eBook formatting

[Ermz]

Hey guys,

As some of you may know, I'm putting together an eBook over the next couple of months.

I mostly wanted some pointers on what the general formatting methods are for eBooks. Do you guys have any good ones you can point me to? I want to know how graphically intensive to get.

Also, what are some preferred ways of distributing the eBooks that would make them accessible to people?

Ideally I want to hit all the portable devices like iPhones, iPads, Android etc. as well as the standard PC release. I'm unsure what formats are going on here.

Any pointers are appreciated. Cheers!

 

[amarshism]

iPhones and ipads can get PDF reader apps which are pretty cool. I also watched a Ted talk a few months ago about a dev team that released Al Gores iPad/iPhone ebook and they mentioned releasing software with which to compile your own books for iPad/iPhone. Not sure if/how long until it's released. Distribution wise I'd probably hit up the forums with a link to your site (generate some traffic) and organize payment via paypal.

Edit: if you're on iPad/iPhone pick up Our Choice, Al Gores book to see the results in action. Or just check out the Ted talk here:

 

[Steven Otto]

What I would do if I were the one to release an eBook:

- Offer a PDF and ePub version.
- Create a neat looking landing page at www.systematicproductions.com/awesomebook where people can purchase the book.
That's basicly what amarshism recommended as well.

Do you have a basic knowledge of typography, lay-out and design? Making content for a screen is different than paper (e.g., use sans-serif fonts for optimal readabilty). Got any experience with Adobe InDesign?

If you need any specific help, hit me up with a pm.

 

[grywolf627]

.....- Offer a PDF and ePub version.

Definitely, do this.

 

[Virgil.]

My wife has a Kindle that I buy books to read on, but there's also a Kindle app for the iphone/ipod (and iPad as well i'm assuming) that I use to access our Kindle books on my iphone to read while she's hogging the kindle. And yes, PDF is also a standard format and most have PDF reader apps available on their phones too.

 

[Ermz]

Thanks guys. At the moment what most concerns me is how to distribute it. I don't really want to be dealing with each sale individually myself.

I'd rather a 3rd party distribution site where there is some inherent security (like no public link that anyone can share) and the sales are automated.

Any pointers in that regard?

 

[Pedro Teixeira]

Thanks guys. At the moment what most concerns me is how to distribute it. I don't really want to be dealing with each sale individually myself.

I'd rather a 3rd party distribution site where there is some inherent security (like no public link that anyone can share) and the sales are automated.

Any pointers in that regard?

Big Cartel perhaps? Don't know if you can sell books there though, never used it

 

[Steven Otto]

Thanks guys. At the moment what most concerns me is how to distribute it. I don't really want to be dealing with each sale individually myself.

I'd rather a 3rd party distribution site where there is some inherent security (like no public link that anyone can share) and the sales are automated.

Any pointers in that regard?

E-junkie seems to fit your requirements.

It sends the customers a custom link. You can decide the amount of times the link can be used to download and the time.

 

[Pekka Posio]

You should try contacting this place:

http://www.ingramdigital.com/
http://www.ingramdigital.com/contact-us/

Im working in a Finnish bookstore and that's where we get most of our e-books.

EDIT: (added straight link to contact page)

 

[Ermz]

How does this look? http://pulleyapp.com/tour

Apparently the big cartel guys own it.

 

[ArthurD]

PDF + epub.
Vote for Big Cartel here.