Thanks for sharing this. New authors have enough challenges without getting scammed. I've written a (free) guide for the writing process here: https://frequal.com/forwriters/
The writing is just the first step, however. Promotion is a whole another set of hurdles. I can easilybsee an eager or despondent author falling victim to a promotion scam.
Even if you _can_ hold it, you may not own it if the player is internet-connected or even receives a firmware upgrade during maintenance or from a disc. New discs may not play unless you upgrade, and an upgrade can also remove keys, blocking you from watching discs you already have.
Yes, they explained that's like parking facing the other way after driving at lunchtime. They also describe optimal parking strategies for no-move charging.
Even though I started Means and Motive ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYCZJVGX ) 5 years ago, and it was written without any AI use, I was worried people might have this concern, given the 2026 publication date.
For a sanity check, I did run the first page through an online AI checker and it confirmed what I already knew: 100% human.
EPublish converts HTML to EPUB. It has numerous quality-of-life tools for authors, such as generating custom versions for reviewers and promotions. It handles formatting and most menial tasks, letting you focus on your story. It even includes progress reports so you can see how close you are to completion.
I remember using Dillo on a Compaq iPaq with Linux installed. No Dillo screen shots, but plenty of information about apps for Linux on the iPaq 3765 here:
When building EPublish ( https://frequal.com/epublish/ ), an HTML-to-epub converter, I faced similar hurdles. Trying to keep compatibility with numerous e-readers built with different stacks and varying degrees of EPUB versions is frustrating.
So far I haven't heard of compatibility issues, so I think EPublish has hit the sweet spot of EPUB targeting. I agree, however, that it feels like the old days of targeting IE6 on the web. Old readers still exist out there, so we have to aim for the lowest common denominator.
I chose the DRM-free route on Amazon for "Means & Motive" ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYCZJVGX ) . Self-published authors can choose to be DRM-free on Amazon now. You can also buy it via Barnes & Noble (paperback), links here: https://frequal.com/novels/
I used it as a key part of my software engineer's writing toolkit for the first draft of a novel:
https://frequal.com/forwriters/
Unfortunately the Plugable keyboard appears to be discontinued. Perhaps it can still be found used. It is quite impressive. It folds small for travel. The keys travel nicely. The case magnetically clicks into a phone stand. The battery lasts a month or longer. Truly a mechanical marvel.
I too would be interested in hearing about the writing and formatting process. I described my own process as a software engineer and first-time novelist here:
https://frequal.com/forwriters/
"This is a meaningful milestone for our reservation holders," says Aptera's Co-CEO Steve Fambro.
Get in line here with $30 off the reservation fee: https://frequal.com/aptera/reserve.html