eBooks (Electronic Books) are a great modern communication platform to create articles, publications, manuals, guide books, and more. What's best (and defines modern) is that they are primarily created for online use and can be constructed in a variety of ways, making them both useful and fun on a variety of online platforms — from a smart phone or tablet to the more common desktop computer.
They elimate the requirement to print your media - rather, presenting the information all online and also making changes more feasible online, as opposed to having to spend tons of money printing your material and if changes are required – printing it again.
Much like a website, you can read through these eBooks much the same way, many with the same navigation buttons but with so many options available you can get rather creative making your eBook unique and built suited for you specifically.
Web browsers (like Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Chrome, etc...), tablet computers (ipad, etc...), and handheld devices (cell phones - iphones, Blackberry, etc...) can all provide the visual platform for eBooks - not to mention the currently popular "e-readers" like the Nook® and many others.
Like most things—while most anyone with any computer know-how can create some kind of eBook, if created professionally - that is, by someone with good technical and creative know-how - can help you create some really cool eBooks that not only look dazzling but will be functional, easy and fun to use, and help you accomplish whatever goal your eBook(s) have.
For example; creating a professional design, adding related and attractive artwork, clean and colorful layout, advertising, functionality of that advertising (making sure the ads clicked work!), proper click-throughs (links that direct to the right location), the correct type of eBook, and many other creative/technical aspects that will absolutely affect the success or failure of any eBook.
Important!
The common misconception of eBooks is that beside their being online, they are literally the same as printed magazines or books, made into online pdfs. While that can be true for some (these can be created), they are not true eBooks. Ebooks that are created as/for eBooks specifically have some unique criteria to render them effective in both design and functionality. For example;
Ebook text (per page)
Ebook text (per page) is less per page than printed material. To be truly “comfortably viewable” online, the text must be a certain size, and typically 4-6 point sizes larger than traditional print publications. These words are viewed on a screen, often small in size, and are at a much smaller resolution (quality) making them a bit fuzzier. They are small bits or squares passing through a lit screen. As opposed to printed material which can be quite sharp. High resolution ink embedded on a nice clean white sheet. Typical eBooks might contain about 300 words per page, as opposed to 500-600 words on a printed publication.
Single pages versus “spreads”
Creating an eBook is typically experienced page by page. You read a page, you turn a page, etc... So where the turn page buttons are, how the design is laid out, etc... are important factors. Creating “spreads” is a matter of design/layout that should be determined initially. The layout is far different than single page layout since components will line up differently (where images line up on the spread, where articles start/stop, etc...).
Print vs. Online
Simply, online requires a resolution (quality read in “dots per inch”) of only 72 DPI. Print, typically 300 DPI. So whether print or online, each image and all elements must be created individually at that specific resolution. Otherwise, online versions with too high a resolution will be a HUGE file size taking forever to download, and alternatively – a printable piece (professional quality) having too low resolution of images will print really fuzzy/grainy... Typically, about 120DPI is recommended for eBooks at most, so if printed locally (laser printed) they actually come out rather nicely and also look and act well online.
I do encourage you to explore all options since no one solution is best for everyone.
Types of eBooks
Essentially, there are 6 primary (popular) types of eBooks: PDF, Website, Flash-based, Custom Programmable, Application-based (App), and Device-Specific. Each of them unique and carry their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Most of them also have similarities. I think the strengths clearly outweigh the weaknesses.
One other popular misconception (and more often a common dissapointment) is the end result or final eBook file should perform EXACTLY as expected, or more accurately - not performing to that specific users' expectations. In other words, either the managing party creating the eBook or the end users themselves have an idea in their mind how the eBook should perform - and doesn't - results in inevitable frustration. For example; You initially envision a beautiful eBook. Looks like a really cool magazine. Has some cool buttons, flips nicely.... But wait! Now the project is complete, turns out being dozens of pages longer than initially projected, takes longer to download, won't open on my new iPad, RRRR... what happened? And there are so many other examples...
This is true of pretty much anything in life – but especially in the technological world. Things just aren't stable 100% of the time. Period.
Websites are up and down, emails work one moment and not another, some files open, some do not, cars won't start, etc, etc...
There are though often solutions to many technology-related issues. Things that can be explored and resolved with relative ease by a solid professional in that field (Web problems addressed by a Web designer as an example) and that will often rely HEAVILY on clear communication. Clearly discussed what it is you want to happen, your expectations and ideas. Very important to be sure it's clear as to what you expect, what you'd like, etc... It's sort of an educational process too since there's potentially much more to it than anticipated.
eBook specific, some examples of some common frustrations/potential problems (P) and potential solutions (S) are as follows:
1. File takes too long to load
(P) File to large, too many pages and graphics.
(S) Reduce graphics, make eBook shorter, break it into pieces, render the file smaller in resolution or file size.
2. File won't read on a particular device
(P) All devices cannot read all file types. For example:
- While (most) devices can read pdf files - there are always going to be rules to that exception, such as newer devices like the Apple iPad® or Blackberry® still working out kinks in their software making that a stable function.
- Kindle eReaders will not view html files, pdf files, or Flash files...
- Most handheld/tablet devices won't read Flash files
- PDF programming language, while popular and relatively stable, has variations. "Versions" of that pdf language, so there are sometimes differences as to what works and and what does not.
(S) Make sure you create the most appropriate and best-guess as to the best file type when creating the eBook. In other words, who you expect to read it and what you expect them to read it on as well as the user experience you would like them to have.
For example, "PDF seems the most logical so folks can view it on MOST devices, able to print it, relatively easy to make edits to, and provides some neat navigational functionalty (buttons)..."
It's critical to plan this out initially so your plan and expectation is at least favorable. And you also have knowledge of some of the potential pitfalls so you can plan accordingly.
What I like to do is create "contingency plans" that help improve the success rate. As an example, I might offer a simple website landing page that has the information about the eBook and various options available that will satisfy a variety of needs. Flash version link, pdf version link, separated articles available, website version, etc... SInce most devices can get online this option provides a way to give options depending on the users' preference.
Primary Types of eBooks
Primary eBook Type 1. PDF
From my perspective, the best option. PDF (portable document format) is a computer programmable language that has been around for a very long time. It's a relatively stable format that's widely used and/or accepted on most all online accessible devices. They can be read/viewed online, and can also be distributed as a file to other devices (emailed, etc...). In addition, they are easy to print out - therefore making a great online/print combination. With this option you can create a really robust print-like, professional e-magazine - or a very simple, fluid, mostly text-based document as a matter of design, each having its own strengths. If you’re looking for a really cool design that looks like a news stand magazine - or a cool, simple well-designed piece that’s mostly stable, and easily read on most devices, this is a strong option.
Strengths:
1. Easily read on most devices.
2. Easily distributed (emailed, etc...).
3. Easy to download.
4. Can provide sharp, crisp graphics.
5. Can have interactive abilities (hyperlinks, buttons, page turning, linked contents page to other pages, forms, and more...).
6. Can be edited (minor corrections only) directly with easy-to-use Adobe Acrobat software.
7. Allow you to use unlimited design. Fonts, colors, graphics, etc... Not limited as is on Web pages.
8. Easy to print.
9. Scaleable. Can be made into a variety of sizes, structures and designs. Single page, spreads, tall, wide, etc...
10. Text can be "grabbed," or copied with Adobe Acrobat software to other programs easily AND/OR can be password protected (read-only) so you can potentially also NOT allow that function if you want that layer of security.
Weaknesses:
1. While they can be edited with Adobe Acrobat software, moderate/major edits need to be done on the original software that created the pdf. Those costs would need to be estimated through that process.
2. Larger files create larger file sizes, which can be slower to download. There are definitely ways to avoid this issue (see below), but for longer/larger pdfs, can create a download/bandwidth issue.
Good for:
Very flexible design capability, simple stable format, good online and for print.
Some Average Costs:
Ranges low to high. The cost will typically depend upon the size of the eBook, how much graphical work is applied, and the amount of follow up or edits are required. Average costs are as follows (but can range as appropriate):
- Design consultation (design cover, TOC, and inside page): $500-$1200+
- Production of eBook (delivered)
- Up to 50 pages: $100 per page
- 50 to 100 pages: $125 per page (larger projects require more technical time and/or elements)
- Graphics: $50 per chart, $100 per stock image, custom illustrations quoted separately (larger, more detailed graphics)
- Hosting eBook: $350+/-
- Additional edits (beyond 3 rounds of edits or post launch): $100 per hour
- Basic landing web page for eBook, if applicable (text provided by client): $500+/-
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Primary eBook Type 2. Website.
Simply put, this type of eBook will look, act, and feel like a true website. Remember essentially, websites can be created in an infinite array of designs, so creating an eBook type of website (html-based) is a matter of setting the "website" up to look, act, and feel like an eBook. You can create a design that mimics most any size or style publication, loaded with buttons, graphics, and other components that make it a true publication-type website. Click a page, or button to turn the page, and it proceeds to that specific page...
Strengths:
1. Simple html website structure.
2. Relatively easy to edit (text is easy to work with, graphics can be easy to work with. Subject to typical website changes/edits.
3. Moderately flexible in design, similar to any website design process.
4. Can be viewed easily on most all web browsers (computer or handheld/laptop devices).
5. Size is only limited to practicality. In other words, as long or as large as you feel works well in design/concept.
Weaknesses:
1. Limited to the constraints of any website, since effectively - it is a website.
2. Graphically, can be limited whereas a print-type of publication has more design-ability features - web does have limitations.
Some Average Costs:
Moderate to high. The cost will typically depend upon the size of the eBook, how much graphical work is applied, and the amount of follow up or edits are required. Average costs are as follows (but can range as appropriate):
- Design consultation (design home page, turn page, design): $500-$1200+
- Production of eBook (delivered):
- Per story or article (on its own single long page): $450
- Per individual page (article on multi pages): $125 per web page
- Graphics: $50 per chart, $100 per stock image, custom illustrations quoted separately (fancy extensive work)
- Hosting eBook: $350+/-
- Additional edits (past 3 rounds or post launch): $50 - $150 per hour depending on the edit type.
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Primary eBook Type 3. Flash-based
“Flash.” So much talk about this type of file these days.
For quite some time, Flash has allowed us to see some pretty cool stuff online. Fancy, colorful, highly animated, and typically interactive/functional that go beyond the bounds of typical online programming (like basic html programming). Cartoons, intense animation, clever and really cool buttons, and as far as eBooks go - page peeling, and other special effects. Computer programming has changed quite a bit over the years and there are now some reasonably comparable solutions for implementing “cool things” on eBooks, websites, etc... It depends on what you want to do, what it’s for, and your skill set and/or abilities. On one hand you have some cool stuff that can be created with Flash-based software, and on the other - Many devices (ipad, many smart phones, and several web browsers) cannot read Flash programmed language, which leaves you with the (?) on the screen prompting you to download the newest Flash player (if available).
Strengths:
Some very cool special effects allow you to things that cannot be done with other programming languages/software. Page peeling effects, special and unique buttons, etc...
Weaknesses:
Time consuming and expensive to create.
Good for:
Higher end design, cool special effects. Unique and more upscale, technological.
Some Average Costs:
Moderate to high. The cost will typically depend upon the size of the eBook, how much graphical work is applied, and the amount of follow up or edits are required as well as how much Flash work is required. For example, will you require only the cool page peeling special effect, or more intense buttons, animations, or buttons. All of this will be spelled out in your outline or objectives in creating your eBook.
Average costs are as follows (but can range as appropriate):
- Design consultation (design cover, TOC, and inside page): $500-$1200+
- Production of eBook (delivered)
- Up to 50 pages: $100 per page
- 50 to 100 pages: $125 per page (larger projects require more technical time and/or elements)
- Graphics: $50 per chart, $100 per stock image, custom illustrations quoted separately (larger, more detailed graphics)
- Hosting eBook: $350+/-
- Additional edits (beyond 3 rounds of edits or post launch): $100 per hour
- Basic landing web page for eBook, if applicable (text provided by client): $500+/-
- Flash based intro page. Animated text and graphics to lead you into the actual eBook or landing page: Anywhere from $1200 to $5k+ depending on how intense the Flash work is.
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Primary eBook Type 4. Custom Programmable
Much like the 6th option below (Device Specific), this custom programmable option is program/software typically online but can also be available for download and is set up to help the do-it-yourselfer create a simple (but sometimes robust) eBook. It uses proprietary software to allow you tools very similar to Word that allow you to create your eBook.
These were created in the hopes to make it real easy to create an ebook. But if you have any experience with even something as mundane as Powerpoint and how complex THAT can even be, you understand the principle here.
Commonly you will find navigation tools, page flipping, and other tools to help enhance your eBook creation.
They can be very limiting in both design and functionality and typically have an unstable track record working effectively on most machines and/or web browsers. The custom programming is constantly changing and near impossible to maintain reliability across the numerous browsers and devices' technological abilities (working on Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, iPads, etc...). A challenge all by itself regardless - but amplified with this type of eBook.
Strengths:
- Cool, trendy, neat effects, “sometimes” easy to use.
- OK for a very basic, beginner's approach.
- Can be a decent solution for the brave do-it-yourselfer.
Weaknesses:
- Not a good solution for higher end, really nice custom design
- Not readable on all devices OR do not read well on all machines/devices.
- If you plan on using a design firm, these types of software are not standard industry software so will not be completely intuitive for the designer(s).
- Hosting is often a challenge. Many times on that proprietary site, so in other words create it with that online software and host it there as well...
- Warning: While I have seen some nice eBooks here, they are often created by high end designers - thus “ooh, that’s nice.” However, most of what I personally have seen, or have discussed with many others is the opposite; that is, they come out not as expected, were a pain to learn, things aren’t flowing right, etc... (I do encourage you to explore all options since no one solution is best for everyone).
Good for:
A brave do-it-yourselfer who wants a basic, beginner, cheap solution.
Some Average Costs:
Costs vary too much to list here. It depends on the software you purchase as well as the costs incurred to have a pro designer work on it with you (if that’s part of the plan). You could potentially make arrangements with a designer to support you in “cleaning it up” after you get it started, or just get the job quoted directly from a designer. Once it’s done, you can go in and make changes yourself.
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Primary eBook Type 5. Application Based (App)
While "Apps" are growing in popularity, and not necessarily a true eBook solution – they are an option for some. You can turn it into an "App" thus adding it to your collection of others (Angry Birds®, financial reports, notes, etc...) and open it, read it, and have all kinds of fun interactivity and functions - there are numerous considerations...
Strengths:
Very popular today for mobile devices, can be made really simple and fun to use.
Weaknesses:
VERY expensive to create. The process for getting one done can be very time consuming, not easy to edit or make changes to. They also lack that publication "sizzle" – that is, the cool looking stuff you see in magazines and booklets... App developing (in regard to publications) are typically very simple. Text, and simple graphics. And even that is really expensive to produce.
Good for:
Application (App) creation. Ultimately that’s what and how these are marketed...
Some Average Costs:
Expensive. Costs vary a lot actually. I have spoken to folks spending as little as up to $7,000 and as much as well over $20,000. It will depend on the type of app, the team required to develop it (design and planning, programming, implementation, etc...), and the forum used to sell and/or distribute the app. There are numerous articles you can find on creating apps.
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Primary eBook Type 6. Device Specific
The device-specific (D.S.) eBook is solely for a particular brand or device. For example, the Amazon Kindle® eBook reader uses a proprietary format “AZW.” Most of these (D.S.) eReaders follow the same protocol and while they can be created, they are best done through those proprietary software programs and systems - rendering them available through those specific devices. The Apple iPad has some outstanding applications (most of them free) that can create some really cool eBooks. BUT it does depend oon your skills/abilities to use that app, and is usually only geard for the ipad. Not the ideal custom created eBook, but an option if it were part of your strategy. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_formats for more information.
Strengths:
Mostly stable and/or ideal for that device specifically
Weaknesses:
- Mostly stable and/or ideal for that device specifically
- Not very customizable in layout or design, commonly very expensive and complex to get the right help in being able to create the eBook.
- Not very stable on other devices or web browsers.
Some Average Costs:
Information not available.
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Recommendations
When creating these eBooks, the following suggestions are recommended:
Create a plan! Figure out the basic plan first. What is it called,
You first have to determine whether you want a robust, graphically enhanced publication, or a simpler text-based publication. These (and other) decisions will affect the audience experience as well as the time frame and cost associated with creating these. A good art director or creative manager will be able to consult with you to make the best determination. Contact us for more help. (http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com).
- For a booklet with more graphic elements, keep shorter in length. 30-40 pages max. A nice balance of less text and strong graphics make it an easy, enjoyable read.
- For longer books (more than 40 pages), minimize graphics, keep design simple. There may be more text but you need to decide what “kind” of eBook you are creating. Some prefer reading text with no distracting graphics - others prefer more graphics...
- Each page should contain about 300 words max depending on design, and whether you add graphics or not.
- Make sure to have a very precise plan of attack. Your eBook should be very clear as far as what it’s called, how it will be created, and how, when, and where it will be distributed.
- It’s important to have the editorial written specifically for an eBook. Ebooks have similarities to printed media (magazines, books, journals, etc...) but really are a very unique breed. The text is more simplified, shorter in length. There are more hyperlinks to additional material. Try to visualize this being viewed on a (sometimes small) screen.
- Be sure the text is edited, proofread, and finalized prior to creating the eBook. Edits and changes can be time consuming and expensive.
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Worksheet
Use the following information and/or answer the following questions to help you figure out the ultimate eBook solution that’s right for you...
- What is the eBook subject? What is it to be called?
- What type of eBook do you want to create? (pdf, flash, or other as listed above)
- How long will it be? (how many pages can you envision)
- Graphical, or more text-based?
- Cost range? (what cost range do you envision?)
- Hosting. Where will it reside for download?
- What time frame to create or make available?
- Will you have advertising? How much/how many ads?
- Is it one single on-running book, a chapter book, or an article-based magazine type?
- If magazine-based, how many articles?
- Will you have the text ready and edited, or need that created?
- Graphics available ready-to-use, or need creating?
- Will it have a cover? Cover image?
- Is it part of a series, or one-off?
- What is your strategy for creating this eBook? Why are you creating it? Who are you creating it for?
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Cost Saving Tips
- Consider shorter length eBooks. Between 20-30 pages. They are easier to read, more frequently read, more efficient and less expensive to create.
- Think simple text, one strong, professional graphic per page, or every other page.
- Have cover idea in mind and situated. Experimenting, trying various cover ideas, and working with different designs can be time consuming and expensive.
- Consider a simple pdf type of eBook.
- Have all editorial written, edited, and ready in advance.
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Conclusion
There are so many options available when creating eBooks. They can be a huge sales tool, or just a fun way to present material. HOW they are created will make a tremendous difference. Explore your options, search for samples, and definitely try and consult with the right creative professional to help you create the best eBook you can.
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