Exciting New Business Idea: Developing and Selling Interactive Books

The latest trend in the app market for iPad and iPhone is the interactive book. Imagine a mobile application that combines elements of a computer game, a traditional book, and videos all in one. This innovative product is appropriately named the "interactive book" and can be found on the AppStore.

Reading an interactive book is a captivating experience, as it allows you to read, watch, play, and interact simultaneously. It's like merging reading with a movie session, offering a unique way to engage with information. These interactive books have been gaining popularity and impressing many users.

Some forward-thinking individuals have already recognized the vast potential of interactive books. For instance, the team at KievSeaPirates publishing company has embarked on a journey to bring the sincerity and beauty of folklore tales to life on tablets by adapting them into interactive formats.

In December 2013, they introduced their first book, "Kotigoroshko," which quickly climbed to the top positions on the Ukrainian AppStore and was awarded the title of "Book of the Month" by "Ukrainian Truth." The tale was published in three languages and featured in top Russian and American publications such as KIRKUS REVIEWS, iphones.ru, and MacRadar. Within a short time, over 1000 copies were sold to users from more than twenty countries.

The founders of the publishing house, Sergey Turchin and Nikolai Nikolaev, shared that the idea of creating interactive books didn't come to them instantly. Initially, they had just a couple of computers, a strong desire to create something remarkable, and zero knowledge of developing interactive books. The idea took almost a year to solidify. During that time, the duo explored various business ideas over coffee meetings, ranging from an online auto parts store to exotic food and cosmetics delivery services. However, their encounter with "Alice in Wonderland" sparked their interest. After assessing the Ukrainian market, they realized the untapped potential and creative appeal in this venture, leading them to officially kickstart their interactive book project within a month.

The team brainstormed for a fitting title and settled on the playful moniker "Pirates of the Kiev Sea," reflecting the spirit of the new endeavor. They decided that their first tale should be a Ukrainian folklore story and promptly chose "Kotigoroshko."

They quickly brought onboard designer and illustrator Ivan Sulima, who had excellent sketches for "Kotigoroshko." Additionally, they enlisted animator Viktor Korol, a former student of renowned artist-animator David Cherskasky, with experience from UkrAnimafilm. Sergey Turchin likened the Ukrainian mobile app market to a black cat in a dark room, highlighting the significant talent working for Western companies and the emerging nature of the Ukrainian market fostered by a few companies and enthusiasts.

The new book underwent testing with... children. All their familiar parents participated in the testing. The developers admitted that the anxiety during the first demo for a young user was greater than when launching on the AppStore. However, the trial was successful.

The creation process presented numerous challenges for the team due to their lack of experience. For instance, initially, they planned for the book to be without an audio track narrated by a voice actor. However, a month before release, they reversed that decision, resulting in a small hiccup. Another mishap involved background sounds, where a slide was approved with a backdrop of a passing car noise.

Apart from creativity, book publishing involves routine tasks. The illustrator spends time refining drawings, the developer tests and makes adjustments, and the manager meticulously double-checks everything. This meticulous approach is crucial for producing a high-quality product.

The book is priced at $5 for end-users. Surprisingly, many buyers hailed from Israel and Croatia. Shortly after the sales began, the team received collaboration offers from illustrators, Ukrainian diaspora representatives abroad, and even the Ukrainian Church.

Reflecting on their journey, the KievSeaPirates team asserts that crafting a successful interactive book demands attention to every aspect: stunning illustrations should not be overshadowed by excessive animation, while good animation should be complemented by appropriate sound design.

To create the perfect interactive book, one must consider the preferences of young readers, their age, account for their restlessness, and strive to enhance their engagement during the reading/viewing process.

Looking ahead, the "Pirates" plan to develop numerous new tales beyond folklore themes. They are currently working on "The Straw Bull" and "The Goat and the Cabbage." Furthermore, the company's website teases the upcoming interactive version of the Ukrainian Constitution.

Source: gloss.ua