Welcome ebook writer! Below are links to information and services to help you self-publish your ebook. This is not a full list, and is provided for research purposes only. However, these links should give you an overview of ebook creation plus some useful tools for specific tasks such as making ebook covers and formatting your ebook. Other helpful information can be found under the Self-Publishing Resources tab on the left.
Self-Publishing an Ebook – General Information
Self-Publishing Basics (David Gaughran)
How do I get started (Sarah Woodbury)
How to Publish Your Ebook (BookMark)
Ebook Conversion: DIY or Outsource (Book Designer)
How to create an ebook – list of common mistakes (Wiki)
How to format your own ebook (Molly Greene)
How to make a Kindle table of contents (Dark Neon)
MobileRead Discussion Forum
Anne R. Allen Writers’ Resources
TeleRead.org – large site on ebooks & more
Online Ebook Services
Smashwords
Aer.io – sell your own and other’s ebooks
Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon)
Draft2Digital
– D2D vs Smashwords
– D2D offers a universal book link
BookBaby
Scribd
Blurb
Calibre (free open source)
Ebook Formatting – Information & Services
Ebook conversion tools (big wiki list)
Ebook conversion questions
Ebook Partnership Conversion Services
GP Shure Services (for Kindle & Createspace)
Flightdeck – Ebook format checking service
Ebook Covers
Ebook cover design tips (Humble Nation)
Fresh Design (recommended, BC- based)
4 things an ebook cover designer should create for you
Pulp-O-Miser covers (fun)
3D-Effect Digital Book Covers (for online use)
DIY video tutorial on how to make a 3D cover with Photoshop
DIY video tutorial how t make a 3D cover with GIMP software
Free online 3D book cover generator
Photoshop scripts to make 3D book covers:
CoverAction Pro ($97, good reviews, youtube tutorial)
ECover Suite Elite ($37)
3D Bookcover Software:
Review of eCover Software ($27, Windows only)
BoxShot 3D packaging software ($79 home use, $199 pro)
True Boxshot Software for virtual cover images ($80)
Hire a Graphic Designer:
If you only need to make a few book covers, it may save you time and frustration to hire a designer. There are many good graphic designers, but one talented book cover and graphic designer is Michelle Fairbanks of Fresh Design (recommended).
Have an idea for a resource? Send an email.
Note: Links and information are for research purposes and do not replace professional advice. Accuracy of third-party websites cannot be verified and links do not indicate endorsement.