Making Ebooks

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Making Ebooks
by Maggie Lietz - Copyright © 2011

Assuming you've already decided that making ebooks is a good idea, it's important to clarify just what the entire process involves.

In order to actually make an ebook, you need to first be aware there are two distinct versions. PDF and EXE.

To make a PDF ebook, you start with a document such as Word and then use PDF software to convert the document into a standalone file.

To make an EXE ebook, you start with HTML pages and use ebook compiler software to convert those pages into a standalone file.

Although the EXE version held title as a true ebook, PDF versions have gained momentum over time. Almost to the point where ebooks and PDF are considered one and the same. So when you're faced with the option of making ebooks, you need to first decide what version is best.

Each has pros and cons. But if money is a factor, keep in mind that there are no quality free ebook compilers. (If you want all the benefits of EXE, you'll need to purchase software that starts in the $30 range.)

On the other hand, there are several free PDF programs that produce quality ebooks. For example, PDF995 is a solid program that includes all the options you would need.

The problem most people have, however, is not so much which version to choose but rather the overall process of making ebooks.

Briefly, it goes something like this...

     . write content that includes good quality information

     . put content on pages that are well designed, easy to read, and easy to navigate

     . convert the pages into a standalone PDF or EXE ebook

     . make the ebook available for download to a user's computer

And that's about it.

Making ebooks only seems difficult if you've never done it before. Or, if you've taken in so much conflicting information you wind up more confused than when you started.

If you're not feeling overly confident, start small. Write a short report in a Word or WordPad document. Download and install PDF995edit and PDF995 from software995.com. Open your Word document and choose print. Now select PDF995 as your printer and follow the next few prompts.

There you have it. Your first ebook. Now all you need to do is expand on the page design and presentation.

The important thing is that you've taken the first step in making ebooks. And the only thing left is to repeat the process with more design, more content, and more features.

Who knows? You might even gain enough confidence to tackle the original ebook - the still popular and always engaging EXE version.

And that's when you'll know you've finally learned all there is to know about making ebooks.

Maggie Lietz
eBookHelper.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maggie Lietz specializes in writing, creating, and publishing ebooks. Plenty of valuable information about ebooks, online business, and Internet marketing is available on her website at http://www.ebookhelper.com. Professional services include website and graphic design, copywriting, and ebook cover images.

Feel free to use the above article in its entirety. All I ask is that you include my "About the Author" resource box. Thanks. Maggie Lietz

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