We have reached a point where the tools and technology to 'DIY' publish eBooks is completely possible, and many bloggers are excited about using this as a tool to help monetize their content. What most people aren't talking about is exactly what you need to know, and what you need to be able to do, in order to be ready to take this step.
As we have begun to consult to bloggers about publishing their eBooks, and if they would be better off to do it themselves or hire someone to do it for them, we are starting to notice a few common questions. Many of these topics will be discussed in more detail as the 'resources' section progresses, but here is a quick & dirty F.A.Q. to get you started.
As we have begun to consult to bloggers about publishing their eBooks, and if they would be better off to do it themselves or hire someone to do it for them, we are starting to notice a few common questions. Many of these topics will be discussed in more detail as the 'resources' section progresses, but here is a quick & dirty F.A.Q. to get you started.
F.A.Q.
How hard is DIY publishing?
DIY publishing is easy, but time consuming. People comfortable with technology and a learning curve will find the process no more complicated than the first time they built a website, or learned to knit a sweater.
Which eBook platform is right for me?
This question is not actually this simple, but the answer is the more platforms your books are available on the more opportunities you have to reach potential customers. That being said, some platforms are more popular in some countries, for example the Nook in the US vs Kobo in Canada. Other platforms may have advantages that others do not offer, such as the fixed format for Apple's iPad.
What royalties can I expect?
Again, not a simple question! Royalties are a contract between the two parties involved, and each eBookstore provider has their own royalty structure and set of rules. The good news is that eBook royalties are significantly better than traditional publishing contracts, and you have control of which agreements suit your needs and which do not.
What software do I need to DIY publish my eBook?
Photo resizing software and word processing software are both a requirement for publishing most kinds of eBooks. In order to publish to specific platforms you may need additional software, for example Apple has their own interface for uploading eBooks and in order to produce fixed format eBooks for the iBookstore they have a special iBooks Author program. Other software, such as an HTML editor, Kindle Previewer and Adobe Digital Editions are helpful programs to have as well.
How much will it cost?
Aside from unfixed costs such as labour, software and hardware to make the eBook, there are few actual costs in eBook production. One cost that you will need to consider are any local fees required to establish a formal business in order to comply with local business and tax laws. Some services will require you to use your business information in order to publish.
Tastebud Guides is a food guide & cookbook eBook publisher, and offers consulting services to DIY eBook publishers. Visit our Services page to find out more.
DIY publishing is easy, but time consuming. People comfortable with technology and a learning curve will find the process no more complicated than the first time they built a website, or learned to knit a sweater.
Which eBook platform is right for me?
This question is not actually this simple, but the answer is the more platforms your books are available on the more opportunities you have to reach potential customers. That being said, some platforms are more popular in some countries, for example the Nook in the US vs Kobo in Canada. Other platforms may have advantages that others do not offer, such as the fixed format for Apple's iPad.
What royalties can I expect?
Again, not a simple question! Royalties are a contract between the two parties involved, and each eBookstore provider has their own royalty structure and set of rules. The good news is that eBook royalties are significantly better than traditional publishing contracts, and you have control of which agreements suit your needs and which do not.
What software do I need to DIY publish my eBook?
Photo resizing software and word processing software are both a requirement for publishing most kinds of eBooks. In order to publish to specific platforms you may need additional software, for example Apple has their own interface for uploading eBooks and in order to produce fixed format eBooks for the iBookstore they have a special iBooks Author program. Other software, such as an HTML editor, Kindle Previewer and Adobe Digital Editions are helpful programs to have as well.
How much will it cost?
Aside from unfixed costs such as labour, software and hardware to make the eBook, there are few actual costs in eBook production. One cost that you will need to consider are any local fees required to establish a formal business in order to comply with local business and tax laws. Some services will require you to use your business information in order to publish.
Tastebud Guides is a food guide & cookbook eBook publisher, and offers consulting services to DIY eBook publishers. Visit our Services page to find out more.