eBook Formatting and Publishing: What You Need to Know as a Beginner

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King

From paperbacks to pixels - the reading just got smarter. Books are changing in a digital age where even your coffee maker has become smarter. Once a strictly paper-based pal, the book has embraced the new form with open arms, and we call it the ebook.

So, according to a recent survey, the global eBook market is projected to reach $18.13 billion by 2025. (Source: Future Market Insights)

However, the question is what is an eBook and how does it work? Thus, if that’s what you want to know too then make sure to read our blog till the end.

Hence, we will walk you through the eBook frenzy, its perks, formats, and how to write one. (For those who want to bring their ideas to life).

So, come on! Let’s get into it.

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What is an eBook?

An eBook (short for electronic book) is a digital version of a printed book or publication online. Moreover, think of it like carrying your entire library in a pocket.

That’s right!
So, welcome to the eBook era.

These books are designed to be read on smart devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. Furthermore, there are designated devices for this, like Amazon’s Kindle. An eBook functions like a regular book, only without the paper, printing costs, and weight.

Moreover, let’s talk stats, and you will see how big the eBook market is:

Source: Statista, Grand View Research, Pew Research Center

Different Types of eBooks

You are wrong if you think an eBook has one genre, format, and size. Not all of them are created equal. While some offer support for learning with interactive tools, others might have multimedia. Furthermore, their content and purpose also vary. Here are some common ones:

• Fiction and Non-Fiction - it includes novels, memoirs, and business books which help you bring your ideas to life.
• Academic - making learning fun with functions like highlights, notes, and search functions.
• Children’s Books - They come with animations and sounds for little children.
• Comic and Graphic Novels - Making anime fun using the fixed layout formats.

Examples, Outline, and Format

Do you want to know what an eBook looks like, if you haven’t seen one before? Here is an eBook Writing Example, which includes the outline, format, and real-world examples. So, come on! Let’s have a look at them.

Outline of an eBook

Imagine you are working on an eBook, “Simple Steps to Building and Growing Your Brand.”

Now, the first thing you have to do is create an eBook outline. Ensure it has a solid introduction, body paragraphs (use different headings and subheadings), and a conclusion summarising everything.

Here is how it should look:

Title: Simple Steps to Building and Growing Your Brand.

Introduction

• Why Branding Matters?
• Things You’ll Learn

Chapters

1. What Is Branding?
2. Define Your Brand
3. Design Your Visual Identity
4. Build Your Brand
5. Create a Brand Voice
6. Grow and Engage Your Brand
7. Evolve Over Time

Conclusion

• Key Takeaways
• Final Motivation + Key Steps + Checklist.

If you are still confused about what an outline of your book must look like, here is a template for you:

A Pro Tip: When working on an eBook, determine how long you want to make it. A solid table of contents should also be created so the readers can know what they will find in it. If you struggle with the format, consider connecting with the eBook Writers. They have experience and might be able to share some wisdom with you.

Real-World Examples of an eBook

Whether you are a huge fan of action-packed books or want to read something on self-development, here are the top eBooks:

Fictional Books

• Harry Potter Series- Available on Kindle
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

Self-Development Books

• Habits of Successful People
• The Art of Letting Go

What are the Popular eBook Formats?

So, as we told you above, an eBook isn’t one-size-fits-all. They come in different sizes and formats. Here are the popular ebook formatting explained. They include:

Remember, each format has its strengths. For example, while EPUB is dynamic and responsive, MOBI is a perfect Kindle book format users. On the other hand, PDFs are the best if your eBook has graphics and images.

How to Publish an eBook?

Hence, for those wondering how to format an eBook or anything related to the steps of publishing, it comes in different file formats, reading devices, and distribution platforms. So, here is how the process unfolds:

• Creation: Authors or publishers write the content in a document editor. It’s all about choosing the perfect topic, knowing your audience, researching, and engaging in eBook Writing. Ensure that what you write is relatable to the target audience and keeps them hooked till the end. It must be so gripping and impactful that they recommend it to others.
• Formatting: Next, the manuscript is converted into eBook-friendly formats like EPUB, MOBI or PDF using tools like Adobe InDesign, Sigil, etc. So, the manuscript format should be perfect. We know this concept sounds a bit foreign for you, but don’t worry, we will learn more about this below.
• Distribution: The finished file is uploaded to digital platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, or Google Play Books.
• Price: Create a budget, do a calculation, and set up a perfect price for your eBook.
• Marketing: This is the essential step, as you want your eBook to reach the target audience. Hence, create a perfect plan for how you will promote your book. Additionally, use social media channels, connect with fellow influencers, and build an email list to inform the readers about your eBook.
• Reading: Readers download the eBook to their device using an app or e-reader. While reading, they can scroll, highlight, annotate, and even listen to it in text-to-speech.

What are the different publishing platforms for an eBook?

Now that we have covered how to self-publish an eBook, you must be wondering what different publishing platforms you can use.

Well, there are some common ones:

KDP: It is one of the most popular ones, which allows you to reach millions of readers on Amazon. Furthermore it supports both eBooks and paperbacks. It even offers up to 70% of royalties.

Apple Books: This is perfect for reaching Apple users. The platform has a sleek interface and provides direct access to a global audience.

Barnes and Noble Press: This platform allows users in the U.S. to publish eBooks and print books directly to Barnes and Noble’s online store.

Kobo Writing Life: This one is a strong choice for international users, especially in Canada and Europe. Moreover, it provides access to promotional tools and public libraries like OneDrive.

What are the best devices for reading an eBook?

Are you thinking about which devices are best for reading an eBook? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top devices on which your ebooks are compatible and can make your reading experience top-notch. They include:

• Computer: If you love reading blogs and articles like this on your laptop, reading an eBook is no different. Hence, find your favourite book and download it using Adobe Digital Editions and Kindle Previewer.
• Smartphones: Smartphones are the best for those who love reading even on the go. From Google Play Books to the Amazon Kindle app, these are some common apps you can use for such books:
• eReaders: With digital advancements, reading just got more fun. There are many e-readers available, such as Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.
• Tablets: iPads and Tablets are an easier way to read an eBook. Furthermore, they have a bigger screen and are easy to hold. Also, they were even the same size as books.

Why Are eBooks So Popular?

|A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one. — George R.R. Martin|

In a world where time is short and attention spans are short, eBooks have managed to carve a space in the reading ecosystem. In fact, they are dominating. And there is a reason for this, like:

Portability: Gone are the days of carrying around heavy books. Additionally, with an eBook, you can store thousands of titles on a single device. Whether you’re travelling or lounging at home, your digital library is within reach.

Tailored to Your Preferences: An eBook allows you to tailor your reading experience by changing the font size, type, and background color. Furthermore, you can even enable night mode to reduce eye strain. Also, it allows you to highlight, annotate, and search for keywords.

Instant Access: Imagine you are getting bored sitting at home, and now you want to read a fantasy eBook. Well, you can access them anytime, anywhere, and start reading without visiting a bookstore. According to Amazon, over 70% of Kindle store purchases are made on smartphones. Hence, this proves the value of quick access.

Affordability: Due to lower production and distribution, most eBooks cost less than printed parts. Furthermore, some are even available for free like Project Gutenberg and Open Library over 60,000 free public domain books. Additionally, there are different Subscription services like Kindle Unlimited or Scribd. Hence, they provide unlimited access for a low monthly fee.

See?

These are the reasons why an eBook is so popular. They combine practicality with sustainability.

Hence, if you love reading, then try eBooks. They are more fun and a smarter choice.

What is the Future of an eBook?

Surely you guys must be wondering what the future of an eBook is?

Well, it is bright. Additionally, technology is pushing boundaries, which means you can get to see:

• Now, eBook readers can receive the AI recommendations based on their preferences, past reading history, and interests.
• Moreover, you can now receive AR/VR immersive content that will take your reading to the next level.
• Furthermore, you can even receive the read-aloud features with natural voices.

Hence, in short, the eBook industry is only going to get bigger. In fact, they are no longer digital replicas. Instead, they are changing your reading experience. Hence, if you haven’t gotten an eBook for yourself, we think it is high time you invest in one.

Tips for Writers: Creating a Successful eBook

Are you an aspiring writer or author looking to create your first-ever eBook? Well, good decision! Nonetheless, we will teach you how to write an eBook with practical tips and inspirations. Thus, here is what you need to do:

• Know Your Format: Firstly, know which layout you will be using. Is it flowable or fixed? Furthermore, know who your audience is and what they will like.
• Design a Compelling Cover: Even if it is an eBook, it will still get judged by the cover. Hence, learn how to create a compelling cover. You can read about this in the following section: How to Design a Book Cover.
• Optimise for Mobile Devices: Most people read on phones and tablets. Thus, make sure your eBook is compatible for this.

A Pro Tip: Surely, it might be the first time you are writing an eBook. Hence, if you ever find yourself stuck at any part or need feedback, consider seeking guidance from the eBook writing experts. They have years of industry knowledge and expertise. Thus, they can help you craft eBooks that actually sell and earn you a profit.

Successful Ebook Case Studies

Before we end the guide, let’s look at some of the successful eBook case studies that will surely motivate you to write your own:

Lisa Genova - Still Alice

Lisa Genova, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, self-published Still Alice after being rejected by numerous publishers. Her heartfelt story about a professor with Alzheimer’s caught everyone’s attention, especially the literary agent at the International Boston Book Festival, and was picked up by Simon and Schuster, becoming a New York Times bestseller. Later on, it was even turned into an Oscar-winning film.

Andy Weir - The Martian

Originally released as a free blog serial, Andy Weir self-published The Martian on Kindle, too, for 99 cents. Moreover, it rocketed up the charts, which led to a major book deal with Crown Publishing. It even became a blockbuster film starring Matt Damon. From digital experiment to red carpet!

Beatrix Potter - The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit was famously self-published after getting rejected from multiple publishers in 1910. Determined, she initially printed 250 copies of her own, selling them to family and friends as their own. The story’s charm spread quickly, and within a year, Frederick Warne & Co., which initially rejected the eBook, saw its potential and decided to publish it.

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Key Takeaways

In a nutshell, with the digital world evolving, eBooks are making a place for themselves in readers’ hearts and the book industry. They are:

• It is redefining accessibility. Hence, you can read from anywhere and at any time.
• Furthermore, consider them a compact library. Thus, they can store over 1000+ books in one device.
• Moreover, they lower the barriers for authors. Hence, it provides an opportunity for those who want to self-publish.
• All you need to do is find a book that interests you, download or buy it, and start reading. Additionally, you can even select your own preferred format.