The key word there being SOLD. If given away, you're entirely free to take your iBooks-created book anywhere.

The new release (1.0.1) clarifies the language in the EULA to clear up some ambiguities, specifically the interpretation that Apple would lay claim to any content IN the created book. They never had such an intention, and have made that more explicit in the new EULA.

IOW: let's say you create an eBook in iBooks Author. You sell it on the iBookstore, but you'd also like to sell a Kindle edition.

No problem. Take the assets you used (art, images text etc) for the book that are not unique to iBooks (ie, not the custom widgets), throw them into any ePub tool you want, make a Kindle (et al) edition, sell it. If the other ePub tool offers widget creation, you'll need to remake the widgets, but that's all.

I agree, what is the logic for not allowing Mac users to read iBooks on their computers? Doesn't that just mean people without an iPad iPhone, or people with only an iPhone and don't want to read on a tiny screen won't buy any books? What about students with only a laptop? These new textbooks are worthless to them. Weird.

To read all kinds of ibooks on macs, there is at least Calibre (supports almost all formats), and the Kindle app.

My assumption is that Apple are going after the primary market first - that's their portable devices with touch/gesture support built-in that these new iBooks are going to make so much use of.

Personally I tend not to read books on the Mac, even though there are ways and means for those that really want to. I much prefer to slouch in a comfy chair with an iPad (or a 'real' book). That said, there's obviously demand for a Mac iBook reader and hopefully that'll reach a level where Apple eventually take notice.

yeah I totally agree, Im considering buying an iPad 3 when it's out. But I think if Apple offer a official ibook app which allow me to read epubs on my mac I will rethink the purchase plan.

Anyone with a kid in college knows the cost of textbooks- crazy, been so for years. But is this ibook textbook thing a funnel or a door: funnel into apple ISO world or door to broad implementation of the software platform? Is it a soon to be resolved issue, the lack of ibook reader for mac, or a deliberate strategy or a complication of translating the code from touchscreen ISO to "desktop" platform? And, will this iBook Author be able to read any iBook (don't think so) or create "personal-distribution" books without publication and do you need an iPad to properly create with iBook Author. Enough schools must be stuck with computers without $ to get iPads, even at scholastic discount, or will Apple give 'em out altruistically like sliced bread. Personally, I am with those who want ibook for the computer, seems an omission.

The lack of ibook accessibility has been a bugaboo for me as well (I mean on macs) I am hoping they make books as available for the rest of us one of these days, and then perhaps I'd explore apps like this one.