Ebooks
-- Self-Publishing Your Way to Internet Success Part 5 Ebook
Design (HTML)
When designing an HTML compiled ebook, you must create an
HTML document (web page) for each page within your ebook.
These pages should include all of the following:
Introduction - You can create an image that compliments
the theme of your ebook, add your company logo and ebook title
or whatever you'd like. You should begin typing your introduction
on this page explaining what your ebook
is all about.
Foreword - You can include information in regard to
warranties, copyrights, trademarks or even an editorial.
Table of Contents - A Table of Contents is really optional.
If your ebook contains only a few chapters, a Table of Contents
really isn't necessary. However, if your ebook contains many
chapters, it is highly recommended that you include a Table
of Contents. This will enable your readers to quickly locate
important information.
About - This is really an optional page. It really
depends upon the type of ebook you're creating. If you're
writing your information in the form of a how-to manual, then
you should include an "About" page. This page should be used
to tell your readers about your ebook, your company, your
website, yourself or whatever you'd like. Make sure you provide
your website address and your contact information.
Navigation
HTML ebooks are created just like a website. In order to navigate
through the pages, you'll need to include good navigational
links on each page. In addition, each page you create should
contain links to the previous and next page within your ebook.
For example, page two of your ebook should have navigational
arrows or links to page one and page three. Page three should
have navigational arrows or links to page two and page four
and so on.
File Names
All of your files, including HTML pages and graphics, should
be placed within a folder by themselves.
Your main or starting page of your ebook should be called,
"index.htm" or "index.html", as many HTML compilers require
this. You can name the rest of your pages anything you'd like.
Creating Links
When linking to another page within your ebook, your HTML
code should look like this:
<A HREF="yourpage.htm">Your Page</A>
To display an image within your ebook, your HTML code should
look like this:
<IMG SRC="yourimage.gif">
or
<IMG SRC="yourimage.jpg">
Keep in mind that any images you include within your ebook
must be included within the compilation.
If you're linking to a web page outside of your ebook, make
sure you create a link that includes the full path to the
website and will open the page in a new window like this:
<A HREF="http://www.yoursite.com" TARGET="blank">Your
Site</A>
If you don't include "TARGET="blank" the web page will open
within your ebook.
Enhancing Your Ebook's Appearance
To enhance the appearance of your ebook, include small images
that compliment the subject of your ebook. In addition, create
small graphic page headers, subject dividers and bullets.
By including these images, you will greatly
enhance your ebook and provide a more enjoyable experience
for your readers.
Try to avoid using animated or large, slow loading images,
as these types of images can be very distracting and irritate
your readers.
HTML compiled ebooks can include just about everything that
HTML 4.0+ supports. You can include live links, subscription
forms, order forms, JavaScript, DHTML, Flash, video and sound.
When designing your ebook, try to avoid using anything that
requires a special plug-in, such as Flash. Although a dynamic
presentation looks nice to those capable of viewing it, not
everyone has those capabilities. Flash is very slow loading
and can cause your readers to become frustrated when trying
to load your ebook.
Creating an Icon
Many HTML ebook compilers are now enabling you to use your
own ebook icon. This icon is an image that will be displayed
on your clients' desktop. When clicked on, it will open your
ebook.
In order to create an icon, you must have a special software
program that will save your image with a .ico extension.
You can download a great software program called, "Icon Edit
Pro" here:
http://www.iconedit.com/
Before creating an icon, make sure you review your compilation
software to make sure that you can include your own icon and
to get their specifications.
In part 6 of our series, we will focus on some publishing
tips such as copyrighting your ebook, obtaining an International
Standard Book Number (ISBN) and more.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery
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