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What Tools Should All Of Us Use When Creating Our 1st Ebooks

by onpointinfo
37 replies
I am creating my 1st free ebook, what are the top 5 tools that we should use in creating ebooks ?
#1st #creating #ebooks #tools
  • Profile picture of the author Jason_prz
    I think it is great that you want to create a Ebook ; what can pretty much sum up what you need in a tools you need in a Ebook is Pat Fylnn's Ebook's the smart way. You would have to go to his blog (it is a good read) and sign up for his list , but for what you want to do, it is well worth it (IT IS FREE).

    Check it out here:

    http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/
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    • Profile picture of the author Verena
      I use Microsoft Words for content creation and then convert it to PDF. There are tons of free converters on the Net. If you're creating an ecover for the PDF, I recommend CoverAction Pro. You need Photoshop skill to create the graphics though. I guess that's all you need.
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  • Profile picture of the author Caiden
    OpenOffice and a Graphics suite (I use an ancient version of Fireworks). Other than my own brain those 2 are pretty much the only tools I use!

    Caiden
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  • Profile picture of the author theIMgeek
    1. Our brain. (there are so many eBooks out there not worth the pixels they're printed on)

    2. OpenOffice is a free suite of office software that will create PDF files.

    3. Keyword/Market Research tool to find out if the idea is worth writing

    4. A talented graphic designer to create a nice book cover

    5. Google... do a lot of research before writing.

    -Ryan
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Don't underestimate the value of commenting/forming relationships on other blogger's blogs. While this is can be a bit time consuming, it is WELL worth it.

      P.s. Funny the OP mentioned Pat Flynn. He's a great stand up guy.....that book alone, sprawled out over my desk, was responsible for my book(s) earning several thousand $$$ it's first 2 days after launch...
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    • Profile picture of the author jaxrefinance
      Originally Posted by RJP View Post

      1. Our brain. (there are so many eBooks out there not worth the pixels they're printed on)

      2. OpenOffice is a free suite of office software that will create PDF files.

      3. Keyword/Market Research tool to find out if the idea is worth writing

      4. A talented graphic designer to create a nice book cover

      5. Google... do a lot of research before writing.

      -Ryan
      Research is great, but without EXPERIENCE, you are off to a bad start.
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      • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
        Originally Posted by jaxrefinance View Post

        Research is great, but without EXPERIENCE, you are off to a bad start.
        Experience, without direction, is fundamentally flawed. You can have the "experience" of trying many times, but, without research, outside of an occasional success, one will find themselves failing more than they succeed. Experience is great, but without research, you could be seriously wasting your time attempting to conquer projects/niches don't lend themselves to competition that can realistically be conquered, dependent on the extent of one's own personal resources, of course.
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        • Profile picture of the author bretski
          I use GIMP for graphics... or ms Paint if I'm just messing with screenshots or something simple. I always had a hard time with Photoshop and GIMP is just a tad easier for me to figure out...great free "tool"
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayhew
    Open Office, Cute PDF
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    • Profile picture of the author dika
      Originally Posted by Michael Mayhew View Post

      Open Office, Cute PDF
      What do you use Cute PDF for if OOffice can convert documents to PDF?

      Personally I use Open Office for text & PDF. Gimp and Inkscape for graphics.
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  • Profile picture of the author positiv11
    Microsoft Word 2010 so you can convert to PDF and google for keyword search.
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  • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
    Originally Posted by onpointinfo View Post

    I am creating my 1st free ebook, what are the top 5 tools that we should use in creating ebooks ?
    Onpoint,

    I'm ass-u-ming that you have clearly researched and delineated your market, as well? One can create the best eBook on the planet, but, if there is no market for it, noone will buy it. For this, check out Amazon.com, and a little known secret of mine: killerstartups.com. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Christophe Young
    Well, if you are only talking about tools to "create ebooks," then just write it up in Microsoft Word and then convert it to a PDF file.

    I always recommend using secure ebook software to sell paid ebooks despite the abuse that the idea often receives around here. Something like Ebook Pro, which is what I use.

    Then just outsource the graphics, ebook cover and other images to a good artist and you're good to go.

    I was able to get my first ebook up and running quickly using the methods above.
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    • Profile picture of the author Winlin
      Originally Posted by Christophe Young View Post

      Well, if you are only talking about tools to "create ebooks," then just write it up in Microsoft Word and then convert it to a PDF file.

      You are perfectly correct however, may add one thing... If you want active links in your e-book , you will run in to trouble here . I overcame this by opening my word document using open office and then printing with cute pdf .

      *Note- If you start in Word and then convert to Open office you may have to make a few minor formatting adjustments prior to saving as a pdf. Open office is a free download .

      Also for a graphic manipulation program... GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program also an open source tool.

      To your success - Winlin
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  • Profile picture of the author TheMagicShow
    Originally Posted by onpointinfo View Post

    I am creating my 1st free ebook, what are the top 5 tools that we should use in creating ebooks ?
    Download openoffice, makes it very simple to create a file, that can be exported as .pdf
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  • Profile picture of the author Big Al
    I'm going to go internet connection and Word.

    Do some research and then write. I was thinking about getting drawn more and more into graphics and layout ... until I bought from Paul Myers the other day ... an amazingly well written product in Times New Roman.

    No gimmicks, no magic tricks and no style over content.

    It was clear, concise and quality - kinda reminded myself that good stuff is better than nice looking stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
    The new version of MSFT Office has a built in PDF converter. If not, use Open Office...pretty simple to make the "ebook."

    Cheers,

    Brad
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  • Profile picture of the author onpointinfo
    Hey guys...

    Thanks for everybodys support and feedback.

    I decided to upgrade my Adobe Pdf Reader and version 9 I believe now allows to create pdf for Free, was a quick read and what I understood have to go back there to reread again.
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  • Profile picture of the author Will Edwards
    eWriterPro - get a free copy here ...

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    Will
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  • Profile picture of the author TheMagicShow
    I just got a new dell w/ win 7 and it had office 2010 and MS Word indeed does convert to .pdf files
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  • Profile picture of the author mainstreetcm
    I used Word 07 and downloaded the XPS add-on so I could save PDF files.
    Used the FREE Snipping tool within Windows 7 to get screenshots.
    Signed up for e-junkie with a promo code that got me 4 months free.

    Now if I could just find a promo code to get unlimited WSO bumps I'd be a happy guy! lol
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I use Open Office to do the writing, but really the most important tool to use is your brain. Create a dynamite product and overdeliver info rather than underdeliver. A few screenshots (I use Fireworks and Photoshop for graphics), a lot of info and then export it as a pdf and it's done. Nothing fancy.
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    • Profile picture of the author bretski
      I also use Open Office, my brain, a few different search engines for times when my brain can't retrieve data or when I want to check on something... and research. Ummmm...and Maddi Murtaza. He's kind of a tool, right? (kidding!)
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      • Profile picture of the author Maddi
        Originally Posted by bretski View Post

        I also use Open Office, my brain, a few different search engines for times when my brain can't retrieve data or when I want to check on something... and research. Ummmm...and Maddi Murtaza. He's kind of a tool, right? (kidding!)
        A toooooooooool?

        I guess you'll referring to whats between my ears. Yea, my Brain, is a tool

        A cool tool infact.

        Maddi
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  • Profile picture of the author onpointinfo
    Adobe reader new updated verison 9 offers now from what I understand a FREE PDF CONVERTER...! Check it out by upgrading your adobe reader !

    By the way thanks for all the great responses ...edwin
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  • Profile picture of the author nicheman
    Open Office, Cute Pdf, Gimp as Winlin suggested...Pat Flynn materials are a must!
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  • Profile picture of the author dagny
    I like using the following.

    1) Word (to create and type my project)
    2) Adobe Acrobat (to convert to PDF file and also to set permissions or lock it)
    3) Photoshop (to create cover)
    4) A friend to proofread
    5) Dragon NaturallySpeaking (so I can be creative and talk instead of typing)

    All the best with your ebook project
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  • Profile picture of the author addictiod
    Openoffice, Notepad++ or Microsoft Office Suite + Fireworks.
    I use this combination: Office suite + Fireworks and i see great results!
    I recommend it with pleasure.
    Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author hometutor
    Get open office (free) save your ebook as pdf (yuck) Save as ms word 97 for createspace which can get you into the ipad amazon etc.

    DO NOT password protect your book or do anything making it difficult for your customers to use. There's a lot of talk about this in the Yahoo pub groups. Zip the file up instead of using just the pdf to since the SEs can now spider pdfs. Also Big Brother (google) might take it upon itself to further break copyrights by adding up to 30% of your book to googlereads


    Rick
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  • Profile picture of the author edoho
    you can make with open office and convert in to pdf, and build your ebook cover with photoshop, make an awesome design in your cover
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter.J
    I use Adobe inDesign to design my eBook's...works great, very proffesional program
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    My brain, Google (for research), Open Office, Camtasia (for screenshots from which I grab a still frame when required), Adobe Photoshop and/or Serif DrawPlus for graphics.
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  • Profile picture of the author PPCprof
    you dont need any tools to make an ebook.

    just skills and contents.
    extra stuff is under "wanted" not "needed"

    =)
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  • Profile picture of the author kaper7
    Do research to see what people want a solution to. You can do this using google, yahoo answers, or post questions in forums among other venues.

    Do additional research to find the best solutions to the biggest problems people have. Organize your self and begin writing. Write tight and stop when you run out of valuable content.

    Graphics, copy, opt-in and marketing are among a few things you'll have to put in place to make sure you have a successful campaign. good luck!
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