Making Ebook need suggestions

[robfoster]

I have seen plenty of people using openoffice, abiword and word 2003/2007 to create ebooks and publish it as PDF. Is there any other way ebooks can be created and published as PDF format ? I am asking this as i want to add multi color background image to my ebook text and format text and use it for PDF publishing.

How you created PDF ebook for your business or blog ? Used any software ? What are your suggestions in this ?

[GarryMSayer]

If you use OpenOffice Writer to create your ebooks save the file in standard OpenOffice Writer .odf format.

Once you've done that then click FILE then select EXPORT AS PDF, (I always use the default settings and they work for me), and then click EXPORT. Enter your title in the highlighted 'File Name' field and click SAVE.

The Result.

You're own unique .pdf file!

Hope this helps.

Garry.

[rahulchandra]

Dude,
You Can use any platform you want for writing (openoffice or word)

When the book is done use Primopdf (Its Free!!)

But if you are looking to create e book with functionality( such as being able to hyperlink a text, ebook security, or any advanced editing) then you might want to upgrade it to nitropdf...

Trust me its well worth it, You don't need adobe, Nitropdf is a robust solution that takes care of everything

Hope this helps
Rahul

[Brian Johnson]

Keep it simple, if you have word and your comfortable
with word then use that. If you like open office ... stick
with that.

Focus on the content, offer something above and beyond
that is already available and you will do well.

Best,

[GarryMSayer]

Originally Posted by rahulchandra

When the book is done use Primopdf (Its Free!!)

Ummmm...Yep...So is OpenOffice Writer.

Originally Posted by rahulchandra

But if you are looking to create e book with functionality( such as being able to hyperlink a text, ebook security, or any advanced editing)

That's a good point. I've never found a way by using OpenOffice Writer of converting an .odf file to a .pdf with full ebook security i.e. preventing people from copying the content then pasting it into their chosen word processor and/or allowing password access to your .pdfs.

However, it's a lot easier nowadays to copy content using other sources due to the advances of OCR and voice recognition software. If you can print an ebook chances are you can copy it with OCR. So even if your ebook is secure, if somebody is that keen to copy the content, I'm sure they'll find a way to do it.


Garry.

[Alex Williams]

CutePDF is good. Also, if you are using MS Office, you can download a PDF maker from Microsoft, just use the search on their website. It works as a "save as" (while CutePDF works as a printer).

Alex

[robfoster]

Thanks garry, rahul & bria, alex. I've done content on openoffice. But whenever i tried to add background to the document it's not get published inside PDF. I made sky-blue abckground to ebook and it is not making it in PDF.

Is there something wrong or should i prefer another software for this ? Like quark express or pagemaker ?

[Allan Rich]

Originally Posted by robfoster

Thanks garry, rahul & bria, alex. I've done content on openoffice. But whenever i tried to add background to the document it's not get published inside PDF. I made sky-blue abckground to ebook and it is not making it in PDF.

Is there something wrong or should i prefer another software for this ? Like quark express or pagemaker ?

In Open office... Insert your picture then Right Click > Wrap > In Background.

When you export it as PDF, it should show up.

[robfoster]

Thanks allan, let me try it. I'll update the thread after experimenting with this feature.

[CDarklock]

Get the Warrior PDF printer driver (available under the "Making Money" forum on the front page). Use whatever you want to make your ebook. Print to that driver, and voila - thou dost have one most excellent of PDFs.

Completely slaughters the question of what software to use. See Brian Johnson's comment: use what you're comfortable using.

[robfoster]

@CDarklock, thanks for comment i was looking for ways to add background and for that i found word & open office a bit less effective. I'm launching my first ebook so i was also paying attention to my design as i think it should be good all sides not just content.

So was asking other WF members if they know any good tool for making ebook.

[kay12345]

actually photoshop can do the trick as well, but it is way too non-user-friendly

[derrickvandyke]

Try youconvertit.com. It's free and you can convert just about any document to PDF.

[SellDGuide]

I use a software to create my ebooks. It's expensive though but it makes it easier for readers to read the content. There is an index page, then you have to click on different links to access different chapters.

[blesslane7]

Originally Posted by SellDGuide

I use a software to create my ebooks. It's expensive though but it makes it easier for readers to read the content. There is an index page, then you have to click on different links to access different chapters.

Hello SellDGuide,

What is the name of the e-book software you are using?

Thanks,
Glenda

[kfk2003]

For complete control of a PDF the best software is probably Adobe InDesign. It's not cheap but you can usually find older versions on eBay for a better price. There's a bit of a learning curve but once you've got it mastered you can do anything with it.

[CliveG]

I have used pdfFactory. If you can print from an application you can use it to convert the document to a PDF and secure it, prevent printing / copying / etc. too.

[Tracy Yates]

Rob,

You should be able to have your background show up when you convert to PDF when using OpenOffice Writer.

If you want to add the same background to all your ebook pages, then try opening up the 'Styles and Formatting' window --> Either hit your F11 key on your keyboard or select --> 'Format > Styles and Formatting'

You should see a new window pop open.

You want to set the background inside your 'Page' setting, so you will need to click on the 'Page Styles' icon on the top of the 'Styles and Formatting' window. Just roll your mouse over each of the icons and it will tell you which icon is what

When you open up the 'Page Styles' portion, look for the style named 'Default'. Unless you have used a different style within your pages, but normally, that is the default setting for page styles.

Right click on the 'Default' page style and select 'Modify'.

Another window will open and from there, you want to select 'Background' from the tabbed top menu.

Inside the 'Background' settings, you want to select 'Graphic' from the drop down menu where you should see the word 'Color'.

After that, select 'Browse', find your background graphic, set how you want the graphic to be displayed. I like to choose 'Area', but you may decide to go with something else.

Then hit 'OK' button.

You should then see your background image inside all your content pages.

Now, hit the 'PDF' icon, or 'File > Export As PDF...' and you should be all set.


Tracy

[robfoster]

Thanks tracy, instead of openoffice i was about to use pagemaker for this. But dropped the thought and using openoffice again with the tip you've given.

[Frank Donovan]

Hi Rob

You could also try using eWriterPro, which is a specific eBook software program. It'll let you have a whole range of background colors and will convert your book to a pdf when complete.

It's free to download from: eWriterPro

You can read more from the creators (White Dove Books) here: eWriterPro Creating Your First Book


Frank

[Audrey Harvey]

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[gerardleroux]

Hi Rob, I use Software995 - free - I purchased their pdf converter (although it's free if you can handle a 10 second sponsor ad delay when you use it, I couldn't) and then also use the "pdfedit 995" to add links, background, security, etc. Also free but with that 10 second ad you have to endure. Has worked for me for years.

Hope you win. Just remember, it's not about the fancy background though. It's about the content. I've wasted years of my life fiddling with the fancy bits - it's not worth it.

But maybe you just have higher standards than me?! Keep going.