I just uploaded 3 books to my website, slated to be converted to eBooks.
At first I was exploring options like Smashwords, Kindle, LightningSource, Lulu and other self-publishing services online.
However, since discovering MobileRead, I am overwhelmed by the variety of formats available.
Each service, format and/or file type may or may not have a specific purpose. But, I suspect that having a book available across the entire spectrum of services and formats is the best way to maximize opportunity.
My intentions are, of course, to make money selling eBooks. However, I have a much grander goal of developing my website in support of a variety of ventures and adventures falling under the umbrella of my newly incorporated company, Entertainment Cyberscope, Inc.
I am learning that ebooks can be used as marketing tools. I am also learning that there are a number of ways to re-package the content on my site with numerous delivery methods available.
I've learned I can even turn a series of blog posts into a book (FastPencil). There are syndication opportunities. There are numerous plug-ins, widgets and applications for re-packaging content and distributing across a multitude of delivery channels.
But this is all in theory. I need to know--step by step--what to do and how to do it.
For instance, of the 3 books (drafts) I have uploaded to my site, what do I do next?
They are in MSWord format. Not yet included, but planned, is the inclusion of graphics, artwork and photos. From what I've been told, the inclusion of images in an eBook causes serious challenges and problems.
Do I just automatically convert to PDF? That I can do (with the exception of not knowing what happens with imagery in converting from Doc to PDF).
How do I convert to all the different formats? Will Smashwords, Kindle and other services do this for me? Do all these different formats exist because of the variety of eReaders available?
What kind of system or application(s) do I need to install on my own site to sell ebooks direct-to-consumer? Can I use all the available services AND sell from my site at the same time?
I realize there are many questions here but they ARE all related. No doubt there is a comprehensive guide that will cover all these issues and hopefully issues I failed to mention.
So, when I ask, "Where do I begin," I'm not simply wondering about Smashwords vs. Kindle. Whatever I do must be coordinated with the plans and strategies I have overall for my website.
I realize that 1000s of dollars would get me a design firm that could coordinate all these endeavors. I am also aware that there is a free application for virtually every digital task, from graphics manipulation to content delivery to business applications to web design.
Perhaps the biggest plan I have, which may very well incorporate all my ventures, is the creation and conversion of a portal into a "virtual world."
These means using the most sophisticated design elements available online.
In fact, I don't believe it is inconceivable to turn a book into a movie (I don't mean traditionally as in book to screenplay adaptation). I mean using online presentation applications and sophisticated graphics (3D, Flash, Java, etc.) to present an eBook (a Flip book is one example).
Baby, I need all the help I can get. Actually, I think my plans could prove to be a great opportunity for web designers to experiment, especially those who wanted to dabble in virtual worlds.
I have an extremely low budget. However, I am more than willing to share profits and income revenue streams. Whatever I'm doing, I want it to generate income. I want to have fun--but what I'm doing is not FOR fun.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post and any considerations and/or suggestions you may have.
Please feel free to ask questions, since there is so much involved in making this happen.
My site:
JerryFlattum.com