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Writing my first E-book - Which format to use

by Buyseech
21 replies
Hi there,

I am currently working on my first e-book. I am wondering if you could suggest a format ( .doc, .pdf ) in which to save it and distribute it.

I would of course preffer it was locked so nobody could copy/paste it, but there are probably a gazillion scrapers out there that can go through this.

But still ; which format/interface is the best for this task?

Looking forward to your comments.

Thanx.

Sincerely, Buyseech
#ebook #format #writing
  • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
    Hi,

    I recommend you write it as a word document and then save as PDF once you are happy with it. That way, the average Joe can't mess with it.

    You should also stick a disclaimer in the front about copyright infringement. If its quite a substantial piece of work, its always better to be safe than sorry and file a copyright for it - although in most cases this is not needed.

    kind regards
    Arfa
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    • Profile picture of the author donhx
      Originally Posted by arfasaira View Post

      Hi,

      I recommend you write it as a word document and then save as PDF once you are happy with it. That way, the average Joe can't mess with it.

      You should also stick a disclaimer in the front about copyright infringement. If its quite a substantial piece of work, its always better to be safe than sorry and file a copyright for it - although in most cases this is not needed.

      kind regards
      Arfa
      It is true that your copyright is automatically in effect when you publish the work.

      However, to defend yourself in court if someone steals your work, it needs to be registered. You can do it for $35 here: U.S. Copyright Office - Online Services (eCO: Electronic Copyright Office)

      If your copyright is not registered, you're likely you will have problems. No, I'm not a lawyer, but I have years of publishing experience.
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    • Profile picture of the author technologift
      i suggest to use pdf format, becasue it is readonly and most compatible format
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  • Profile picture of the author Copy
    I write my e-books in Microsoft Word 2010 using an e-book template. When you are finished writing, there are many options to save it, and one of them is a PDF. This is the only format I use.
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  • Profile picture of the author Doug Slaton
    First I prefer the PDF format and second I don't worry about protecting documents. There are too many options out there to quickly and easily get at the data.

    Plus it's very frustrating for genuine non-thieving customers to not be able to copy and paste snippets from the document for notes.

    I just make sure I've got plenty of links sprinkled throughout the document.

    Another way to create a PDF is to use a PDF printer. One I use and recommend to clients is Bullzip. It's free and you can find it here:
    FREE PDF Printer
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    Only distribute in PDF format, so that you can securely distribute your content without fear of someone taking your content and making it their own.
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    • Profile picture of the author SamirSM
      As the name says, PDF is for creating and distributing portable documents.
      So, I would suggest PDF as the final format. Usually I edit the document in MS Word and export it as a PDF.
      If you want Document Protection, an alternate format would be .swf. First export the Word document in PDF. Then convert it to .swf or a flash file. That way >95% of the users won't know how to obtain the text or won't take the pains to do it!
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    As everyone else has said, Word to write the book, PDF to publish it. Don't worry too much about people copying the content. If they want to do it they will always find a way. Just concentrate on getting more people to buy it and you will be fine.

    If you are too worried then you could create a video course and/or audio instead. It would be perceived as more valuable and it would be harder for people to rip off as their own.
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  • Profile picture of the author vstar00
    Im working on my first ebook too, altho its a collaboration book. Its written in powerpoint and saved in pdf altho most people go word --> pdf
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    • Profile picture of the author MarketingVet09
      PDF all the way. Secure and most used format.
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  • Profile picture of the author marcuslim
    Always go PDF if you're only selling the ebook for personal use. Of course, if you decide to sell PLR rights, then you'd also include the source .doc file as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shane N
    You should have it be a PDF, always. You can create one easily using the FREE program Open Office.

    If you offer your e-book with PLR (Private Label Rights) -- Then you can offer both a PDF and .DOC version for those who want to EDIT your report (as long as you allow them to within the PLR license).

    Best,
    Shane
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  • Profile picture of the author bdm
    Once you have it finished, PDF is the way to got. You also want to secure the PDF to your customers can't copy and paste from it.
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  • Profile picture of the author marketanalyzer
    i write articles in word 2010 and save it as PDF. always distribute in this format to secure your content.
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  • Profile picture of the author rickfrazier1
    As many have indicated, write in word (or open office text editor) and save as PDF.
    Don't get concerned about protecting the PDF. Anything you do to protect the product will only make it more difficult on your customers, and that tends to increase return rates.

    Think of it this way... If someone really wants to rip you off, there are just too many ways to do it. At the least, they can print out the product, and send it to someone to transcribe for a paltry fee...

    Provide good content, attractively priced, and you shouldn't have to worry too much about ripoffs. Yes, there will always be a few (like some "serial refunders") but that's just part of the business.
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  • Profile picture of the author warriorkay
    They are right - PDF is the norm nowadays for
    ebooks. Back in our days .exe was the way to
    go... not anymore, it seems,

    Kingsley
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  • Profile picture of the author thegotoguy
    I write ebooks here and there and I also use Microsoft Word along with adobe Acrobat Writer. First I write the ebook (you can use an ebook template) and then after I am finished I use adobe Acrobat Writer to render it as a PDF document.

    I don't ever recommend releasing a .doc version of any of your hard work. Because anyone can just copy it, add to it, change it and then they can save it as a pdf and start selling it. So render it as a pdf and you'll avoid most of that. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author johnyeo90
    PDF,,because i believe everyone's computer have adobe reader program..Moreover people can get it for free compare to Doc. file where people have to pay to use it,.
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  • Profile picture of the author marketwarrior06
    Banned
    i think writing is not the most important thing. you can write anywhere but if you save it in pdf format then i think it will be more safe. and plz use a copy write protection too.
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  • Profile picture of the author GarryMSayer
    Hi BuySeech,

    Like everyone else is advising create it either in MS Word or OpenOffice Writer and then convert it to .pdf for distributing.

    As in regard to .pdfs being secure, I started the following thread a while back (in good faith) and a few warriors disagreed with my ideas, for differing reasons. It's well worth reading though, if you find the time.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ior-forum.html

    Garry.
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