Convert your book to a digital product, "e-book"

In order to deliver your information to your customers, you'll need to compress it into a downloadable file, better known as an e-book. There are different types of compilation methods. You can make a pdf file. With this method your customers will need a program called Adobe Acrobat to open the file, but it's free and can be downloaded from the Internet quickly. You can also make an e-book by using a special e-book program. We will discuss these options further below.

It's important to put your e-book in as many formats as possible. Not everyone will be able to open your e-book on their computer if you rely solely on any one file format. Some examples of commonly used formats include pdf e-books and exe e-books. Some people may not want to take the time to download a new software program in order to read your e-book. Therefore, it is effective to put links in your Web site to any programs your customers may need to open your e-book. That way they can download the program they need immediately.

First we will discuss the most frequently used programs on the Internet to open e-books. You can download these for free and check them out. Then we will look at the top-of-the-line programs most publishers use to convert their work into e-books.

Here you can find some programs that are used to open e-books, which you can download for free:

Adobe reader

PDF files require a program called Adobe Reader. It contains a Library, Table of Contents, Chapter links, and Bookmarks for navigation. This program enables you to open PDF files on Windows, Macintosh, Linux, UNIX, and Palm systems.

You can download the adobe acrobat software here:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Microsoft reader

You can open Microsoft reader files on Windows computers and pocket PCs. Its navigation contains Library, Table of contents, Chapter links, and Bookmarks.

You can download the Microsoft reader software here:

http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/default.mspx

Mobipocket

Another program that could be useful is mobipocket files. These files are used on Palm Pocket PCs, e-bookMan, and Windows PCs.

You can download the mobipocket software here:

http://mobipocket.com/en/DownloadSoft/ProductDetailsReader.asp

There are also many programs available on the Internet that can assist you in creating e-books. The following is a list of the best compilers I have found:

Adobe Acrobat Professional

This is the best e-book compiler. It is famous worldwide and easy to use.

Adobe® Acrobat® Professional software enables business professionals to reliably create, combine, and control Adobe PDF documents for easy, more secure distribution, collaboration, and data collection. Protect sensitive information with passwords, permissions, and digital signatures. It also enables users of Adobe Reader® software to participate in document reviews, fill and save forms, and digitally sign documents.

You can learn more about this program here:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatpro/productinfo/features/

Activ E-Book

Activ E-Book is incredibly easy to use. It works on computers with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT4, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP (requires Internet Explorer 4 or later).

E-books created using Activ E-Book use the exact same "engine" as Internet Explorer. This provides total compatibility with the world's most popular Web browsers including support for HTML, DHTML, images & animations, JPEG and PNG graphics, JavaScript, VBScript, and most Internet Explorer plug-ins.

http://www.ebookcompiler.com/

WebCompiler

WebCompiler allows you to create time and usage limited presentations, which expire after a number of uses or a number of days. A name and code system allows you to supply users with personalized unlock codes when they purchase your product. This will allow the presentation to continue to run beyond the trial period.

WebCompiler's support for modern HTML elements including cookies, JavaScript, VBScript, Flash etc; means you can build sophisticated solutions while reusing your investment in the HTML you have already created for your Web site. Its built-in page and directory security means you can protect areas of your presentation by password, and assign different usernames and passwords to different users.

http://x2net.com/webcompiler/

E-Book Edit Pro

E-book Edit Pro is software that takes HTML files and creates a single executable file that resembles a Web-browser. Unlike HTML pages, your newly created e-book is secure when packed into this form. The software uses easy to navigate, step-by-step tabs to guide you through the e-book generating process.

HTML format provides you with the greatest amount of flexibility, interactivity, and customization options. Using HTML to create your e-book allows you to interact with your readers by using tools like audio, video, JavaScript, flash, and much more.

http://www.ebookedit.com/

These are best compilers, but you can find many others by searching the Web for e-book creation software. You may even find free e-book creation software, although these programs are usually less powerful. One place to begin your search is

http://jansfreeware.com/

Note: Before using a compiler to create your digital product, create a directory on your computer to include all the files you need for your e-book: html, graphics, backgrounds, etc. Remember to limit your banners to one or two per page. This will keep your file size to a minimum. Remember to include good navigational links throughout your pages.