Re: 1st time writer and new to forum

From: "sandimarketing" 
> Hi All,
> 
> My approx. 300 page book is informational (pet related) vs. a novel. I have text, chart, pictures and hyperlinks for the reader to use as reference tools. It's typed in a word document.
> 
> I called godaddy.com and for $113/yr I can get a website (quick shopping cart).  I was planning to sell it on my own vs. i.e.: ebookmall.com.  I know my target audience and can promote it myself.
> 
> I converted the text to Aerial 12 pt., single spaced, with margins at 1" all around.
> 
> Questions:
> 
> 1. I presently converted a 23 page document typed in word using cute pdf which my neighbor recommended.  Can I still use that for an ebook?

Sandi,

Looks like you have a big learning curve heading your way ;-) First don't spend money in a hurry.  A lot of options can be found free, or at low cost. For example if you collect money via PayPal [the account is free] there is a free way of having a payment system. For a single book from your own website you really do not need more than that. So you just made $113, by not paying Go-Daddy! ;-)

But you will always be advised to do some planning. Have you read any books on publishing? I'll let others recommend some good beginner's ones.

PDFs are one form of ebook, and probably the most popular for all uses. And the size is unlimited. But the size you select should be a commercial decision.

> 
> 2.  Do I need to type in the url or is there a way they can click on the title and that will bring them to the referenced website?

Ah, you really do have learning curves ;-). The link is a device that is straightforward, but best managed through the program used - again there are free and low cost ones [It really depends how sophisticated you want the ebook].  You put the site address in the box presented for it. Otherwise you need to understand some forms of html.

By the way you do know to keep the original file and do all the work on copy files? 

> 
> 3.  Is adobe the only pdf program to use? If so, who would be the cheapest to buy the software?  I went to Comp USA and they hardly have any software programs, mainly computers/t.v.'s.

Adobe has excellent software, and is needed for the top end of the business. Otherwise, and this means in your case, there is cheap or no cost software available.

> 
> 4.  Which program do you recommend to create a "book cover"?

This might depend on your skill level. But again I'm going to let others recommend. Remember start with the no cost options. Thre is always time to spend money when you have an idea what you are looking for. And the specifics will depend on your actual need. Publishing is a very large business with endless niches and experiences.

> 
> 5.  Is there a maximum of pages you can have in an ebook?  

No. Not technically. But it again should be a commercial decision. What are your targetted readers going to be drawn by?

> 
> 6.  Should I eliminate page numbers?

Your choice. But why should you have numbers/not have numbers? How will people read the book? Will there be an all-internal-link contents and index? I.e. how will your readers find the information?

> 
> 7.  Can the reader send the file to a friend?

Yes. Don't lose any sleep over it. There are discussions here from time to time that will inform you. Essentially concentrate on the honest customer.

> 
> I'm sure there are other questions I'm not asking, so any advice you can offer it's definitely appreciated.
> 
> I wish you all luck selling your ebooks!
> 
> Sandi
> 
> 

Well Sandi that question is the publishing equivalent of how long is a piece of string. Start with a good all round book on how to publish. Get to Aaron Shephard's (did I spell that right?) Aiming at Amazon as your second or third book and you should be armed with a clear picture of how to proceed. And read the posts here; you will be surprised how much you can learn.

Good luck, Sandi.

Nice to see you starting out.

Joseph


Joseph Harris - Debt Control Man
http://www.controlyourdebtcrisis.co.uk
Author: Control Your Debt Crisi on Your Own Terms
SAQ - SAve the cheQue



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