Compile all content to be published in a file folder on your desktop. Include all text documents and images. This will make it easier to access the material when creating a layout.
Set up the book in Adobe InDesign or Scribus by clicking on "File", and then "New Document". Roughly estimate the amount of pages needed, although pages can easily be added or deleted to make the book longer or shorter if necessary.
Add basic design features such as page numbers and a title page. Create a title page on the first page of the document. On the next page, create a copyright page, including the year published, location of publishing and a disclaimer about the copyrights of the content and author.
Before adding content to the book, determine the organization of the material, including chapters, sections and a table of contents page.
Draft your book in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word. It is easier to edit text in a .doc file format before inserting it into the book layout. Save photographs as JPEGs and have them accessible in Adobe Photoshop or another photo editing program.
Add the material to your book one page at a time.
Once the interior of the book is complete, create a cover for the project using Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Choose an eye-catching design or image for the cover. Stock photos can be found for free or at a low cost on search engines or an art resource website such as DeviantART.
Set up the front and back cover in the interior document--one page at the beginning and one page at the end. Scroll to the beginning of the document and click on the "Layout" tab, and then "Insert New Page". Do the same at the end of the document.
Create an image in Photoshop by clicking on the "File" tab, followed by "New". Set the dimensions to be the same as the interior dimensions. Make sure that the title text can be clearly read.
Have friends, family and peers edit the book for both content and layout before publishing and marketing. Make sure they evaluate not only spelling and grammar, but also consistent page numbers, proper indentation and high-quality images and photographs. Writing resources such as WEbook encourage peer editing and can provide constructive criticism for your project. A professional graphic designer can offer advice and ideas at a low cost.
Export the entire book as a PDF by clicking on the "File" tab and scrolling to Adobe PDF Presets. Use the "High Quality Print" option to ensure a clear, vibrant copy of your book. Set the file name as the title of the book, and make sure all of the pages are included in the PDF. Click on "Export". Your book will then be accessible as a PDF file.
Determine where you want your ebook to be accessible. If you have a personal website, the book can be posted as a PDF for readers to access. A self-publishing website such as Lulu can make your book available to download for free or for a low cost and can be accessed on e-readers or handheld devices. Most publishing websites require manuscripts in a PDF format.