Self Publishing Your
Own Ebooks
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.
Ebook 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.
Ebook 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
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design
Mastery.
http://www.webdesignmastery.com
And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book.
http://www.ebookstarter.com
Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips
and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing
Strategies."
http://www.web-source.net
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,
in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author
bylines are included.
Part Four
Part Six
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