Ebook Publishing

E-book publishing covers a broad range of products, from booklets on psychic readings to how-to software and hobby manuals to choose-your-own-ending kids’ books. E-book publishing may not meet everyone’s needs, but don’t reject the idea of making your manuscript into a downloadable product without at least thinking about the pros and cons.

First, yes, lots of e-books are really just disguised money-grabbers. You can find loads of websites offering “fool-proof” ways to make “thousands in your spare time.” These authors make money by selling books on how to sell e-books to make money.

But that’s not you. You have a real story to tell, a short story, a lovely, illustrated children’s book, or a hot novel with a storyline ripped from the headlines. Why would you consider this path for your masterpiece?

E-books are easy to make.

Advantage: Almost anyone can make an e-book. You can transform your manuscript from word-processing format to an e-book in a wink. Choosing a format does require some thought. Two formats predominate—PDF (portable document format) created by Adobe Software and .LIT files created for Microsoft Reader. Both control fonts, pagination and layout, and optionally allow you to add indices, restrict the ability to copy and even limit the number of times the book can be read. Microsoft Reader files use special technology to enhance screen readability and create a more familiar reading experience. Some people have objected to Microsoft’s efforts to encrypt the books to prevent piracy, claiming the security prevents even legitimate users from getting full value from the books they buy. PDF files are more common, but do not provide quite as much control over quality and appearance. Other formats convert HTML web page code into proprietary executable files or require a specialized reader that is usually free to buyers of the book.

Disadvantage: Almost anyone can make an e-book. It can be hard to distinguish yourself from “almost anyone.” To make your book equivalent to a “real” book (i.e., print), find and evaluate several e-book publishers before making a deal. A flashy website does not guarantee a great publisher. Look at their e-books and see if yours fits in with that mix. Would you buy one of their books? Check the terms of any agreement you must sign to make sure you retain the rights you should.

E-books offer quick access to your document.

Advantage: If a reader wants your book now, they can get it with a credit card and download your e-book on the spot, no shipping, no waiting. Minimal production costs mean a much lower price-per-copy, increasing the chance of catching the impulse buyer.

Disadvantage: Some readers prefer a book in their hands and will pay more for the right to own the object and not just the story. These tactile types may not spend money on what seems like “nothing” to them. Also, “quick access” is only quick if you know how to do it. Some book buyers can’t figure out the process or don’t have the plug-in for your book format.

E-books cost very little to produce.

Advantage: Lower production costs mean you can charge less, or be left with a larger percentage of the proceeds. Some print-on-demand publishers charge little or nothing to list e-books and offer higher cuts than for print, especially if you give them a print deal on the same book.

Disadvantage: Lower production costs mean you can charge less, so you make less per book. You may also find that you don’t sell as many because the buyers for your type of book don’t know to look for your book on non-traditional bookseller websites.

E-books do well in certain niche genres.

Advantage: If you have a how-to manual, a user’s guide, a romance novel or a children’s book, e-books may work well for you. Parents know how to find, buy and download low-cost e-books, and today’s kids certainly know how to read on the screen. With virtual how-to guides, the buyer can print out just the pages they need to take to the garden or shop.

Disadvantage: If your manuscript doesn’t fit e-book niche markets, you may find your book overlooked or underappreciated. Some sites offer all kinds of e-books, but most have very few of any particular genre. Niche genres work well because they have a pre-selected audience. This method of publishing is still very young and relatively unknown.

Deciding to make your book available as an e-book takes research and thought. Here are some links to help you with your investigation (Scribendi has no association with these sites and makes no claims about their content):

http://dmoz.org/Computers/E-Books/

http://www.writerswrite.com/epublishing/resources.htm

http://www.thesitewizard.com/archive/ebookpublishing.shtml

http://www.ebookstand.com/ebooks.htm

Whatever you decide, we wish you the best of luck with your publishing effort. And remember, to make your manuscript stand out, make sure to take advantage of our proofreading and editing services. A perfect manuscript will keep readers coming back for more!

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