How to Publish eBooks on CDs

Readers of eBooks such as the Amazon Kindle, the Sony Reader and the Barnes and Noble Nook, have played a role in the rather quick development of the eBook, but they aren't the only methods available for reading eBooks. Some people still prefer to carry eBooks on CD to read on their computers, making the CD eBook a viable publishing option for authors. Creating an eBook on CD isn't difficult and can open doors to a new readership audience.

Things You'll Need

• Word processor
• Burning software
• Image editing software
• CD-R discs

Instructions

1. Choose a word processor to format your book. Microsoft Word 2007 offers a tool to convert to PDF, which is the most widely used format for producing ebooks. PDF is cross platform and maintains the layout of your book correctly regardless of where it's viewed. OpenOffice Writer, which is a free word processor, also offers conversion to PDF.

2. Format your book manuscript in your word processor exactly as you want it to appear to readers. Ensure that all of your paragraphs are formatted the same way, as well as line spacing throughout the book. Consider margins of 1.5 inch all the way around and line spacing of 1.5 inch. This makes the book easier to read on electronic devices. Go for a font size of 12 or 14 points.

3. Create a cover for your book. It can be a royaty-free image, an image you've drawn yourself or purchased or an image that isn't under copyright. Whatever image you've decided to use for your cover, use graphic editing software to size it to fit your book. Save the image as a high-quality JPEG image.

4. Insert your book cover right into your book manuscript by going to the "Insert" menu and selecting picture. Browse to your book cover and insert it at the beginning of your manuscript. Click "Save As" and select the PDF option to save your book as a cross-platform eBook.

5. Choose audio software to burn your eBook to disc. If you have Windows, Media Player will work. For Mac users, there's the free Burn OSX. Open your burn software and browse to the location of your eBook from the burn menu, then click the file or drag it to your CD drive to burn the book on disc.

Tips & Warnings

• Since the only eBook format that has end user tools for publication is PDF format; put your eBook in PDF for the widest possible distribution.

References

• OReilly: Ebook Format Primer
• Adobe: How to Create Adobe PDF Ebooks

Resources

• Microsoft: PDF Plug In