Compiling your eBook
There are several software packages available online to assist you in compiling your eBook. These generators assist you in creating eBooks is different formats. Virtually any type of document can be turned into an eBook that can be downloaded from the Internet.
Choosing an compiler should not only depend on how easy it is for you to use and create the kind of product you want, but keeping your proposed users as the central factor in your decision should be paramount. Your product should always be about your audience. few key points you must consider before you decide on a compiler are who your audience is, what kind of computer system they use, and their level of computer literacy.
The Prices of different eBook compilers range from $20 to $149.
A few guidelines for HTML eBooks
Easy Navigation
One of the advantages of eBooks, especially eBooks created in HTML format is that a reader can easily navigate through the pages. User friendly navigational links are essential for any eBook. You should at least include a link for the previous as well as the next page. For instance, page number 10 should have a link to page number 9 and page number 11. I would also recommend having a link to the table of contents on each page. This would make it easy for any reader to refer to the outline as and when required.
A caveat of having eBooks in MS Word form is that they may not include such navigational links.
Naming your files
Following a convention for naming files is important if the format of your eBook is HTML. In case of HTML files, each page would have a different name. It is crucial that you name each page logically. As a thumb rule always name your starting page as index.htm. The rest of the pages can be named according to their topic or section. For instance, the first page of a topic called "Key aspects of design" could be named as design1.htm. The second page of this topic as design2.htm and so on.
Moreover, ensure that you store all files in the same folder. In case of other formats such as PDF or Word, your eBook would only be a single file.
Creating hyperlinks
While creating hyperlinks to other pages or images in your eBook, ensure you use proper code. A simple mistake in the code would lead to a broken link, which is not what you want. All images that are inserted into the eBook should be saved in a directory. These images must be included in the compilation process. If images are not compiled during the creation of the .exe file, they would not show up in the final product.
Another point to remember is that while including external links such as links to other web pages in your eBook, make sure that you write the complete path of the web page.
The Visual Appeal
We discussed earlier that graphics should be used sparingly in eBooks to avoid increasing their size and download time. However, it may be a good idea to use smaller graphics that go well with certain sections of the eBook. Ensure that you use small gif or jpg images instead of bitmaps (bmp) that are considerably bigger in size. Images in headers and topic dividers would greatly augment to the visual appeal of your eBook without making a huge difference to the size.
The key is to not go overboard with graphics. Besides, animation (Flash, all kinds of Video files) along with sound files should be completely avoided. These not only increase the size of the eBook but also slow the loading process considerably. Another disadvantage of using animation is that most formats require a special plug-in. All readers may not have these plug-ins installed on their computer. Hence, such practices generally would be futile.
Desktop Icon
A feature that most HTML compilers offer these days is the ability to create your own desktop icon for your eBook. While compiling the eBook you can design your own icon that will be placed on your customer’s desktop. He/She could open the eBook by clicking on the icon. This is a very handy feature. While choosing your compiler you should ascertain whether the compiler offers such functionality.
Fortunately, though, there are many tools available that let you create a desktop icon for your eBook. However, you should ensure that these tools are compatible with your compiler.
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