This is the ninth article in the series Publishing Your Own eBook series.
It is great that you have a wonderful eBook written up, that is the main purpose. It is even better that you have styled the WORD document to something spectacular. But even if you have the greatest eBook that has ever been created, if you cannot get it out to the masses in the right formats, what is the point?
Below, we have several different formats you will want to consider. Please remember that we are not getting into the details of selling it, but note that several companies like Amazon and Barnes and Nobles require a specific format type to be used on their medium.
- PDF (Portable Document Format)
The PDF file is optimal because it is a universally accepted on all platforms (including Nook) but also allows you to retain the color and layout that you worked so hard to make in WORD. Creating a PDF format is relatively easy. If you use Microsoft Office on a Mac, it is simply changing the “Save As” file extension from .docx to .pdf. For Windows users, it takes an extra step by heading over to WordtoPDF.com, uploading your WORD document, and providing you with an email for them to send you the newly created file. - MOBI (Amazon Kindle)
There are a lot of possibilities out there for making MOBI files, but the best solution and standard for putting it on Kindle is Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It should be noted that this option will easily put your book on their product line and is the most secure option out there, but does not give you a MOBI file to use outside of there. It is a give and take approach. - EPUB (Nook)
The ePub file format is very much less adopted which has hurt the Nook product, but it is still possible to make. Again, just as with the KDP, you need to use Barnes and Noble’s PubIt!, upload your WORD document, and submit it to the online store. - Calibre
There is another option out there called Calibre that allows you to create your file into a MOBI and EPUB and distribute it yourself without Amazon or Barnes and Noble. You would need to directly upload the file since you cannot download the files through the traditional means. Of course, you can now offer these files through your own store or for free off of your blog. That being said, these files cannot then be uploaded to the big companies.
What formats would you want to target?
Jane Bennet says
Your eBook should be seen in all file types.
http://www.alicialyttle.com/jim-edwards-ebook-success-blueprint
seventy8Productions says
Agreed