Basic Static Ebooks

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1.How to select a platform, format, and distribution method for your ebook?[Original Blog]

One of the most important decisions you have to make as an ebook author is how to publish your ebook. There are many factors to consider, such as the platform, format, and distribution method that best suit your needs and goals. In this section, we will explore some of the pros and cons of different publishing options, and provide some tips and examples to help you make an informed choice.

Here are some of the main aspects you should think about when choosing how to publish your ebook:

1. Platform: This refers to the online service or software that you use to create, edit, and publish your ebook. There are many platforms available, each with its own features, benefits, and limitations. Some of the most popular ones are:

- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): This is the largest and most widely used platform for self-publishing ebooks. It allows you to publish your ebook on Amazon's Kindle Store, where you can reach millions of readers and earn royalties of up to 70%. You can also enroll your ebook in the Kindle Unlimited program, where readers can access your ebook for free as part of their subscription, and you get paid based on the number of pages read. However, KDP also has some drawbacks, such as the requirement to use the MOBI format, which is not compatible with other devices and platforms, and the exclusivity clause, which prevents you from publishing your ebook elsewhere if you enroll in Kindle Unlimited.

- Smashwords: This is another popular platform for self-publishing ebooks, especially for authors who want to distribute their ebooks to multiple retailers and libraries. Smashwords allows you to publish your ebook in multiple formats, such as EPUB, PDF, HTML, and MOBI, and distributes it to various channels, such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd, and OverDrive. You can also set your own price and earn royalties of up to 80%. However, Smashwords also has some limitations, such as the strict formatting guidelines, the long approval process, and the lower visibility and discoverability compared to Amazon.

- Draft2Digital: This is a newer and simpler platform for self-publishing ebooks, similar to Smashwords in terms of distribution and pricing. Draft2Digital allows you to publish your ebook in EPUB format, and distributes it to various channels, such as Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd, and OverDrive. You can also set your own price and earn royalties of up to 80%. However, Draft2Digital also has some disadvantages, such as the lack of direct control over your ebook's metadata, the limited customization options, and the dependency on third-party services.

2. Format: This refers to the file type or standard that you use to create and display your ebook. There are many formats available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common ones are:

- EPUB: This is the most widely used and accepted format for ebooks, as it is compatible with most devices and platforms, except for Amazon Kindle. EPUB is an open and flexible format that allows you to create interactive and responsive ebooks, with features such as hyperlinks, images, audio, video, and fonts. However, EPUB also has some challenges, such as the variation in support and display across different devices and platforms, the need for specialized software or tools to create and edit EPUB files, and the potential for piracy and unauthorized copying.

- MOBI: This is the proprietary format used by Amazon Kindle, and it is not compatible with other devices and platforms. MOBI is a simpler and more compact format that allows you to create basic and static ebooks, with features such as hyperlinks, images, and fonts. However, MOBI also has some limitations, such as the lack of support for interactive and multimedia elements, the need for conversion from other formats, and the restriction to Amazon's ecosystem.

- PDF: This is the most common and familiar format for documents, and it is compatible with most devices and platforms. PDF is a fixed and secure format that allows you to create and preserve the layout and appearance of your ebook, with features such as hyperlinks, images, audio, video, and fonts. However, PDF also has some drawbacks, such as the lack of reflowability and adaptability to different screen sizes and orientations, the need for specialized software or tools to create and edit PDF files, and the difficulty in adding interactivity and multimedia elements.

3. Distribution method: This refers to the way you make your ebook available to your readers, and how you market and sell your ebook. There are many distribution methods available, each with its own opportunities and challenges. Some of the most common ones are:

- Direct distribution: This is the method where you sell your ebook directly to your readers, without using any intermediary or platform. This gives you the most control and flexibility over your ebook, as you can set your own price, terms, and policies, and keep 100% of the profits. You can also build a direct relationship with your readers, and collect their feedback and data. However, direct distribution also requires the most effort and resources, as you have to create and maintain your own website, payment system, delivery system, and customer service. You also have to handle the technical and legal aspects of your ebook, such as the format, DRM, and taxes.

- Indirect distribution: This is the method where you sell your ebook through an intermediary or platform, such as Amazon, Smashwords, or Draft2Digital. This gives you the most convenience and exposure for your ebook, as you can leverage the existing infrastructure, audience, and reputation of the intermediary or platform. You can also benefit from the features and services they offer, such as the formatting, conversion, distribution, promotion, and analytics. However, indirect distribution also involves the most trade-offs and compromises, as you have to follow the rules and guidelines of the intermediary or platform, and share a percentage of your profits with them. You also have less control and contact with your readers, and face more competition and saturation.

As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for publishing your ebook. You have to weigh the pros and cons of each option, and decide what works best for you and your ebook. Here are some examples of how different authors have chosen to publish their ebooks:

- Jane Doe: Jane is a passionate environmental activist who wants to share her insights and experiences on how to live a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. She decides to publish her ebook, Green Living: A practical Guide to reducing Your Environmental Impact, using Smashwords. She chooses this platform because it allows her to publish her ebook in multiple formats and distribute it to various channels, where she can reach a wider and more diverse audience. She also likes the fact that she can set her own price and earn higher royalties. She uses the EPUB format for her ebook, as it enables her to add interactive and multimedia elements, such as hyperlinks, images, and videos, to enhance her ebook's content and appeal. She also opts for indirect distribution, as she prefers the convenience and exposure of using Smashwords' services and partners, rather than creating and managing her own website and systems.

- John Smith: John is a professional photographer who wants to showcase his portfolio and skills on how to take stunning and creative photos. He decides to publish his ebook, Photography 101: A Beginner's Guide to Capturing Amazing Images, using Draft2Digital. He chooses this platform because it allows him to publish his ebook in EPUB format and distribute it to various channels, including Amazon, where he can access the largest and most popular market for ebooks. He also likes the fact that he can set his own price and earn decent royalties. He uses the EPUB format for his ebook, as it allows him to display his photos in high quality and resolution, and to add hyperlinks and fonts to complement his ebook's design and style. He also opts for indirect distribution, as he trusts the reliability and security of using Draft2Digital's services and partners, rather than handling the technical and legal aspects of his ebook himself.

- Mary Jones: Mary is a successful entrepreneur who wants to share her knowledge and advice on how to start and grow a profitable and meaningful business. She decides to publish her ebook, Entrepreneurship 101: A Step-by-Step guide to Building Your dream Business, using KDP. She chooses this platform because it allows her to publish her ebook on Amazon's Kindle Store, where she can tap into the huge and loyal customer base and the powerful and effective promotion tools. She also likes the fact that she can enroll her ebook in the Kindle Unlimited program, where she can earn more money and reach more readers. She uses the MOBI format for her ebook, as it is the only format supported by Amazon Kindle, and as it suits her ebook's content and structure, which are simple and straightforward. She also opts for direct distribution, as she wants to have more control and contact with her readers, and to collect their feedback and data.