John Scalzi on e-books and returning to ‘Old Man’s War’ [video]

John Scalzi’s appearance at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books was preceded by a visit to our video booth, where he talked about his new project, a return to his “Old Man’s War” series.

Fans may have already read much of the fifth book, “The Human Division,” which has been published in 13 e-book installments. Scalzi tells L.A. Times staff writer Carolyn Kellogg how that worked, and what additional material readers will be getting if they purchase the hardcover. At 432 pages, it’s the longest book Scalzi has written. Its publication date is May 14.

VIDEO: AUTHOR INTERVIEWS FROM FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

Scalzi explains why he and his publisher, Tor, have opted not to use Digital Rights Management, or DRM, the industry’s commonly accepted anti-piracy protection. And then he tells us about his most extraordinary book tour experience -- it happened on his tour for his last novel, “Redshirts.”

To learn what Scalzi’s book tour was like, click on the video above.

ALSO:

Harry Potter to flatten Gibson Amphitheatre, Curious George

Janet Fitch on the writers she admires and her next book [video]

Jonathan Evison on hitting bottom and becoming a writer [video]

Carolyn Kellogg: Join me on Twitter, Facebook and Google+