Skip to Content

Ebook publishing - WritersServices Self-publishing

WritersServices Self-publishing

An introduction to ebook publishing

What are ebooks?

At first glance they are very similar to printed books, except that the content appears on a screen. However:

  • There are no 'pages' as the text adapts to the device and the user's settings
  • Layout is supplied by XHTML tags and style sheets which can be customised to the device.
  • The size of the font can be changed
  • The digital format allows other types of media such as images, movies and sound, to be embedded
  • Text can be searched, cross-referenced or looked up in a dictionary. 
  • Years of reading material can be stored in the memory of a reading device. 
  • Readers who have eye problems can benefit from the adjustable text size and font. The digital files can be also be read out loud.

What about the hardware?

  • Kindle, Sony, Mobi etc use e-ink, which has a very low power requirement but has no backlight or colour.
  • Smart phones offer content on the move so are ideal for news and magazines.
  • Tablets such as the iPad offer colour and interactivity.
  • Netbooks and laptops work well as e-book readers.

How to prepare and convert the text

There are lots of bureaus offering conversion services but this is something the writer can also master, thanks to easily available software.

You also need to add metadata as this is what makes your work visible in the digital world. The software also assembles the ebook.

How do you publish, supply and sell your ebook?

Amazon will welcome anybody, as will some other ebook vaults, so there are no major obstacles to making yourself into a publisher.

For the writer, there is no need to print and distribute copies which makes it cheaper to make ebooks available through many different outlets. 

Marketing is different because the supply-chain options have changed. The writer needs to understand the role of metadata to ensure the search engines will let people find their books.

Comments

Ordering


Does your book deserve the attentions of a professional  copy editor?

Writers Services offers a full range of editorial services.

Glossary & Acronyms

Home   Newsletter   What's involved? Glossary & Acronyms Some WPS titles Worldwide distribution

Main topic index

  1. Work out the design and set up cost
  2. Unit cost business & marketing plans
  3. Book order form and payment page

You are off to a very good marketing start with WPS as we link all our titles into Amazon and several of the biggest book distributors so your book can be ordered, delivered and the money collected worldwide.

Choose WPS as your publishing partner.

We operate from the UK and under the financial rules and regulations of the UK