Formatting Options For Ebook Authors

February 29th, 2008

Filed under: Internet

Ebook authors can choose between format options when producing eBooks. Basic format options for eBooks include TXT, EXE, and PDF.

Plain TXT files can easily be read. They are also easy to change. The problem with files in text format is that images cannot be included. Images and illustrations can be an important share of ebook content. Links to images and to web addresses can be included. Text files are the most basic file format type.

EBooks created as EXE files open right up on the computer. Readers don’t have to use a special reader. Some email managers, however, do not allow the downloading of EXE files. EXE files are used for running programs. When activated, the program starts running automatically.

The fact that EXE files run programs is what makes them potentially dangerous. They could contain viruses or other malicious programs. Outlook and some other email managing programs do not allow EXE files for that reason.

Although Outlook can be crafted to allow files in EXE format, many ebook readers aren’t going to know how or want to do so.

A popular and most often used ebook format is PDF. Adobe Reader, a free program, is required to read PDF files. Many computers come with Adobe Reader already installed. Most ebook publishers who use the PDF format simply include a link where customers can download the free Adobe Reader.

When compared to EXE files, files in PDF format are easier to edit and usually compress better, the bookmarks feature makes navigation simpler and the files can be read on both Macs and Pcs.

PDF format gives authors the option of securing the ebook. Using the security box, authors can check the appropriate responses and limit printing or copying the ebook and prevent changes to the ebook.

The power to protect comes with a price. Adobe is expensive. Users can go to the Adobe sight and covert a few documents for free before purchasing. There are several free substitutes available online. These allow PDF format conversion from Word and other programs.

The biggest problem for ebook authors in using free PDF format conversion is that almost all of the free versions do not convert the links in eBooks created using Microsoft Word. Links are very important to the ebook industry.

One free version that does convert links is provided by Neevia.com. Once the file is uploaded, it is converted and made available onsite for download or sent to a provided email address. Security options can be set according to author preferences.

Microsoft Office Word 2007 offers PDF format as a save option.

Mobipocket readers are electronic ebook readers. In order for an ebook to be read on a mobi, the ebook must be converted to mobi form.

Ebook authors who wish to sell on Amazon must convert the ebook file to mobi since Mobipocket handles Amazon ebook sales. The Mobipocket conversion software and reader software are both available for free at Mobipocket’s home page.

Ebook authors must consider the ebook’s potential audience when considering format. While PDF is the most used format, TXT and EXE are also used. Mobipocket and some other ebook companies have their own formats. Authors can make their eBooks available in a variety of formats. This gives them the opportunity to utilize more disbursement venues and potentially reach more customers.

Nicolas Gremion is the CEO of Paradise Publishers Inc - http://www.ParadisePublishers.com - which operates http://www.Free-eBooks.net – a site which provides readers thousands of digital books free of charge and helps authors expose their works to a massive audience. Nic is also the editor of the http://www.Site-Reference.com newsletter which helps f web owners succeed in the online world.

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