Publishing An ebook: Tips On Epub Conversion And Publishing
In 2018, Amazon reported selling eBooks to about 90 million eReaders. The popularity of an eBook depends on how well you write it and how well it reads. An eBook is not complete without conversion from a manuscript document. Usually, manuscripts are in the formats .docx, .doc, .txt, or .html, among many more.
These formats do not permit reading on eReading devices. As a result, it is mandatory to convert to another format, mostly ePUB. ePUB conversion is a process you can handle yourself. However, conversion services are available online. Since you spent many hours writing your book, getting it to the correct format (digitally) offers readers a better experience.
So, what’s the major difference between a fixed layout eBook and a regular one?
Differences Between Fixed Layout and Regular eBooks
Standard eBooks are in the ePUB format. They have real-time flowing text, readable on most eReaders. You can adjust elements like the font style and size to fit your preferences. Pagination is not available in these eBooks because the number of words on display per page depends on your settings. The device’s screen size also matters.
The ePUB format is ideal for text-based books. Additionally, eBooks with art and illustration graphic designs or small images amongst the text are best-suited for the ePUB format.
Fixed layout eBooks rely on large photos or heavy design elements. Such eBooks include cookbooks, comics, and children’s books. Printing these books in a fixed layout preserves the qualities of each page.
The contents will remain the same (images and text) even if the reader changes the settings. Most devices allow zooming in and out, though. Fixed layouts are like the digital version of typesetting. You can make specific font choices and specify the placement of visual elements.
Consider the standard ePUB format if:
- Your book is made mostly of text (except cover art)
- The book has small images within the text
- You want to reach most readers on different platforms (eReaders, tablets, smartphones, and computers)
The fixed eBook is the best if:
- You want to select a background color
- You choose to preserve text over images
- The text should wrap around images
- You have chosen a horizontal orientation for your book
- Your text pages are multi-column
eBooks with fixed layouts might cost you more during conversion because they require more attention. If you want the standard eBook conversion, there are correct formatting methods.
How to Correctly Format eBooks for Standard Conversion
- Indent paragraphs properly
- Insert page breaks at the right time
- Use the correct margins
- Use left-justification or centered text
- Use the appropriate font style and size
- Use a standard page size (especially when using Word)
If you choose to do the conversion yourself, avoid spaces when naming the file. Instead of “my best book illustration yet.jpg,” use “mybestillustrationyet.jpg.”
The little details have a lot of effect on the final product. Spaces, for example, are not read the same way across all devices. As an eBook author, you want your readers to read the book on various devices. Therefore, the wrong spacing will affect the display of your book.
If it seems like a lot of work, conversion services are readily available online. Get the formatting correct first, so that conversion can be smoother to create a beautifully written eBook.
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