An eBook is an electronic conversion of your printed book.

To create an eBook all the text and images in your book is first tagged and converted into HTML code and then made into a new file from your print book file. I’ll then create a new eBook file to ensure the fonts, layout and styling will work for the widest range of eBook devices.

The eBook file is then packaged as an epub file for Kindle, iPad, Nook and Android. Any reader will then be able to download this file onto their digital device where it is instantly decoded and displayed for them. I’ve answered some commonly asked questions answered in “Why not just get a cheap conversion?” to help you appreciate why it’s so important to have your eBook converted properly and not rely on free tools and cheap conversion offerings to do this for you.

Can you create an eBook without a PDF or Print Book File?

Short answer, YES.

Detailed answer:

It’s pretty close to creating a print book and costs are similar if we are starting from an MS Word doc. In order to create an eBook I would typically start by converting the PDF file produced for your print. If you do not have a print book then it is possible for me to start work from your MS Word doc. This work absolutely does not need to be as comprehensive as it would be for a print book, but we will at least need to ensure all the key elements of the book are identified, the structure is clear and any styling has been chosen. And it must be edited and as close to error-proof as possible.

Send me your files, instructions, and any cover or interior images you may have. Once you return a completed SPEC SHEET I will review everything and issue an initial estimate along with a more detailed look at this process. I require a 50% non-refundable deposit up front and the remainder is due at the end of the project (more on that in the PAYMENT section). I will then return your final print-ready PDF.

I understand this is a first for many and with that comes a lot of questions. This document serves as a comprehensive overview to the most frequently asked questions. Please review it carefully. Once you’ve made the decision to partner with me for your book, I will send a more detailed process sheet along with my estimate which will outline details specific to your project if there are any. If your project necessitates special consulting, we can set aside some time to do so or you may send over an email with your specific questions. Consulting fees may apply.

This can change but currently, 4-6 weeks from the start date. A more precise turnaround will be in your quote and is dependent on whether I am working on a book cover or eBook conversion as well. You should allow extra time to review your files and request changes. If your deadline is tight, I can offer an express service subject to availability adding rush fees where applicable. Life during the pandemic and working with children at home has come with many struggles and adjustments to create healthy boundaries for work and home life. Please understand I take very good care of my clients and therefore those currently in process with me have priority. Book evaluations and new projects are also handled with care but in respect to my current client load, timelines and turnarounds vary certain times of the year during certain seasons.

A NOTE ABOUT THE START DATE

You may send your manuscript to me to evaluate or you may forward to me your final edited manuscript because we have been waiting on it from your editor, in either case, your submission date is not typically the same as a start date. Because I am a one woman show - it will take me some time to shuffle through current tasks for other projects in order to begin yours. At certain times of the year, my pipeline may be 30-60 days before I am scheduling new projects. Specific timelines will be addressed for each project.

Payment details will be discussed in detail with my clients. This is an overview of costs.

eBooks have differing pricing structures depending on the scope of the project.

Option 1 :: If I have laid out your print book, I’m starting ahead in the process of a typical eBook conversion - so my conversion rate begins at a lower price point for existing customers. Costs depend on the complexities of your print book that need to be reformatted/reprocessed/removed for eReading devices.

If I have not laid out your print book file, the costs to create an eBook file follow closely to the same costs as a print file. There are certain aspects we do not have to adhere to when typesetting an eBook, however, much of the text will still need to be styled and coded so that it will read in an organized fashion on a wide variety of eReader devices. The Navigational Table of Contents will be generated from those styles and codes as well.

Option 2 :: A Simple Conversion Baseline Investment: $650

Your book is a novel without complexities. Please review the file preparation section in the Project Detail Packet to ensure I have what I need to begin.

Option 3 :: A Complex Conversion Baseline Investment: $1250

Your book contains a large number of links, cross-references or an index or it includes an unusually large number of images that need processing or recreating. In cases like these the cost begins at $1250 and then complexities are addressed as a separate cost based on the scope of the reprocessing - it could be redrawing a diagram, creating a table, anchoring images into the flow of text, retouching images, creating footnotes, relinking broken hyperlinks etc.

I NEED A COVER DESIGN :: Investment 650+

eBook cover designs have a different approach to cost because there is no spine or back cover to contend with. I am essentially creating a stunner of a front cover only.

Cover packages include 2 front cover directions and standard licensing for up to $50 of stock imagery or fonts. I’ll source imagery and send a link to viewable options and we’ll decide on two main directions for the front cover.

I do offer custom watercoloring of images for covers, custom Photoshop work, and hand-drawn components…These specializations are charged on a scale based on the scope and will be discussed if the work raises the rate of the cover.

If I created your print book cover, then I’ll have the file I need.

If I have not created your book cover, the best way forward would be to submit to me a high-resolution JPG of your front cover. If you do not have one, submit to me what you do have and we can go from there.

The back cover is not typically included in an eBook file. Marketing information such as the book synopsis or author bio should instead be included as metadata when the book is submitted for distribution. This information is asked for on your SPEC SHEET.

There are plenty of low-cost eBook conversion services and even free conversion tools out there. Many of these claim to simply take your PDF book and in a few clicks transform it into an epub file. The truth is while many of these tools will convert your book to the right format, the result is not an eBook you would be willing to sell. The reason is that most books are more than just plain text and include items like special fonts, images, call outs, captions, footnotes, numbering or an index and the eBook it produces can look a disaster and will likely get rejected when it is in review for distribution on Amazon or Ingram Spark etc.