Self-publishing your e-book - where to begin
Following a discussion with a fellow attendee at Allan Guthrie and Gordon Ferris's excellent panel on Digital Publishing at "Bloody Scotland" (September 2012), I gathered some useful links on getting started with self-publishing an e-book.
(David Cannoy is an e-reader and e-publishing expert)
1. Self-publishing – 25 things you need to know by David Cannoy
(This is a good general starting point.)
2. How to self-publish an ebook by David Cannoy
This article was originally written in 2010, but the author has updated it as necessary (last update June 2012)
3. How to build your Kindle e-book for Amazon
This is a free, downloadable user guide from Amazon which takes the reader through the process of converting their book into Kindle format. It includes tips for formatting, creating a cover and then takes the reader through the technical process of uploading to Amazon.
4. Other E-book outlets
Amazon sell e-books in Kindle format. However, they offer the Kindle program free so that customers can download it onto their PCs, iPads, iPhones etc.
Authors who self-publish often upload their books to other websites in order to reach customers using different types of e-readers (such as the Nook or the Sony e-reader). I am told that the conversion process is straightforward on these sites. However, friends who have used them, say that sales are not as high as they are on Amazon.
Smashwords
Offers customers the option to download many different e-book formats (for different e-readers)
Barnes & Noble
B&N have their own e-reader which is called the Nook.
5. Royalties
Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble have different royalty schemes. Amazon offer two royalty schemes with conditions attached to both. Make sure you understand these conditions before uploading your ebook to different outlets.
6. Your book cover
I was very impressed to learn that Mel Sherratt had designed the cover for her excellent debut novel "Taunting the Dead" herself. I know my own efforts wouldn't be anywhere near as professional!
Fortunately, for the artistically challenged among us, there is an entire industry of graphic artists out there who will happily design your book cover for a fee. Alternatively, you can buy covers "off the shelf" at sites like Indie Book Covers.
There is an interesting article about ebook covers at TheCreativePenn.
I hope folks find this useful!
(David Cannoy is an e-reader and e-publishing expert)
1. Self-publishing – 25 things you need to know by David Cannoy
(This is a good general starting point.)
2. How to self-publish an ebook by David Cannoy
This article was originally written in 2010, but the author has updated it as necessary (last update June 2012)
3. How to build your Kindle e-book for Amazon
This is a free, downloadable user guide from Amazon which takes the reader through the process of converting their book into Kindle format. It includes tips for formatting, creating a cover and then takes the reader through the technical process of uploading to Amazon.
4. Other E-book outlets
Amazon sell e-books in Kindle format. However, they offer the Kindle program free so that customers can download it onto their PCs, iPads, iPhones etc.
Authors who self-publish often upload their books to other websites in order to reach customers using different types of e-readers (such as the Nook or the Sony e-reader). I am told that the conversion process is straightforward on these sites. However, friends who have used them, say that sales are not as high as they are on Amazon.
Smashwords
Offers customers the option to download many different e-book formats (for different e-readers)
Barnes & Noble
B&N have their own e-reader which is called the Nook.
5. Royalties
Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble have different royalty schemes. Amazon offer two royalty schemes with conditions attached to both. Make sure you understand these conditions before uploading your ebook to different outlets.
6. Your book cover
I was very impressed to learn that Mel Sherratt had designed the cover for her excellent debut novel "Taunting the Dead" herself. I know my own efforts wouldn't be anywhere near as professional!
Fortunately, for the artistically challenged among us, there is an entire industry of graphic artists out there who will happily design your book cover for a fee. Alternatively, you can buy covers "off the shelf" at sites like Indie Book Covers.
There is an interesting article about ebook covers at TheCreativePenn.
I hope folks find this useful!
Thanks for posting reviews on self-publishing your e-book. All these provide a gateway for digital publishing.
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