Ebook resources are listed below in various sections to help you start self-publishing your empire of ebooks. Or your first ebook, if you are just getting started. While this is not a complete list, it will point you in the right direction. Other resources can be found under the Self-Publishing Resources tab.
Self-Publishing Ebooks – General
Many writers often run into problems when they convert their digital writing file into ebook format. Smashwords formatting requirements are especially challenging for those new to the process. Some writers learn how to convert their own ebooks and become proficient. However, other writers want to focus on writing and outsource this task. Here are some helpful resources.
- Kindle Direct Publishing intro video
- MobileRead forums
- Bookbaby – Formatting Basics
- Ebook Conversion (DIY or Outsource?)
- Questions to ask any ebook service
Ebook Formatting and conversion Tools
- Calibre (open source)
- Scrivener (write and publish)
- Pages (for Macs) for Apple Books
- Draft2Digital
- 8 e-book creation tools
- Vellum (for Mac only)
- Using Word to format ebooks
- Kindle (KDP) table of contents how-to
- EbookLaunch (format service and more)
- Top 10 Ebook Converters (2022)
- Flightdeck (quality format check)
- Flightdeck review
- Smashwords (low-cost ebook formatting list)
Ebook Publishing
Below are the main ebook publishing platforms. Kindle (KDP via Amazon) is the largest and most widely used. However, Smashwords has also proven popular with writers as they helped develop it. Meanwhile, since 2018, Apple Books is becoming more developed as an ebook and audio book app. In addition, there are many other companies that offer publishing, distribution and book creation services.
- Smashwords
- Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
- Pages (for Macs) formerly iBook
- Streetlib – distribution
- Scribd (distribution)
- InscribeDigital (distribution)
Ebook Cover design
People do judge a book by its cover. You don’t want to end up on a ‘bad covers’ list. No doubt you spent much time, thought and energy getting your book to be the best it can be. Perhaps you scrutinized every sentence. Hopefully, you hired a professional editor. Now your creation is ready to be released to the world. So it makes sense that after all that careful attention, you also take care with the quality of your cover. Don’t rush and get something sub-standard. Don’t throw something together on your own (unless you have proven design skills). Make sure you get professional design help. And be willing to take advice from the designer. Avoid getting stuck on the first idea you have for a cover.
Find a graphic designer. Another option is using an inexpensive pre-made ebook cover. However, there’s a risk you will find a similar design on other books. If you do use a pre-made cover, ensure you have it customized for your book. Here are some ebook cover resources.
Making 3D-Effect covers
If you sell a digital book from your website (e.g. PDF booklets), you may want to use a 3D-effect illustration. For example, this online business uses 3D covers for all their products. If you only need a few designs, you might be able to do them yourself. However, if you need many, it may be worth it to purchase software.
3D digital book cover tools & tips:
- Video – make 3D covers with Photoshop
- Free online 3D book cover generator
- CoverAction Pro
- ECover Suite Elite (not free)
- Review of eCover Software (not free; Windows only)
- BoxShot 3D packaging (home and pro version)
Sales tracking tools
Ebook News
Things often change quickly when it comes to ebooks. Therefore it’s good to stay up-to-date with ebook news. Here are two blogs worth following.
Find more self-publishing resources here.
Note: Links and information are for research purposes and do not replace professional advice. In addition, accuracy of third-party websites cannot be verified. Links do not indicate endorsement.
Updated January 2022