Aug 31 2008
How To Improve Ebook Quality
The first aspect of quality can be expressed as choice of media. Since we know that the market has many different computers, operating systems, and preferences for reading, on or off the screen, the choice of a production path can be narrowed to the most versatile and widely accepted method known as Portable Document Format [PDF or pdf]. While other formats may be suitable for specialized applications, the more special the application the smaller the audience and fewer output or viewing choices that in turn diminish the viral marketing effects.
A second aspect of quality can be found in choices made in composing the PDF book. General indicators of composition are form and function. The form can include elements like headers, footers, page numbers, chapter headings, sub-headings, pictures, drawings, footnotes, endnotes, works cited, index, table of contents, lead pages, typography, cover, design, and layout. The function includes accuracy of internal and external links or hyper-links, and a range of qualitative output options that are device independent. Output options are accomplished with a page description language called PostScript.
A third aspect of quality are the tools used in the production process. Adobe is the company that developed the original PostScript page description language now used in production of all PDF documents. Other book production software products Adobe developed to use the potential of PostScript include their font library, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and InDesign. Adobe products indicate a professional level of tool selection. If you know the tools used then quality is derived and refined by the skill of the user.
After a manuscript has been drafted, the work of packaging it into an ebook begins. The more you discover about what goes in to packaging a book, the more you will come to appreciate the value of attention to detail. It is the detail that can speak louder than words.
Ebook quality has two separate parts - the quality of the content which is up to the author or editor, and the quality of the package which at best is done by someone with professional software and experience in its use.
I have prepared a very general checklist of what goes into producing a professional product. If your ebook is missing any of the features then it indicates that you can improve ebook quality.
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• write & proof read manuscript
• get pictures
• include links
• layout page + design
• size page and margins
• paste in cover
• insert text
• set type face + size
• set paragraph spacing
• set headings
• set sub-headings
• set footer
• set title
• set page number
• set home page URL
• highlight web links
• embed web links
• set table of contents with links
• create a pdf ebook
• test links
• add security
The bottom line is that if your book is worth doing then it is worth doing well. If you don’t know how to include some of the technical features that are indicators of quality, then it’s easy enough to find someone who does.
The waymore.info List & Sell is designed specifically to fill in the production gaps in preparing your ebook for market. The ebook itself is just one part of a six-step production process that prepares your product for market. Whether you choose to list with waymore.info or not, you can still apply to the service just to improve ebook quality.
