But how do you get started? And once you have your content in e-book format, how do you promote it and sell it? With this book, you’ll learn every phase of the e-book writing and publishing process—from creating manuscripts and e-book files to marketing and distributing online.
You’ll get the essential information that you need to know, including: *What makes a good e-book. You’ll find out what sells, what doesn’t, and why. *How to choose e-book formats. We’re a long way from a single e-book format that every e-book reader device and program can read. You’ll become familiar with the different formats that are available and the pros and cons of each. *How to create e-book documents. Once you’ve selected a format, you’ll need to know about the tools available for conversion and how to make your book looks as it should. *Where to find services for start-up e-publishers. Many people make a business of helping other people start and run their e-publishing businesses. You’ll discover how to reach and benefit from them. *Where to distribute your e-books and how to market them. *What to look for in e-book publishing contracts and what you need to know about digital rights and copy protection.
E-publishing offers many advantages over traditional publishing, including: *The freedom to do your own thing your own way. *The ability to start small and grow. You don’t have to start with dozens of books to be a successful e-publisher or e-author. *Easy entry. All you need is the desire, the information in this book, and perhaps a Web site. *No printing bills, no shipping, no storage—a publisher’s dream! *Easy access to online booksellers and distributors. You don’t have to go through a master distributor to enter the market. *Better author royalties, friendlier contracts. The economic benefits that publishers enjoy with e-book publishing are often passed along to the authors. *More control over how your work is published. With e-books you can participate in the editing, layout, and cover design of your book. *The ability to work from just about anywhere. You can sell your e-books from any location, including a secluded beach without a post office in sight (as long as you have an Internet connection, of course!).
With all these advantages, why wouldn’t you get involved in the e-publishing revolution? Maybe you think the technology behind e-books is too intimidating? Well, it doesn’t have to be. This book explains in geek-free, easy-to-follow language the e-book software and hardware devices—which ones offer what features, their pros and cons, who the major players are, and the file format particulars.
You’ll discover that the Internet, e-book technology, and the information in this book make it possible for anyone (even the most technophobic) to self-publish remarkably cheaply and have a chance to reach just as many people as Stephen King’s first e-book.
You will also be motivated and inspired by success stories from some of the leaders in the business. And the Appendices, with sample contracts, a list of e-publishers, and loads of e-publishing resource, are particularly helpful.
The coming years will see a dramatic change in the publishing industry. Will you be leading the pack or trying to catch up?
