The Ministry of Culture has launched an e-book competition to inspire innovative ideas in the country’s digital publishing industry.
The competition, with prize money totaling NT$4.5 million (US$150,250), will hand out 32 awards to the e-books most compatible with computers, mobile phones and tablet computers, as well as those with Taiwanese themes, the ministry said in a recent statement.
In addition to inspiring digital content, the competition also aims to create breakthroughs in e-book design, according to the ministry.
“It is hoped that through the competition, those interested in e-books and digital content will find a platform to showcase their creativity,” said the ministry.
Officials hope the competition will inject creative energy into the sector.
Those interested must submit their works by Sept. 16, with winners to be announced on Nov. 29. Officials said contest winners will have the opportunity to have their works published.
The competition, the first of its kind in Taiwan, is part of an effort this year by the ministry to encourage digital reading and publishing.
In addition, free lectures focusing on e-reading trends and how to check out e-books from libraries will also be held for the public in libraries in Taipei, Greater Kaohsiung and Greater Taichung through November.
In addition, a team of experts — brought together by the ministry — are to provide counseling services for small to medium-sized publishers to assist them make the transition to digital publishing.
Information sessions will be held on July 25 in Greater Taichung and on July 27 in Greater Kaohsiung to introduce publishers in central and southern Taiwan to the counseling services and the members of the team, the ministry said.
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