Help Center > eBooks

eBooks

What is an eBook?

An eBook, or electronic book, is a digital edition of a book you can download and read on your computer, laptop, handheld computer, PDA, or portable eBook device.

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Why should I read an eBook instead of a paper book?

eBooks are:

Portable -- Now you can have an entire digital library of books and magazines with you on your laptop or portable eBook device.
Convenient -- You can download eBooks instantly and read them anytime, anywhere!
Easy to use -- Turn the page with the click of a button, set a bookmark, search for a specific phrase, or use the built-in dictionary to find definitions.

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Ordering

Why must I activate or certify my reader?

Activation or certification of your unique copy of an eBook reader is a one-time process that is necessary if you plan to purchase eBooks. The procedure is similar to the one you follow when you get a new credit card--it allows you to make transactions. More specifically, it allows the eBook reader software to work with encryption systems that protect the publishers' and/or authors' copyrights.

Can I print out my eBooks?

You cannot print or copy any of our eBooks due to copyright restrictions. The only exceptions are our Simon & Schuster Crossword Puzzle books, which are only available in PDF format.

Can I copy or share my eBooks?

eBooks cannot be copied or "lent" due to copyright restrictions.

Can I purchase an eBook as a gift?

At this time, eBooks cannot be sent as gifts. eBook orders are sent to the e-mail address on your SimonandSchuster.com customer account. They can be read only using reader software that has been activated by the customer, and they cannot be transferred to another name.

Are eBooks returnable?

eBooks are not returnable.

Can I order eBooks by phone?

No. Because of the digital nature of this product, you can only order eBooks online.

How do I order an eBook?

Before you can download an eBook, you must have an eBook reader installed on your device. You can then purchase an eBook by clicking on the format (Adobe, eReader (Palm), or Microsoft) to add it to your Shopping Cart and proceed through our order form. After you place your eBook order, a confirmation screen will appear with a link to initiate the download of your eBook. Simply click the link, and the eBook will be downloaded to the reader installed on your device.

Can I order multiple copies of an eBook at once?

No. Unfortunately, we can only accept orders for a quantity of one.

Can I order without a credit card?

No. You can only make a purchase with a credit card at this time.

I keep getting an error message. Is there a problem with my card?

There are many reasons for a failed credit card transaction. Your card may have expired or reached its limit. A credit card machine either on our end or your bank's end may have encountered a machine error. If problems persist, you can contact Customer Service. Please provide any message numbers you receive and the order number from your Shopping Cart.

How do I cancel an order?

Once you have clicked the Submit button, the order is complete. It cannot be cancelled.

Is my order secure?

If you are using Netscape Navigator 3.0 and above, or Internet Explorer 3.0 and above, you are able to place secure orders. Be sure all the security features are activated in the preferences for your browser.

When will I receive my order?

After checkout, you will be directed to a download page where you can click on the link to download your eBooks.

Do I have to pay shipping and handling charges for eBooks?

There are no shipping and handling charges for eBooks.

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Downloading

How long will it take to download an eBook?

The download time depends on the size of the eBook you order and the speed of the modem on your computer. Download times for an average-sized eBook by connection speed are as follows:

T1 = 2.3 seconds
DSL/cable modem/ISDN = 30 seconds or less than 1 minute
56K = 62.5 seconds or a little over 1 minute
28.8K = 125 seconds or a little over 2 minutes
How do I access my eBooks after I've downloaded them?

Microsoft Reader, Adobe Reader, and eReader keep a library of all of the eBooks you have downloaded. To access your library, simply click on the library button in the reading program you are using. If you've deleted a title from your computer that you want to read again, return to the site and click on "Digital Library." For Adobe eBooks, you'll need to contact Customer Service to have the link re-activated.

How do I use "Digital Library" to download eBooks?

When you click on the "Digital Library" link in Your Account, you will see a list of every eBook you have ever purchased at SimonandSchuster.com since March 21, 2003. Click on the Download link next to the title to initiate the download of that title. For Adobe eBooks, you'll need to Customer Service to have the link re-activated.

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Technical Information and Troubleshooting

For complete and up-to-date information on downloading and reading eBooks, please visit the eBook Help Center at www.helpebook.com. Here you will find information about the different types of eBook readers and software as well as tutorials and troubleshooting tips. If you continue having trouble with an eBook from SimonandSchuster.com, please contact Customer Service.

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