HOW TO CREATE AND FORMAT AN EBOOK
- 1. How To Create and Format an eBookContentsIntroduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2Adding & Modifying Headers and Footers..............................................................................................
- 3Adding Borders .......................................................................................................................................
- 4Changing the Template Image ................................................................................................................
- 5Copyright & Disclaimer ...........................................................................................................................
- 6Chapter Headings ....................................................................................................................................
- 7Adding a Table of Contents .....................................................................................................................
- 8Adding a Cover Page .............................................................................................................................
- 11Adding Content and Images ..................................................................................................................
- 12Creating Hyperlinks ...............................................................................................................................
- 13Creating a Resource Section .................................................................................................................
- 17Saving your eBook as PDF .....................................................................................................................
- 18 Our Recommended Resources .............................................................................................................
- 20 Copyright 2012 www.TimsMinions.com. This eBook is for information purposes only. Any results you gain both good and bad from using the information in this eBook is at your own responsibility.www.TimsMinions.com Page 1
- 2. How To Create and Format an eBookIntroductionYou will know by now or at least should know by now that many internet marketers give away freeeBooks and reports to build email lists of potential customers. EBooks are brilliant because they canalso be sold for quick profit and are not just for building email lists.The hardest part for many isn’t necessarily researching or writing the report but more importantlytrying to format the eBook into something that looks good. Many people have become comfortableat using software like Word for writing letters but that can often be as much as they can do.Microsoft Word can do so much more and just knowing a few extra tools can have you creatingthose reports and eBooks in no time.A quick Guide to writing an eBook: You should know by now that the best eBooks are those thatprovide a service, they eliminate a problem. A bit like this eBook, I am showing people who havenever written an eBook before how to format one easily. I am providing a step by step easy to followprocess that should have the complete new beginner ready to start writing their own eBooks as soonas they have stopped reading.You can find what problems people are having by searching forums or asking questions on yourFacebook page, Twitter or your own blog. The next thing is to go and find out all about it. Research isthe easiest part. Simply type into Google the things you are looking for. You will get plenty ofinformation back, simply copy and paste the good stuff into a Word document, then when you haveenough re write it in your own words.Divide it up into chapters, think of some interesting images to go with it then copy everything intothe eBook template or build the eBook around your newly written Word document.I have created an eBook template for you to use straight away in MS Word 2010. The images in thisreport will help you add to or modify it or create your own from scratch. Click the link to access it. Tim’s Minions eBook TemplateIf you do not use Word or are an Apple user I recommend you still read the eBook as you might gainsome insights or ideas as what to do in your chosen software. Often the icons and logos are similarfor the same functions.www.TimsMinions.com Page 2
- 3. How To Create and Format an eBookAdding & Modifying Headers and FootersThe first thing to do is open up our template or a Word document (obviously) ;-) You might havealready got one open with all your writing and notes in it.Once the document is open, go and click on the Insert tab on the tool bar.Click on the Header icon and choose a Header from the list, in the template I used the Alphabetheader as seen in the screen shot below.www.TimsMinions.com Page 3
- 4. How To Create and Format an eBookI would do the same with the Footer, click on the Footer icon which is next to the Header icon andchoose the Alphabet Footer template so it matches nicely with the Header.If you use the template we have created then you will see both the Header and Footer area comewith text that needs to be modified for your own eBook. Click your mouse above the Header line orbelow the Footer line, this will enable these areas to become editable. Click in the title itself and youwill be able to delete the wording that is there and change it for your own.Do the same with the Footer area, once you have changed the text to your own click outside of theareas to disable the editing.Adding BordersTo give the eBook more of a professional feel I would add a border to the page. You do not have to,it is optional, I have seen many eBooks this way and I like it. You on the other hand might not want aborder but still read on, knowing what to do is a valuable skill.To add a border click on the Page Layout tab on the tool bar, then click on the Page Borders iconwhich will open up a window where you can choose borders of different sizes and colours etc. Seethe screen shot below.www.TimsMinions.com Page 4
- 5. How To Create and Format an eBookChanging the Template ImageIn the eBook template we have created for you to use you will find that there is a large image on thefront page ready for you to change. All eBooks have a cover image; it can be a complete separatepage or a large image on page 1. We have placed a large image ready for you to change on a coverpage.To change the image all you have to do is right click on it and a menu will appear. Choose theChange Picture option, your picture library will open up, choose the image you want and doubleclick on it. Your picture will replace the image exactly where it is. (If your image is not the sameshape and size then it may need tweaking. Pull the sizing tabs on the side of the image that appearduring editing of the image.www.TimsMinions.com Page 5
- 6. How To Create and Format an eBookCopyright & DisclaimerIn the eBook template there is a section directly under the image that says copyright and has theword You in brackets [You]. That is for you to modify with your name and company details. You canmove it below the table of contents if you choose. Below that is a section for adding yourdisclaimers, have a look at the eBooks you have downloaded to get an idea of what should be puthere. You want to make it clear that you are not held responsible for people’s actions and results.You are offering them information and help but should they fail to do it properly or something goeswrong you don’t want them holding you accountable for any mistakes THEY make and try to sue youfor big money. Trust me, there are stupid people out there and they will try it!www.TimsMinions.com Page 6
- 7. How To Create and Format an eBookChapter HeadingsNext thing to do is sort out your headings, in the template there are a few already set for you. Simplyedit them to suit your chapter Titles. To create a heading highlight the text then click on one of thepre-set heading templates. In the screen shots below you will see how to add them yourselves andmodify them.These headings can be modified, if you like the font but want to change the colour and font size allyou do is click on the Heading tab with the right mouse button and a drop down menu will appear.Choose the Modify option as shown below.www.TimsMinions.com Page 7
- 8. How To Create and Format an eBookA new box will appear with many options that allow you to change the settings and create acustomized headings template.So now you have changed the pre-set Chapters in the template to your own headings or createdyour own headings in your own template you now add the table of contents.Adding a Table of ContentsMS Word has a great automatic content table that you add to your eBook, once you have written allthe chapters you simply update the table and it self populates with the chapter and page details. Iwould be surprised if other editing software didn’t do the same in one way or another.You will find one in the template already in place, and you will just need to update the field as yougo along.To add a Table of Contents, place the cursor exactly where you want it before going to theReferences tab, click on the Table of Contents icon as shown in the screen shot below. A drop downlist will appear, choose the one you want, for this example and template I used the first AutomaticTable 1. As soon as you click on it the table appears where you want it.www.TimsMinions.com Page 8
- 9. How To Create and Format an eBookIf you are using the template you will have a table in place with the following• Introduction• Chapter 1• Chapter 2• Chapter 3• Chapter 4• Chapter 5• Conclusion• ResourcesNormally 5 to 7 Chapters or Steps is ample for a short free report but you can add to these easily byjust creating new headings then updating the table. To update the table left click your mouse in thetable area and it will become editable. Click the option that says Update Table, another little box willopen, check the radio button that will update the information you want and hit ok.www.TimsMinions.com Page 9
- 10. How To Create and Format an eBookIf you have added new headings then check to Update entire table, if you have just added morecontent to previous chapters then you only need to update the page information.www.TimsMinions.com Page 10
- 11. How To Create and Format an eBookAdding a Cover PageThis is the front page of your book; MS Word has several templates you can edit. Some people usethem and some people don’t. For this eBook I will show you how easy it is to add the Cover Page.Click on Insert on the tool bar then click on the Cover Page icon. A list of templates will open.Choose one and click on it, it will automatically be added to the front of your eBook.You can edit the cover page with your own images and text using the same methods as shown in thisreport. I personally create my own cover page by adding the Alphabet Cover Page then modifying itwith images and text creating my own feel. The template has one ready for you to modify.www.TimsMinions.com Page 11
- 12. How To Create and Format an eBookAdding Content and ImagesNow you have the backbone of your eBook in place you can start to write out your eBook. If you areusing the template and have written the bulk of your eBook in another word document simply copyand paste it into the right sections of the template. When you have come to the end of a section orchapter and you want the next chapter or section to start on a completely new page you will need tocreate a Page Break.This is a lot easier and safer than trying to keep hitting the return key and drive the cursor to theright place. When you go back in the editing process and add more words to chapters they will moveyour headings and chapters further down the pages if you haven’t used the Page Break tool.Creating a Page Break keeps things structured. If you add to your chapters it will still keep thechapters ending and starting on different pages and in the desired places.www.TimsMinions.com Page 12
- 13. How To Create and Format an eBookEBooks look better with images and adding them is very easy, simply go to the Insert tab and choosePicture. When you click on the icon your picture library will open up allowing you to choose thepicture you want in your eBook. Once you have double clicked on your chosen image it will appearwhere you left your cursor. If you want it central it is advised to align your cursor in the centralposition before inserting the image.Creating HyperlinksWhen creating an eBook you may want to add links back to your site or even an affiliate productwhere someone clicks through to a sales page, if they buy you get paid a percentage. And withdigital products the percentage can be a huge 75%! So why wouldn’t you want to add a few?Once your eBook has been converted to PDF the links stay clickable. Please be aware, some PDFconverters can disarm the links so test the eBook before you go giving it away. The new MS Wordconverts straight to PDF and leaves all the links live.To make some text link to external sites highlight it with your mouse then click the Insert tab on thetool bar and click the Hyperlink option as shown below. This is a great site!www.TimsMinions.com Page 13
- 14. How To Create and Format an eBookA box will open where you can add the URL of the destination that you want the linked words tosend the reader to. You will see at the top the words that you highlighted to be hyperlinked.Images can also be hyperlinked to external sites. You can use a graphic directing the reader to yourown site or an image ad sending them to an affiliate offer like the example below.www.TimsMinions.com Page 14
- 15. How To Create and Format an eBookTo add a hyperlink to an image you follow the same steps as you did to add a link to text. Instead ofhighlighting as you did with the text you simply click on the image and the drop down menu willappear. Click on the Hyperlink option.Again the hyperlink box will appear, paste or type the destination URL into the address bar.(Please note, when copying and pasting links, a blank space can often be copied at the frontand/or back of the link. Be sure that there are no blank spaces accidentally added when you addwww.TimsMinions.com Page 15
- 16. How To Create and Format an eBookyour links otherwise the hyperlink will not work and you can lose potential traffic and affiliatesales.)As you can see, adding links is a very easy process. An eBook that has images that are linked tocongruent affiliate products is a great business tactic. Many marketers have written eBooks about asubject and linked to several affiliate products via images and links.An eBook has a higher perceived value if it offers a lot more than just content. This is where aresources section comes in brilliantly. You can link to sites and resources that match the nature ofyour eBook, many of those can be linked with your affiliate links to products the reader may needand decide to buy. As an example this report is about creating eBooks, to promote your eBook or report on your website or use as a list building free giveaway you will need an image of your eBook like this one. So as an example of an image advert I added an image that linked to the software that was used to create the eBook cover you see to the left. Isn’t that a pretty good relevant affiliate product? It wouldn’t make sense if I tried to promote a ‘Lose Weight’ product in this eBook would it?www.TimsMinions.com Page 16
- 17. How To Create and Format an eBookCreating a Resource SectionIn the resources section you could again link to your affiliate products in a list of tools and servicesyou think people would find useful. For example your resources section would look a bit like this.Tim’s Minions eBook Template your FREE to use template.eBook Cover Creator Software for creating professional eBook covers in one click.Optimizepress Wordpress Theme for building your squeeze and sales pages.Email Auto-responder Service for creating email lists and sending out your eBook/newsletters.Hosting Company for hosting your website or blog where you promote your eBook from.And so on.Saving your eBook as PDFOnce your eBook is written and complete it is time to convert it to a PDF file that can be uploaded toyour site and shared around the web. As this little report is mainly based around the latest MS Worddocument I will show you how to save the file as a PDF document within it, I will also show youwhere you can convert your Word document to PDF on the web if you do not have the latest MSWord.All you do is go to save the file but instead of just clicking Save as you would normally you go to theSave As option in the drop down menu.Then go down the drop down menu in the Save as type bar to the PDF (*.pdf) option and click Save.www.TimsMinions.com Page 17
- 18. How To Create and Format an eBookIf your version of Word does not have the ability to save straight to PDF there are places on linewhere you can do it for free.One such site is FreePDFConverter.com, when I tested this site, the text links worked but image linkswere disarmed. Something for you to bear in mind when creating your eBooks, however the servicewas easy to use.Click on the Choose File button to find your eBook Word doc then you can either click on theConvert Your File button and have it converted online or enter an email address in the email addressfield and have your PDF sent to you in a zip file. See the screenshot below.Another free PDF software is PrimoPDF, this is downloaded to your computer, when you want toconvert a Word document into a PDF you go to print the document but instead of choosing a printeryou choose Primo which will NOT print your document but convert it to a PDF file instead.They used to have a desktop icon where you could drag and drop your document which would thenautomatically be converted to a PDF file. I cannot say whether they still do this or if the images in thePDF files are disarmed. It has been a few years since I used PrimoPDF. Again this is FREE software.www.TimsMinions.com Page 18
- 19. How To Create and Format an eBookSo now you know all you need to know to start churning out professional looking quality eBooks andreports. EBooks and reports have made lots of money for people from either giving them awayloaded with affiliate links to products or by creating a series of great short and informative reportsthat they sell for £5 - £7 each to their growing lists of fans and customers.Imagine having an email list of a few thousand information hungry people and just a couple hundredof them bought your £7 reports each month. That would be a potential £1400 a month. People haveand still do it. How many people can easily afford or afford to lose £7 compared to £97? This is theidea behind some very profitable eBook and report publishing businesses. Continue down to a list of recommended resources.www.TimsMinions.com Page 19
- 20. How To Create and Format an eBookOur Recommended ResourcesTim’s Minions eBook Template your FREE to use template.eBook Cover Creator Software for creating professional eBook covers in one click.FreePDFConverter free online Word to PDF converterPrimoPDF free to download to your computer PDF converterList Building Blueprint learn how to use free eBooks and reports to build a multimillion £$ businessOptimizepress Wordpress Theme for building your squeeze and sales pages.Email Auto-responder Service for creating email lists and sending out your eBook/newsletters.Hosting Company for hosting your website or blog where you promote your eBook from.www.TimsMinions.com Page 20
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