How to Make Your Own Ebook

Sometimes having a simple MS Word Document is not enough. With a PDF ebook you'll have a more permanent document to give away or sell to all your fans.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• MS Word Manuscript file
• PDF software (you can download this for free if you don't have it)

1. 
    
   Print Screen of the Page Set Up pop up from MS Word

   Format your existing MS Word File into a book friendly format. Common sizes are 6 x 9 or 5 1/2 by 8 1/2. These sizes are easy to convert to a print book if you eventually choose to go in that direction. You'll want to change you page set up to these dimensions by doing a custom page set up.

2. After file finishes formatting to the new size, select all your text by going to "edit/ select all" Change font to something like 10 or 12 point Times New Roman, or other traditional font, single spacing, and justify on both sides. Think of how a traditional book looks. Grab one from your bookshelf for reference if needed.

3. Set margins between .5 inch and 1 inch on all sides. With a smaller page size, larger margins seem really big.

4. Carefully look over your document for inconsistent format. With the justified format, your edges will be uniform. Most of the time this is good, but there may be times where the ends of paragraphs will spread out text, or the text may bleed into the margins. You'll want to be sure to hit return at the end of the paragraph to prevent this from happening.

5. Set Headers and Footer. The author name and book title are usually in the header. Page numbers are usually centered on the bottom of the page.

6. Now your file is ready to become an ebook. If you don't have PDF making software you can download it free from the Internet.I have a program called doPDF. If you don't wish to do this there are self-publishing companies, such as Lulu.com that will convert your document for free. These companies will add their branding to your document. If this does not bother you fill free to use their service. It's an easy way to go. They will also catalog your ebook so you can sell it on their site. I have done both. I have ebooks on Lulu as well as one I made without them on my website.

7. Create your ebook. If you have downloaded software, your computer will most likely recognize this as a printer. Choose print from the file menu, and select the pdf printer as your printer.

8. Add file to your website, or email to friends or potential book reviewers

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Self-publishing in any form can still be a bit controversial, don't take it personally if people don't flock to your book.
• Be careful not to use the "control P" shortcut. It will go to your default printer and you could end up using a lot of ink and paper.

Resources

• My E-Book

[MotherDove]

on 3/13/2009 Hey, why shouldn't I write my own ebook? Your instructions make it sound not only easy but a shame to not even try. Thanks for the info and the motivation!

[ibrautigam]

on 3/9/2009 HelloI have just completed a novel and the website is currently being put together for this as well as I have sent the manuscript out in pdf format and am having it converted into flash as I want a classier product. The website designer has asked me what text will appear on the order page. Where would I get all this information from. I am still quite unclear as to what needs to be on the website in order for people to purchase the book from my site and actually receive it on their computer. I have also been debating whether to make it a read and print option only versus a download. With the download option is there not a greater chance of piracy? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance.Irene

[cwengre]

on 2/19/2009 I've been wanting to do this thanks for the info.

[WilliamTart]

on 1/15/2009 Great information, thanks.

[Kallicat]

on 12/25/2008 This is a timely article for me as I am considering writing my own e-book. I am adding this to my favorites.