The Pros And Cons Of Ebook

The Pros And Cons Of Ebook

  

  • vaishali
    VAISHALI S
    180,664 pts
    Guru


    eBook Questions and Answers

    Everything you 'like to know' and 'need to know' about eBooks and Print Books are here for you.

    1. Which is the best E-Book Format?

    If you want to create a good e-book, you need to start by choosing the right format for writing the E-Book.

    The four best formats for e-book are:

    ▶︎ .pdf

    The PDF is the most preferred format for E-books across different platforms like cellphones, desktops, laptops, tabs, eReaders, etc.

    The PDF is the best user-friendly E-book format for you.

    ▶︎ .mobi

    The .mobi extension e-books are popular among E-Readers like amazon kindle, and the Kindle for iOS.

    This .mobi format provides multiple user-friendly options like swiping to turn the page as you do in the actual book. And, it gives the option to bookmark a page.

    ▶︎ .epub

    The EPUB is a free, open-source e-book format. All E-Readers like Amazon Kindle, Google Books, and Apple iBook.

    The current version of EPUB is EPUB 3.0.1.

    KOBO E-Reader, Apple iBook app for Mac and iOS, Android, Barnes & Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle Fire, PocketBook E-Reader, FBReader, and other popular eReader apps support the EPUB format.

    ▶︎ iBook

    The iBook is exclusive for the Apple iBook store. All the E-Books sold on the Apple iBook store has the iBook Format.

    Decide what kind of format you want for your E-Book.

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    2. Where can I download free E-Books online?

    Here are 14 best E-Book sites where you can access and download free E-book PDF’s easily.

    Project Gutenberg

    Google E-Book Store

    Open Library

    Amazon Free Kindle Books

    BookBoon.com

    Library Genesis

    Free book spot

    Get Free EBooks

    Many books.net

    Free Ebooks.net

    Feedbooks

    Open Culture

    Issuu

    Ebook Bike

    Apart from the above, we have Barnes and Noble eBooks through their NOOK Reading App. Through the App, you access to free eBooks and e-magazines from multiple genres. And it offers around 1000 free eBooks for Children.

    If you like to download free audiobooks, you can go to:

    Librivox

    Open Culture – Also offers free audiobooks

    Lit2Go

    Spotify

    If you like to download free E-books related to education, business, free research-paper PDF’s then you have sites like:

    Online programming Books.com – you can find E-Books and online books on App development, programming, computer science, web-designing, software engineering, networking, Information Technology.

    BookYards.com - Free E-Books on education materials, references, and studies related documents, reference materials.

    Free ComputerBooks.com – You can find free PDF books on Computer science, Lecture Notes, Mathematics.

    KnowFree – Free E-books for professionals who can access free research white papers, reports, and case studies.

    Ebook lobby – Has E-books on the computer, arts, education, business.

    O'Reilly – If you like to access free e-books and PDFs on study books related to IT, Computer Technologies, etc.

    All these sites offer free eBook downloads for amazon kindle, smartphones, and such.

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    3. List of good E-Book Writing Software:

    You need good document creation software to write a complete e-book with no hassles and troubles.

    Here are best, feature-rich, highly preferred, and more than 4.5 star-rated E-Book Writing software for you.

    ● Conga Document Generation – Conga Composer

    ● Dropbox Paper

    ● Microsoft Word

    ● Formstack Documents

    ● Smallpdf

    ● Google Docs

    ● Adobe Acrobat DC

    ● Foxit PhantomPDF

    ● Foxit PDF SDK

    ● PDFelement

    ● ZOHO Docs

    All the above software has reached the “Market Presence” and “high Performers” in the G2 GRID for Top Document Creation Software Products.

    If you don’t know what G2 is, here’s a small introduction. The G2 scores products and software vendors based on user reviews and data aggregated from online sources and social networks. Together, these scores get mapped on the G2 GRID.

    The G2 GRID shows data in both “Live” and “Trending” criteria. The G2 GRID is the best way to find top software products.

    If you are a professional E-Book writer or planning to be one, go for the above pro software.

    But, if you are new to e-book writing, you can start with free e-book editing the software’s like:

    ● Microsoft Word

    ● ZOHO Writer

    ● iLovePDF

    ● PDF-XChange Editor

    ● Easy PDF

    ● Inkspace – open-source vector editing program

    ● Epubeemaker

    ● Flipbuilder

    ● Visme

    They all have excellent features and facilities to support good e-book writing for you.

    We mentioned here (both Paid and Free versions software) are the most sought-after document creation software for e-books. They are compatible with Windows and Mac Users.

    Special Mentions:

    ● Scrivener – For writing novels and screenplays, type eBook.

    ● iBooks Author – eBook writing/editing software only for Apple iBooks.

    ● Adobe InDesign – an advanced eBook creating software, especially if you want graphics and all interactive style-elements for your eBook. By becoming good at Adobe InDesign, you can render an immersive experience to your eBook for sure.

    ● Beacon Plugin for WordPress – If you like to convert your Blog posts into eBooks, you can install and use this plugin.

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    4. Why you need a cross-platform EBook Reader?

    Ans:

    Most of the eReading apps work only on specific operating systems.

    That is why; you need cross-platform eBook Readers. They will run on all operating systems, accepts many eBook file formats, and gives the user convenient reading features like bookmarking, highlighting, etc.

    5 Best cross-platform eBook readers are:

    Kindle – kindle eReader supports iOS and Android platforms. It supports AWZ3, Mobi, PDF eBook formats. The Kindle app offers interactive features for eBooks like bookmarking, highlighting, turning the page, making notes, and syncing eBooks.

    FBReader – a cross-platform eBook reader available for iOS, iPhone and Android, Linux, Windows, and Mac OS. You can also read your eBooks on your Desktop and other hand-held devices.

    Bookari – This eBooks reader works on Android and iOS. It is compatible with PDF, ePUB2, and ePUB3 format along with Adobe DRM.

    Kitaboo – Is an interactive cross-platform eBook reader. It is compatible with Android, Windows, and iOS. Kitaboo gives an offline reading feature. It offers interactive features like making notes, bookmarking, highlighting texts, reading aloud, turning the page, etc.

    Cool Reader – It is an open-source eBook reader software supporting Windows, iOS, Android, Mac OS X. It supports a wide range of eBook file formats like ePUB, CHM, PDB, MOB, FB2, TXT, RTF, Doc, TCR.

    Scribd, BlueFire reader, Libby, and Lucidor are other preferred cross-platform eReading apps.

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    5. What is eBook DRM? Why we need DRM for eBooks?

    Ans:

    DRM stands for Digital Rights Management.

    Digital Rights Management uses technology to protect your eBook copyright of the content. You can avoid losing your revenue share by adding DRM protection to your eBook.

    If you want to protect your EBook from illegal downloads, sharing (instead of buying) eBooks for free, and stop losing revenue, you need DRM strategy.

    If you are planning to write an eBook;

    ● Select the digital publishing platform that offers DRM encryption to protect your eBook against piracy.

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    6. How to sell eBooks on Amazon?

    Ans:

    Amazon offers KDP – Kindle Direct Publishing where you can self-publish and sell your eBooks for free and earn money.

    When you use KDP:

    ● Your eBook appears in the Kindle Store within a Day.

    ● From Content to eBook pricing, it is all up to the book writer.

    ● It will be available to readers worldwide.

    ● You can earn up to 70% royalties on the list price you set for your eBook.

    ● You can retrieve the money from eBook sales in your preferred currency.

    ● You can create your author page.

    The KDP gives access to

    ● Real-time data on your book sales worldwide.

    Also, Enroll in KDP Select and earn money through Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library.

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    7. Where to buy eBooks?

    Ans:

    The 10 best places to find and buy eBooks are:

    1. Amazon Kindle

    2. Barnes and Noble Nook eBook Store

    3. iBook

    4. KOBO

    5. Google Play Books

    6. SCRIBD

    7. Playster

    8. Smashwords (independent eBooks)

    9. Total Boox ( only pay for the % of the book you read)

    10. Springer (individual eBooks on education)

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    8. How to buy eBooks?

    Ans:

    To buy eBooks:

    ● Signup with any of the eBook stores like B&N Nook, Amazon Kindle, etc. You can install respective reading apps.

    ● Explore different genres of books, best-selling eBooks, new releases, pre-orders, classics, etc.

    ● Pick your choice of eBook.

    ● Select the eBook version will have many versions like paperback, hardcover, audiobook, audio CD, etc.

    ● If you have reading apps, the layout can be a little different, but the procedure will be the same. Pick the book, add it to your cart, and finally make the payment. Your choice of eBook will be in your eReader.

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    9. Where to sell eBooks online?

    Ans:

    If you are looking to sell your eBooks online, you have 11 best platforms. They are:

    A. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

    You can earn between 35% to 70% royalty of your eBook sales. You can self-publish your eBook for free. Reaching millions of people and marketing your eBook is easy for you.

    B. Payhip.com

    You can host and sell eBooks. This website allows you to host your eBook, create promotions, affiliates, and brings bloggers and marketers to promote and sell your eBook. Payhip takes 5% of your eBook sales.

    C. Nook Press

    It is by Barnes & Noble. You can publish your eBook here for free.

    D. Blurb.com

    It provides options to sell and promote your eBooks easily. You can sell your eBook directly on their platform. Or, you can also do it in Amazon, B&N platform, and Apple iBook stores. The Blurb takes 20% per sale of your eBook.

    E. The E-Junkie

    It offers wonderful ways to sell your eBooks like creating sales pages, multiple payment support, affiliate programs, protected storage, discounts, Google analytics, and more.

    F. Google Play

    It is another best place to sell your eBook on android platforms easily.

    G. Feiyr

    They charge you with a one-time fee. After that, you can start publishing your eBook and earn up to 90% of sales. They also give promotional features for your eBook.

    H. Apple’s iBooks Author

    If you want your eBook to be available to Apple users, you can pick this platform. The iBook royalty rate is flat 70%.

    I. Kobo Writing Life

    Their royalty rates are 70% and 45%. Kobo is a growing platform to sell your eBooks.

    J. Draft2Digital

    This is an aggregator platform to sell eBooks, i.e. they will convert your eBook and distribute it across famous platforms like iBooks, Nook, Kobo, and other ebooks stores.

    K. INscribe Digital

    It provides eBook subscription services. Upload your eBook. The sale of your eBook will be across hundreds of websites.

    To sell your eBooks online and gain revenue, go for good E-Publishing platforms we mentioned here. They are trustworthy, legal, support different OS platforms, and are accessible to millions of people online. Besides, you get affiliate programs, promotions, royalty revenue, and other convenient features.

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    10. How to sell eBooks on your own Website/Blog?

    Ans:

    You can sell eBooks from your own blog/website in two ways.

    Method 1:

    If you have substantial followers for your website/blog, you need not worry much. You can go ahead by adding different plugins like PayPal, Shopify, etc. on your site.

    ● You can try the “PayPal for Digital Goods” plug-in. Link the Plugin to your PayPal account (if you don’t have one, you can create one). Upload your eBook into the media library. Add a “buy now” button for the eBook you want to sell. You can place the button in your word press/blog pages, posts, sidebars, or just anywhere on your site.

    ● You can embed Payhip directly into your website. Or, you can use Payhip’s storefront to sell your eBooks.

    ● You can use Shopify. It offers over 50 responsive themes to sell eBooks. The Shopify POS app will help you sell your eBooks online from your website or blog easily.

    They all give step-by-step guidance to set up a selling front for you on your website.

    Method 2:

    If you are a growing blogger and want to reach a wider audience, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing can be an excellent platform for you. You can link your Amazon KDP to your social media pages in your blogs.

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    11. How to transfer my eBooks to Kindle?

    Ans:

    To remember:

    a. Have a proper file format for your eBooks.

    b. If you have your eBook as PDF, then no problem. Amazon Kindle automatically converts PDF’s into Kindle formats.

    c. If your eBook is in Mobi format, they are perfectly compatible with Kindle. Just attach it and send it to kindle email.

    d. If your file is in ePUB format, covert it into Mobi format to sync with Kindle. You can use the software called Calibre. Or, you can do it from the document creation software you are using to create your eBook, etc. You can use a website called “epubconverter.com.” It is a free site to convert your eBooks to Amazon Kindle compatible.

    Transferring eBooks to Amazon Kindle:

    Method 1:

    ● Connect your Kindle to your computer with a USB cable.

    ● Your Kindle the device will appear in the same location as an external USB Drive appear

    ● Open the Kindle Folder

    ● Open the Internal Storage Folder.

    ● Find the eBook you have. See what format it is in. your eBook should be in PDF, ePUB, TXT, PRC, DOCX.

    ● Remember Kindle-friendly file formats. They are DOC, DOCX, RTF, PDF, MOBI, AWZ, PNG and BMP.

    ● If you don’t have any of the above file formats, covert them (preferable to MOBI format) first.

    ● Drag and drop the file into the Kindle folder you selected.

    ● Once the file is copied, you can disconnect Kindle form your computer.

    Method 2:

    ● There is an app called “Send2Kindle”. It is available for windows and android platforms.

    ● Install it and configure it to your needs.

    ● Select the file from your PC. Right-click and select the option “Send2Kindle”.

    ● When you run the Send2Kindle app, it will create a window. Drag any compatible file from your PC into that window.

    ● The file will be automatically sent to Kindle Cloud.

    Method 3:

    ● Connect your kindle devices to Wi-Fi without fail.

    ● Open your web browser from your computer or laptop.

    ● Go to the amazon official page. Log in to it.

    ● After logging in, you will find an option called “Accounts & Lists.” Click it.

    ● From the drop-down menu, select the “Your Content & Devices” option.

    ● You will see a fresh set of menus and options.

    ● From them, choose the “Preferences” option.

    ● Select “Personal Document Setting” from the list of options you see.

    ● “Enable” the Archiving option if it is in a 'disabled' state. Enabling the archiving option will support sending files and documents to your kindle.

    ● Next, click on the “Add a new approved e-mail address” link.

    ● You will now get a pop-up window with a prompt saying “Enter an approved email address” with a text bar.

    ● If you have an email address here, check if it is valid, and you use it frequently.

    ● If not, add your preferred e-mail address (the email address that you use for Kindle) in the text bar and click on the “Add Address” button.

    ● Open your Gmail or whatever mailing system you use.

    ● Compose a new email.

    ● Add the kindle’s email address in the “To” area.

    ● Add your eBook via the Attachment option.

    ● Make sure the eBook you are adding to the Kindle has a compatible format.

    ● “Send” your email.

    ● The eBook will be received and downloaded in your Kindle Device.

    Apart from these methods, if you like to add an Amazon eBook to your Kindle via USB, follow these simple steps.

    ● Go to your amazon official page.

    ● Sign in to your account.

    ● Select “Accounts & Lists”

    ● Select “Your Content & Devices”

    ● You will find the list of amazon eBooks you have downloaded for free or paid.

    ● Click to the Left-side of the book (Three Dots)

    ● Select the option “Download & Transfer via USB.”

    ● From the drop-down list box, select your Kindle Device

    ● Click OK.

    ● If your eBook is not in the Kindle compatible format, convert it using the ePubconverter.com site. You can do it by opening a new tab. Enter the converter site address. The page will appear before you. Do the conversion work.

    ● Once done, you can copy the file from the site.

    ● Now, connect your Kindle charger cable to the USB port of your laptop or computer.

    ● Unlock the Kindle if you have any password.

    ● Open the “Internal Storage” folder from the Kindle. It can also be in the name of “books” depending upon Kindle Versions.

    ● Now, press Ctrl+V or do the right-click and “Paste” option.

    ● Once copied, eject the Kindle from your system.

    Your eBook is now copied to your Amazon Kindle.

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    12. How to Make Money with eBooks?

    Ans:

    To make money from eBooks:

    ● Come up with an eBook idea that suits your niche writing area or topic.

    ● Use good eBook writing software.

    ● Start Writing.

    ● Edit, proof-read and correct errors and mistakes.

    ● Create a catchy eBook cover design. Front and back eBook cover design is a plus for you.

    ● You can give your final eBook to your friends, family, colleague, or a few of your target audience and get some feedback. Make changes you feel are right.

    ● Don’t forget to write a crisp and sharp eBook Description. This will attract your target audience easily.

    ● Complete your eBook.

    ● Price your eBook. It depends upon the platform in which you sell. If you plan to sell your eBook from your website or blog, you can price it a little high. If you plan to sell it on Amazon KDP, price it low to compete with similar eBook topics available for free.

    ● You can pick the best-value and good-return ePublishing platforms. Apart from selling eBooks through your website or blog, ePublishing platforms are a great way to make money from your eBook.

    ● You can choose affiliate programs.

    ● Use social media to promote it.

    ● Initially, you can offer your eBook for free to promote it. A good marketing strategy will help you.

    For starters, eBook publishing platforms are a great way to make money from eBooks.

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    13. Where can I read free eBooks online?

    Ans:

    The top 11 websites that allow you to read free eBooks online without any hassle are:

    ● Open Library

    ● Google Books

    ● Blurb

    ● Smashwords

    ● ManyBooks

    ● BookRix

    ● Authorama

    ● Project Gutenberg

    ● 24Symbols

    ● BookBub

    ● Bookboon

    ● Reddit free eBooks

    Few websites here act as a digital library to you. You can borrow eBooks and return. All you have to do is signup, and you are ready.

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    14. How to select the right eBook publishing platform for my eBooks?

    Ans:

    The best eBook publishing platform will have these 10 key features.

    ● Your eBook publishing software should be compatible with different operating systems, browsers, eReaders, and multiple devices.

    ● The ePublishing platform should offer an “easy to use” interface. Video tutorials, demo videos, easy interfaces, easy menu options, no complex technical elements, interactive widgets, simple drag/drop/ buttons, and icons will all be a big plus.

    ● Customizing options i.e. White-Labelled platform, where you can have the right to design and customize your logos, templates, and designs.

    ● You need good “Analytics”. An eBook Publishing platform providing in-depth data to publishers is a big advantage. Analytics will help the publisher see real-time data, user patterns, and help build eBook Sales.

    ● DRM protection is a must. DRM protection will ensure safety for your eBook at all levels. It will protect you against data thefts, piracy, sharing without paying, along with strong encryption.

    ● Access to different eStores will become an extra credit to ePublishing platforms.

    ● Compatible with EPUB3 version of eBook. All latest eReader devices and eReader software support ePUB3 format.

    ● The ePublishing platform should provide facilities to add images, videos, audios, text highlighting, interactive elements, annotations, etc. to make the eBook interesting.

    ● Go for an ePublishing platform that offers affordable, license-based plans for your ePublishing software.

    ● Make sure you don’t put too much money one time. If you don’t like this platform, you should be able to switch to another ePublishing platform with no hassle or money loss.

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    15. How to Market your eBooks?

    Ans:

    Marketing your eBooks can be a challenge. Here are some strategies that you can try to market your eBooks effectively.

    ● You can use your social media to the fullest to reach a wider audience for your eBooks.

    ● You can open a separate social media page for your eBook.

    ● You can create an Author Page to make people get to know you.

    ● Bring in affiliate programs.

    ● Work with good ePublishing platforms as they offer promotional programs.

    ● Create a mailing list of close-circle people. Send them your eBook copy and ask for suggestions and feedback. Excellent reviews promote your eBooks easily.

    ● You can create a blog/website for your eBook.

    ● Create video snippets.

    ● Promote your eBook with keywords to drive traffic.

    ● You can bring in “Pre-Order” strategies.

    ● You can create an anticipation strategy like sending promos, eBook cover reveals, snippet pages/few lines of texts.

    ● You can bring in bloggers related to your eBook to support your eBook.

    ● Design a stunning eBook cover design.

    ● If there is a reading circle, join in. Introduce your eBook to people there.

    ● Discounts, offer pricing, pre-order price slash are excellent strategies to try.

    ● Reach out to good eBook subscription services to promote.

    These are few best working strategies to market, sell, and promote your eBooks easily.

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