Frequently Asked Questions

Intro to eBooks

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The term eBook refers to an electronic version of a printed book. eBooks can be read on a variety of devices in addition to eReader software on devices such as mobile phones and personal computers. The most important consideration when purchasing an eBook is what device you intend to purchase the eBook for. eBooks in ePUB and PDF format may be read on several eReader devices (Sony Reader, B&N Nook for example). The Amazon Kindle uses the MobiPocket file format. All AppleTM devices with the Stanza app installed will automatically download ShelfWise files.

eReader devices are hardware devices that function primarily to display eBooks.

eReader software is a program that allows the reading of eBooks (or non-native eBook formats) on additional hardware devices, such as personal computers or mobile phones. An example of eReader software is the free Stanza app which is designed to read ePUB format books on Apple devices. Stanza 3.0.3 will also read eBook PDF files, but PDFs are not optimized for small screens, so the reading experience on handhelds may be inferior to the experience with ePUB. For more information see our eReader Software Guide.

The eBook format you choose must be compatible with your eReader device or the eReader software you wish to use. For further instructions by device, please see our eReader Device Hardware Guide.

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The eBook format you choose must be compatible with your computer, handheld device, or eReader operating system, and the reader software you use.

Reader Apps Compatible with iPhone^®, iPad^®, and iPod^®touch

iBooks - Is a free app compatible with iPhone^®, iPad^®, and iPod^®touch that supports DRM free PDF and ePub formats. Some PDF documents may not be compatible.

Stanza - Is a free app compatible with iPhone^®, iPad^®, and iPod^®touch that supports DRM free eBooks and requires iPhone OS 4.0 or later. These devices will automatically launch Stanza for direct download when ePUB or PDF books are purchased from ShelfWise.The app is designed to read ePUB format books. Stanza 3.0.3 will also read eBook PDF files, but PDFs are not optimized for small screens, so the reading experience on handhelds may be inferior to the experience with ePUB.

Bluefire Reader - Is a free app compatible with iPhone^®, iPad^®, and iPod^®touch that supports DRM free and Adobe eBook DRM protected PDF and ePub formats.

Reader Apps Compatible with Android

Aldiko - Is a free app compatible with the Android that supports DRM free and Adobe eBook DRM protected PDF and ePub formats.

eBook Formats

PDF - Is readable offline on computers and handheld devices using Adobe Reader (download for free). PDF can also be read by many web browsers with Adobe add-ins.

ePUB and PDF - Are readable on computers and handheld devices using Adobe Digital Editions (download for free).

ePUB - Can also be read on several mobile reading devices (Sony Reader, B&N Nook), and using the Mozilla Firefox browser add-in ePUB reader.

Offline content may also be read using any eReader compatible device, see eReader Device Hardware Guide.

Can I download my purchases?

Yes. After logging into our online eBook store, click on My Account at the top of the page, then click on My eLibrary. After logging in, you may also access your My eLibrary and downloads here.

How often do you add content?

Content is added to our eBook program on a regular basis. If you don't see the title you're looking for now, it may be available soon, so stay tuned. You can also email us with your requests.

How do I change my password?

After logging in, click on My Account. Click on the edit tab (upper right, under My Account). Type your new password into the "password" and "confirm password" fields and save. After logging in, you may also change your password here.

Can I read my eBooks offline?

PDF titles that are not DRM protected may be read offline on a computer or handheld device using the latest free version of Adobe Reader.

ePub and PDF titles that are DRM protected are readable offline on a computer or handheld device using the free software Adobe Digital Editions.

Offline content may also be read using any eReader compatible device, see our eReader Hardware Guide for more details.

How soon am I charged for my purchase?

A charge will immediately appear on your bank statement under the name "Direct from Publisher" for the purchase of your eBooks at www.shelfwise.com.

Whom do I contact for technical support?

Please e-mail estore.support@sheridan.com for all technical-related questions. A representative will respond to your question within 24 hours.

What is Adobe Digital Editions? Is it safe to download?

eBooks that are copy-protected with DRM must be downloaded and read using Adobe Digital Editions or software that is compatible with Adobe DRM. Adobe® Digital Editions software offers an engaging way to view and manage eBooks and other digital publications. Use it to download and purchase digital content, which can be read both online and offline. You must register your Adobe Digital Editions account in order to read our DRM protected content. To download or read more about Adobe Digital Editions click here.

How do I log into my account?

Click on the "Login" link on the top right of the ShelfWise home page to get to the login screen. Type your credentials into the username and password fields and click the "Login" button to access your account. You may also log in here.

Can I return an eBook?

No. Please confirm all purchases before you complete them as all sales are final. There are no refunds for digital content.

eReader Hardware Guide

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*This chart is not all inclusive. Additional formats may be supported and additional reading devices are available.

**All Apple devices with the Stanza app installed will automatically download ePub files.

eBooks in ePub format may be read on several dedicated mobile reading devices (Sony Reader, B&N Nook for example). The Amazon Kindle uses the MobiPocket file format.

Click here for a detailed list of eBook PDF and ePub supported devices.

For more information on what software is required to view your purchased book on a computer, eReader, or handheld device see our eReader Software Guide.

eBooks with DRM

PDF and ePub eBooks that are copy-protected with DRM must be downloaded and read using Adobe Digital Editions or software that is compatible with Adobe DRM. These books have the following restrictions to prevent the content from being posted or shared:

The provided link may be used on 6 different devices at different times. This link is accessible from the original email.
Access may be restricted to use by a single consumer with authentication through an Adobe ID.
The downloaded file may not be transferred to a different device.
The eBook may not be shared with another user.
The eBook file may not be copied.

For more information on Adobe Digital Editions and DRM compatibility, follow these links:

iPad and iPhone Users

To read an ePub or PDF on an iOS device (e.g. iPhone, iPad) you must download the Bluefire Reader app.

Nook Users

Nook users will be able to open DRM protected files directly onto their Nook device.

Kindle Users

Kindle users will not be able to read files with DRM on a Kindle device. PDF and Mobi files that are DRM-free can be loaded onto some Kindle devices. Information about using Kindle devices to read documents not purchased on Amazon can be found on Amazon's support website.

For more information on eReader software, read our section on eReader Software Guide or MobileRead Wiki's eBook Software List.