eBooks FAQs

We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to make using DK eBooks as easy as possible. If you don’t find answers to your questions here and have any problems with the ordering of eBooks, please email editor@dk.com

1. What is an eBook?

eBooks (or electronic books) are digital files comprised of books specially designed to be read on computer screens, PDAs or the screens of special eBook reading devices.

2. What is so great about eBooks?

eBooks are a fast and convenient way to buy, read and keep the books you want. They can be downloaded from the Internet and many eBooks can be stored and carried on a single small computer. eBooks are also interactive, allowing you to search for text, make notes or drawings, and they often have enhanced features in the form of extra content (like DVDs!).

3. How do I buy eBooks?

Have a look at the eBooks available at www.dk.com or at the websites of a number of online retailers. Choose the title you want and make sure that you have already downloaded the appropriate software to read it. Follow the simple instructions on-screen to purchase and download the title.

4. Do I need a special computer to read an eBook?

To read an eBook you will need a computer that can be connected to the Internet. This might be a PC, laptop or certain model of handheld computer. You will also need to have installed and activated appropriate eBook reading software, currently Adobe Digital Editions. Doing this will only take a few minutes and it is free!

5. What software do I need to read an Adobe eBook?

You will need to download the latest version of Adobe Digital Editions. This software will enable you to download and read eBooks, transfer copy-protected eBooks from your PC to other computers or devices, organise your eBooks into a custom library, and annotate pages from your eBook. Please bear in mind you must have Flash installed to be able to install Digital Editions.

6. What exactly is Adobe Digital Editions?

Adobe Digital Editions is a rich Internet application (RIA) built especially for digital publishing. It offers a simplified, engaging way to acquire, manage and read eBooks and other kinds of digital publications.

7. Where can I get a copy of Adobe Digital Editions?

You can install it here.
Please bear in mind you must have Flash installed to be able to install Digital Editions.

8. How much does Adobe Digital Editions cost?

It is free.

9. I’m having trouble installing Adobe Digital Editions. Where can I get help?

Visit the “Getting Started” area of Adobe Digital Editions Help for assistance with installation, or visit the Adobe Digital Editions Support Centre.

10. I have more questions about Adobe Digital editions. Where can I get help?

Visit the Adobe Digital Editions FAQ page here.

11. Why can’t I read my Adobe eBook with any other software?

Our Adobe eBooks have been specially designed for Adobe Digital Editions. In the future, though, we may adapt them to suit new software.

12. Do I have to be online to use Adobe Digital Editions?

No, however you do have to be online to install it and to purchase eBooks. After you install the software and purchase eBooks, you can use Digital Editions offline.

13. How long does it take to download Adobe Digital Editions?

It takes less than a minute over a broadband connection to download and install Adobe Digital Editions.

14. My browser says that it has finished downloading the file, but Digital Editions has a message saying “downloading file”. Which one is correct?

Digital Editions is correct. The file is downloaded in two stages. Your browser is referring to the first stage, which must be completed before Digital Editions can begin the second stage. Until DE is finished downloading, the eBook will not be present on your computer.

15. Is it safe to download eBook readers and eBooks?

Yes. You will not download a computer virus or any other malicious file when you download eBooks or eBook readers at dk.com. Additionally, Adobe readers have built-in security and encryption features to protect against copyright violations. It is sensible, however, to ensure that your virus protection is always up-to-date.

16. Can I read eBooks on my Sony Reader?

At this time, DK eBooks cannot be read on the Sony Reader. They are desktop/laptop friendly only.

17. Can I read eBooks on a handheld device?

At this time, DK eBooks cannot be read on handheld devices. They are desktop/laptop friendly only.

18. Can I read eBooks on my Macintosh?

Yes, Adobe Digital Editions is available for Mac OS X v10.4.10 or v10.5

19. I am using a Mac on an network. I downloaded DE, but when I tried to activate it, I got a pop-up saying "Please enter your keychain password", but I don't have one. What should I do?

The keychain helps you keep track of your passwords and other sensitive data in OS X, allowing you to use one master password to store other information in a secure format. If you have not specifically chosen a keychain password, enter your network (login) password. Click OK.

20. I entered my network password when prompted for a keychain password, but it was not recognised. What should I do?

This may be because you have changed your network (login) password. To remedy this, follow these instructions:
1. Go to Utilities, and click on Keychain Minder
2. A pop-up should appear, prompting you for an old and a new password. Enter your network (login) password in the "New Password" field, and click Change.

21. Can I order eBooks by phone?

Because these are digital products, they can only be ordered online.

22. Can I order multiple copies of an eBook at once?

No. Because it is not currently possible to buy an eBook for another person you will only need one copy. However, you are able to download your eBooks 4 times.

23. Do I have to pay delivery charges for eBooks? What about taxes?

You do not have to pay delivery charges for eBooks. VAT is payable on digitally downloaded products, but it is already incorporated into the price of your eBook.

24. How much do eBooks cost?

Currently, eBooks cost the same as the paper version of the book. We expect prices for eBooks to go down in the future once market share increases.

25. Do I have to be connected to the internet to read my eBook?

No. Once you have paid for and downloaded your eBook you can read it offline without being connected to the Internet.

26. Can I purchase an eBook as a gift?

At this time, eBooks cannot be sent as gifts. eBook orders can only be sent to the email address on your dk.com customer account.

27. How long does it take to download an eBook?

It depends on the speed of your internet connection, the length of the book and whether your book contains a lot of images.

28. Why can I only download my eBook four times?

The download limit is a feature of our eBook fulfilment partner.

29. What if I accidentally skip or erase the page that contains the link to my eBook?

You can find it again in the ‘Purchase History’ screen. To view a list of all previously purchased eBooks, log in to your dk.com account by clicking on 'Your Account' and entering your email address and password.
'Your Account' can be found at the top of each page on dk.com or by clicking this link.
Select the 'Purchase History' button to view a list of all purchased items and then 'eBook Download' for specific eBooks.

30. Can I print my eBook?

At this time, DK eBooks cannot be printed.

31. What happens to the eBook when I’m finished reading it?

It is stored in the Library that is included with Adobe Digital Editions.

32. I have bought an eBook, but when I try to open it  the computer does not recognize the file.

You may not have Adobe Digital Editions installed and authorised. You can get it here.
Please bear in mind you must have Flash installed to be able to install Digital Editions.

33. I am using Internet Explorer 7. When I click to download my eBook, nothing happens. What should I do?

IE7 is preventing a popup from opening, which would start the download. At the top of the webpage (just below where you type in the url), there should be a yellow panel saying "To help protect your security, Internet Explorer blocked this site from downloading files to your computer. Click here for options". Click on it, and you should see a little popup saying "Download the file". Click it and the download should begin.

34. What is the returns policy for eBooks?

All eBooks are non-returnable. For more information please read the Terms and Conditions of Sale and Purchase.

35. What if I have trouble downloading an eBook or a reader?

If you have trouble downloading an eBook or a reader, please visit www.helpeBook.com

36. Does DK accept submissions for electronic publishing?

At this time, no