How do I learn about creating ebooks?

[YourDigitalScribe]

I want to get in to doing more than just straight transcription. I currently work as an IC for a company and I like it, but I want to do some other word processing things. I love playing around with formatting and making things look good. This was a big part of my old b&m job.

I know a lot of folks make ebooks from transcripts, so I think it will be a good service to offer.

I have done some things in WordPerfect, which allows you to save documents as PDFs. I don't see where MS Word does this. I have been forcing myself to use Word more often. I use WordPerfect for most personal things. I really like it much better than Word, but it seems the whole world uses Word. It's frustrating when I try and use WP shortcuts in Word and it doesn't work! lol

Anyway, I want to learn more about creating ebooks. Where's a good place to do this? (I mean layout and format things, not just how to create it.) Make sense?

Thanks!

MichelleG

[Office Goddess]

1) Which version of Word do you have? and 2) Go to www.createspace.com for a comprehensive 'how to' on creating/formatting ebooks.

[Your Virtual Wizard]

Michelle,

MS Word 2010 (Office 2010) allows for the creation of PDFs. Before 2010 I used PDF995 but there are others which are free or low cost. Just Google 'PDF Creater' or use the search button on the top right hand corner of this page under 'PDF' as there are threads for PDF programs.

You don't say which version of Word you are using or else I'd do a search for you.

Have you tried YouTube for tutorials on creating ebooks? That's where I go first when I wanted to learn something new. Here's one video but there are many just by keywording 'how to write an ebook'

You Tube

You Tube

If you are writing an ebook to sell on Amazon for example, there are specific formatting rules. Here is a quick article on that http://askville.amazon.com/sell-eboo...uestId=2277616 But you can visit Amazon directly for more information. (Kind of cool that he recommends a VA!)

Other ebook sites have specific formatting instruction so I would visit those sites for more information. Here is a list of free eBook sites which might prove useful if you just want to get your name out there. http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/20-best...-free-e-books/

If you are selling an eBook to sell from your own site, you don't need to format it in any particular program other than PDF.

Good luck!

Janine

[YourDigitalScribe]

OMG, ladies, this is exactly what I needed! Thank you! I didn't even think to look on YouTube.



Thanks!

MichelleG

BTW, I have Word 2003.

[leedrozak]

Michelle,

Great advice from the other ladies and I will add that to create a straight PDF there are many free options. Cutepdf is another free version.

As for the other avenues, each has a formatting guide. If you Google the services you would like, i.e. "formatting ebooks for [type] you will find layout and submission guidelines. If you cannot readily find the guidelines look under Information for Publishers. They will review the formatting guides like margins, font, image usage and such. I know that Createspace even has a cover generator.

If you are going to add this as a service you may want to consider the Adobe Pro version where you can edit and have other capabilities.

[YourDigitalScribe]

Thank you! I appreciate the help. I'll check out the cuteftp program.

[hbplifestyle]

Thank you. It's amazing how everyone has little tricks for getting what the rest of us need. Great minds think alike.