Because you can find all sorts of resources and info on non fiction ebooks.

Because I feel fiction deserves as much attention as non fiction.

Because, I am, myself a fiction author trying to introduce my work to the world without the time constraints of a traditional publisher. Would also like to see some income from that venture--wouldn't you?

Why eBooks at all?

Because eBooks are fairly easy to produce. Very easy if you don't mind giving away or selling your Word, WordPerfect, or OpenOffice document.

Because eBooks don't take up tons of space in your basement, attic, garage, shed, living room, kitchen, waiting to be sold.

Because eBooks aren't made of trees. Trees keep us supplied with oxygen. And we all love fresh air!

Publishing Qs

I've got an eBook ready to publish. Where can I do that?

There are many professional ePublishers out there with new ones coming aboard all the time. Check for them in our listings in the eDirectory page.

Can I publish my own eBook?

Yes, you can. Lots of writers are doing it every day!

How much will I make?

Well, there are no guarantees anyone will buy your eBook, just as there are none that anyone would ever buy your print book. However, should your eBook become successful, you would make more than you would with a traditional publisher, who has to recoup his expenses in printing your book first before you get paid. Typically, that's about 6%. Your share, that is. 6%. You can keep up to 100% of the sale doing it all yourself.

Designing Qs

Can I design my own eBook?

Sure you can. Takes a bit of a learning curve to produce one of excellent quality. But it can be done if you want to make that effort. Many do just that.

Can I make my own eBook Cover?

Yep, just as you can design your own eBook. You can use a program for it, or a graphics program. Some programs like RealDraw Pro include an eBook cover template. Warning: This will either drive you crazy or make you become addicted to design!

I don't want to do any designing myself. Where can I go to find someone to do it for me?

See the listings in the eDirectory page and check out the links page on this site.

Compiling Qs

How do I compile my manuscript into an eBook?

You can use a program for that purpose, or you can just offer a word processing document. Using a wp doc will not protect your prose obviously. But if you're doing open source, it doesn't matter.

What kinds of eBook compilers are there?

There are a ton of programs out there. Some compile .exe files, and others .pdf, .lit, and so on. Some are easy to learn, others not so much. Expense is another consideration. There are free ones, and paid for ones. Generally, you get what you pay for. That said, you don't need the most expensive one to compile your eBooks.

What formats are suggested? Which is best?

Any of the formats listed above can be used. Many people feel the .pdf format is best because Mac users are able to view your work as well. And you do want potential customers from all over to buy your eBooks, don't you? Others prefer HTML, also known as .exe files. For some specialized formats, you might need to have someone do it for you. For instance, compiling for certain eBook reading devices. If you want to offer only one format, then .pdf is usually the one to go with.

Reader Qs

I've never read an eBook. What do I need to know?

How to click on an icon--and I'm sure you know how to do that! You may need to unzip a .zip file. You would need some sort of unzip program for that. WinZip or WinRAR or other similar type program. There are some free ones available as well. Google for those.

I'm not a fan of reading at my computer. Can I print out pages to read elsewhere?

Many authors and publishers do not allow printing and/or copying as there are always valid concerns about the safety of our rights as authors and publishers. I understand both sides of this controversial coin, and after much deliberation decided that I would allow customers to print out copies. If I find someone's violated my copyrights, well, I will be consulting an attorney, be sure of that! However, for the reader who just wants to read in bed or the doctor's office, fine. Print away.

I have an eBook reader device. Will your formats be compatible?

Depends on which device you have. Most of them can be loaded with a program for reading .pdf and .exe files. Others, like Mobipocket and Palm need to be compiled in those formats. Due to time constraints and expense of the appropriate programs that would allow me to do that, I don't compile in anything other than HTML (.exe) and .pdf at this time.

How expensive are fiction eBooks?

Generally, way less than most non-fiction eBooks. Authors and Publishers set their own prices. Anywhere from $1.00 up to $12.95 is common, with most being priced between $2.00 and $8.95. There are a few with higher prices than $12.95. Some authors also offer a buy by the chapter option. Fees vary from a few cents to a couple of dollars.