How to publish your own electronic book (Ebook)
Electronic books (or ebooks) are quickly becoming extremely popular and they are making it much easier for anyone to publish their own book. Not only that, but major authors like Stephen King have published books in this format.
Reasons to publish your own book
There are two main reasons why you might want to consider publishing your own book.
1. To make money
This is a pretty obvious reason, since most people don’t just decide to write books just because they felt like it. Unlike the past, ebooks are becoming much more acceptable, so you now have a better chance than ever to actually make money.
2. To promote your website or business
You may not have thought of this, but lots of people are now giving away electronic books in order to get some publicity for their website or business. The fact is, people like free stuff and pass it on to their family and friends like their lives depended on it. If you create a quality ebook that people like, you might be amazed at what it can do for your business or website.
But people aren’t stupid. If your ebook is just an advertisement for your stuff, people are going to get rid of it right away. The key is to truly give people something worthwhile in hopes that they like what you say and return later.
Electronic vs. hardcopy publishing
I had once considered writing and publishing a story myself, but I had no idea just how difficult and risky that is. To find a publisher and an editor, and then deciding how to print it is much more complicated than you might think. If you sign up with a publisher, you get less than 10% (much less in many cases) of the profit, and printing yourself is a whole other animal.
But publishing an ebook is much less expensive and easier. The only upfront costs are the software to create the book, and you can even get that for free. No matter how many copies you sell, the cost is the same as producing the first copy.
And believe me, not needing to find a publisher or print books on your own is enough of an advantage on its own.
What you should write
If your goal is to publicize your product or site, you should write something that you have knowledge of. The best way to promote yourself is to show that you are an expert in a certain field. The builds trust, and with that trust they are more likely to go to you for help.
Steps you should take
- Get the software for you to create an electronic book and write your ebook.
- When you are finished, use the software to convert your document to the electronic book format.
- Have your ebook available on your website. You don’t necessarily need to sell it on your site, but people like to see a sample of your book.
- Promote your ebook.
Three types of Ebook formats
1. Portable Document Format (PDF)
PDF (Portable Document Format) is by far the most acceptible format for ebooks. Unless you have a really good reason not to, this is the only format you should consider using.
One main advantage of the PDF format is that it can be read on any platform (Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Unix, handheld computers, etc). Almost everybody has the capability to read PDF files since it can be downloaded easily for free, and it often comes standard with any new computer.
The fact that people can even read your ebook on their handheld computers means that they can access it from basically anwhere. And people are so comfortable with PDF, that they will not be worried about downloading it.
Adobe Acrobat Professional is by far the best version, especially conisdering they are the ones who created the PDF format. But it is very expensive, and at this point will cost you a whopping $455. If that’s too steep for you, you can find a list of free versions on the Free PDF converter programs page.
2. HTML format
The HTML format allows people to read your ebook through their web browser. You can create files in this format with the same software you use to create your website. If you choose this route, you might want to consider distributing it in a zip file along with instructions on how to unpack the file.
3. Windows Executable File
One final possibility (although I don’t suggest it) is to use a Windows executable file (EXE file). In order to do that, you will need an ebook compiler to convert your document into Windows. The first obvious issue with this format is that it only works for Windows users.
The other main drawback to using this format is that when people try to open it they will see a pop-up box asking if they want to run an executable file. Just having that box appear is enough to scare people away from opening your ebook.
Creating a 3D image of your Book
I never considered this option myself, but I read it somewhere and it is actually a very good idea. If you are creating an ebook, you probably don’t have a physical version, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create an image of one.
It certainly is not necessary to create a 3D image, but having an almost tangible product to look at can create the thought in peoples’ minds that this is a legitimate product that they want to buy. I’m not aware of any program specifically designed for this purpose, so your best bet is to use software like Adobe Photoshop or another free drawing program and draw it yourself. It might take a lot of work for those with no artistic abilities whatsoever (like myself), but you could always bribe someone to do it for you.
Finally
Publishing an electronic book will not sell your business or website on its own, but it is a nice little perk that could separate you from someone else. If you have the time and energy, it can give a real boost to whatever you are promoting.
