Content is king in the publishing industry. Writing an eBook requires knowledge and skill; without the proper tools, even the best writers struggle with eBook development. Choose word-processing software that is user-friendly, powerful, has the ability to multitask and fits in your budget. User-friendly software can be formatted to meet individual needs and include writing tools like spelling and grammar checks, multiple font choices and page layout capabilities. Additional features in word-processing software are word wrap and file management capabilities. EBook development software packages can be purchased from retailers, but many programs are available on the Internet for free. Popular programs include Google Docs, Buzz Word, Think Free and iNet Word.
EBook presentation allows authors to create works that are informative, attractive, inviting and even interactive in some cases. Cover design and art-insertion tools are important. Other eBook presentation tools include page turning, audio, and the ability to embed video or incorporate pop-ups . Presentation software encourages an author/fan relationship because it can be tailored and personalized. This makes distribution and marketing development easier.
Protecting against fraud is vital when delivering eBooks to the public. Many eBook self-publishing software packages include password protection and PDF or zip files with download capabilities. Delivery and security software should address product control, or limiting a purchaser’s ability to copy and paste sections of an eBook at will. Protections should make it difficult to repackage an eBook and allow authors to track (through embedded security coding) where an eBook is being sold and distributed online, thus limiting piracy possibilities.
Blogging, social networking, joini forums and word-of-mouth are the most common tools used for eBook distribution and marketing, and most of these are free. It is important to have a landing page, or website, devoted solely to the eBook being sold. After that, it’s all about creating back-links and building hype about the product. Incorporating strong SEO on the website is essential for random searches.