This is written for those of you that want an alternative to creating an ebook in PDF format.

It is not the purpose of this article to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ebook compilers with products like Adobe Acrobat. However, before continuing, it is necessary to explain one important difference between them.

To do this considers these two definitions.

An ebook compiler is a software application that converts a document to an executable (.exe) file. The file (or ebook) that is created is a stand-alone file. This simply means that no other software application is required to execute (or read) it.

Adobe Acrobat is a software application that converts a document to a readable (PDF) file. The file (or ebook) that is created is not stand-alone. It requires an application like Adobe Reader to open (or read) it. Now that this is established, we can concentrate on the choice of ebook compiler.

Your choice will depend on what format you have written the content for your ebook. Examples are plain text, HTML, MS Word or MS PowerPoint. If you have used HTML to write your content and want to compile an ebook from HTML code, you may need a working knowledge of the HTML language for some of the available compilers.

There are many ebook Compilers available today. The choice can be very confusing and it can often be difficult to choose one that is right for you. Here are a few pointers.

Ease of Use

If an easy to use compiler is your main priority, check that an instruction manual or adequate documentation is included with the compiler. If this is not included, you may find it time consuming to learn how to use the compiler correctly.

Security

If you wish to sell your ebook, good security features are important. As well as basic features like protecting your eBook content from modification or limiting a readers viewing or disabling printing, you may want to implement other security features. Passwords, encryption and ebook disabling are only a few of the many security features available.

Features

It is a good idea to find out what features are supported with the ebook compiler. You may want to add graphics and hyperlinks, customize menus, create forms, add audio and video or perform other functions that are important to you. Some compilers offer very sophisticated features and complete plug-in capabilities for flash, java and shockwave.

Price

Your choice of product may depend on what you are prepared to pay. Although not always the case, you can expect to pay more for compilers that have more features. If you are not concerned about the cost, bear in mind that more features do not necessarily mean a better compiler. You may have no use for many of them or you may feel that some extra features complicate your requirements. For this reason it is better to know what your requirements are before making a final choice.

Requirements

Give some thought to your requirements. If you are considering an HTML based compiler, find out if it requires a browser to function. If it does, check to see what browser versions are supported. You may need to check your browser settings and configure your browser according to the compiler specifications.

Whether you intend to sell your ebook or distribute it freely, security is of major concern. This is after all the main reason for using a compiler. Your choice of compiler should offer at least the level of security that matches your requirements. All compilers have basic security features but some have features that go beyond most peoples needs. How secure you make your ebook is your choice.

Ensure that the compiler you choose is compatible with your operating system. For example some older compilers do not function with Microsoft XP service pack 2 (SP2) without a software patch.

Support

Good support for your chosen ebook compiler could be critical to your success. Check the conditions of any support that is offered. Find out if there is a service level agreement for the compiler software or if there is grace period for free technical support.

Check how long the compiler has been on the market. Although not always the case, generally the older compilers are more likely to be bug free. It is also worth looking for testimonials if the compiler has been around for a while.

Finally, download a demo of the compiler if possible before you buy it.

Bryan Quinn is an IT consultant and webmaster of ebook-site.com

Lucrative Ebook Creation - Writing Ebook As Easy as 1-2-3
Just the mere thought of writing a book could scare you. Anyway, it is just but natural to feel pressured if you are to accomplish one ebook. But actu...

How To Choose And Design Your Ebook Cover Graphic
The most important thing about making an E-Book is choosing a cover that will get your potential viewers interested and will make them want to read yo...

Targeted E-Book Writing - Creating an E-book That Simply Sells
Writing an e-book is given a different shade nowadays as this has become the newest addition in the line of money generating jobs that most people are...

Profitable E-Book Creation - 3 Magnificent Tips to Earn Good Money Thru E-Book Making
One of the hot selling home based jobs that most people turn into right now is the creation of e-books. E-books are such an in demand Internet produc...

Powerful E-Book Creation - Create a Deep Impacting E-book
E-book is the trendiest way to learn and obtain information in this age of electronic devices. People are no longer confined to learning things the ma...

Compiling Ebook for Beginners
Ebooks or Electronic books are self-contained "executable" files of HTML. This HTML may be a web site you've created or HTML you've specifically prep...

Increase Your Online Ebooks Sales
If you are wondering about writing and selling an ebook, then this article might offer you some help. Since an ebook is a soft document, it can easily...

Ebooks Are They The Big Ticket Item Today?
Today the Big Ticket Items are not being delivered in Ebooks. Why? Maybe it comes down to the delivery format. PDF or Exc type files deliver words....

Writing an Ebook - How to Write an Effective Ebook
Writing an e book may look like a very complicated task to some people but in fact it is not. If you follow certain steps you can get a very nice e bo...

Ebook Creation - Tricks of the Ebook Trade
It is more common for the writers today to write ebooks as compared to the other hard copy material available in the market. This is because the use o...

Writing Your First E-Book - Distribution Options
If you have been following my articles on writing your first e-book you have come a long ways in a fairly short period of time. From starting out wit...

Powerful E-Book Writing - Writing an E-Book in 6 Simplified Steps
Writing an e-book entails a wide array of skill sets. You have to have a strong sense of creativity and a robust means to transform abstract ideas in...

Writing Your First E-Book - Formatting Your E-Book
Congratulations, you finished writing your first e-book. See, that wasn't so bad was it. You probably found, as I often do, that once you get start...

Lucrative E-Book Creation - 3 Steps on How to Creatively Create an E-Book
Writing an E-book just like any other forms of writing is essentially a passion to allow it to develop and a deliberate intelligence to work on. It t...

Frequently Asked Ebook Questions
Ebooks are one of the most popular products on the Internet. Not only are they easy to create, but they also provide your customers with instant grati...

Ebook Business | RSS 2.0 | Closed.