What is the difference between an App and an eBook?

We are frequently asked to explain the difference between an app and an eBook. Here is our definition, which is really simple and is based on what they are good for.

eBooks

eBooks are text heavy/image light. A cost-efficient way of making your book available on a multitude of eReading devices, from a variety of retailers, thanks to the ePub format.

Apps

The best apps are:

• a multimedia experience
• an in-depth reference/guide
• and/or a great tool

With apps you possibly need to consider audio, visual, interaction and content possibilities and, for this reason, the initial investment can be higher. The return, however, can also be significantly higher, but distribution points, for now, fewer.

For stand-alone book apps there is a real fear that the likes of Apple are beginning to postpone the publishing of apps with only basic or single functionality. The better the functionality, the more immersive the experience, the better the chances of selling large numbers on the Appstore. 46% (AdMob statistic) of sales come from word of mouth recommendation.