e-books - software? Formatting?

Sarahsaver

Ok a quickie, I have the content, where do I start, how do I make an e-book?
I have a client ready to comission e-books from me

MadCowMan

You need to convert your word document to a .pdf file

something like https://www.pdf995.com can do this for free.

wonka

Really, you first need to understand what is meant by eBook. Are you referring to just having a book in electronic form that's available online? Or do you want a book that can be read on a hand-held device like a PDA?

Once you've answered that question, the main issue is... which format? PDF? MS Reader? Plucker? The list is endless. Here's a few links to get you started:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBook

See what other eBooks are out:
http://www.microsoft.com/reader/uk/shop/default.asp

Download Microsoft Reader for PC / Pocket PC:
http://www.microsoft.com/reader/uk/downloads/pc.asp

For a feel of eBooks, check this out:
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Create an e-Book from MS Word:
http://www.microsoft.com/reader/developers/info/rmr.asp

Moneymaker

On an Apple Mac in OSX you simply select "Print" then "Save as PDF". Job done. In MacOS9 you need "PrintToPDF" print driver by James Walker.

Obviously you don't have to write the book in MS Word. There's a vast amount of desktop publishing and word processing software. Pick the one you prefer.

Note: if you choose any format other than PDF, you'll lose sales because only Windows users will be able to read it.