of the debris. Sweeney retells the story of the ship’s final hours and looks at how new technologies will impact the future of underwater exploration.

The e-short is part of extensive coverage of the wreck by the National Geographic Society, which is delivering content to mark the 100^th anniversary of the ship’s sinking across all its media platforms, including the cover story in National Geographic magazine’s April issue as well as two specials airing on the National Geographic Channel on April 8 and 9.

"We are thrilled to be publishing our great content at such an accessible length and price point,” said Rachel Graham, director of digital publishing and marketing for National Geographic Books. “We’reexcited to continue to expand into the digital publishing industry and reach a broader audience through the new line of e-shorts. It’s an opportunity for us to tell timely, relevant stories without the constraints of the printed magazine or book page.”