Zacton Press - eBook Format

PDF is still the most commonly accepted format for eBooks, however it can be expensive, time consuming, and requires a PDF converter. If you plan to self-publish several novels it would work out more cost efficient to invest in a PDF converter. If you only plan to self-publish one or two novels a converter can be a costly outlay.

As traditional publishing becomes more and more difficult for new writers to break into, many are choosing to self-publish in electronic, or eBook, format. Although it isn’t compulsory to adhere to stadardised text layout, you’ll find most eBook buyers prefer a unified look to the novels they purchase. You will also find reputable eBook publishers prefer submissions to be standardised - it shows you’ve done your homework.

There are several eBook compilers on the market, ranging from freeware versions to up and over the one hundred dollar mark. However, PDF remains the common file type as most computers already have Adobe Reader installed. If they don’t already have this it’s a small, free download.

What do you need to consider when you self-publish? You’ll need a cover design for your novel. People really do judge a book by its cover and it’s important you consider this carefully. Stock photographs can be purchased at very low cost - around $1.00 per photograph - and are well worth the tiny investment. There are also many sites on the Internet offering free public domain photographs. Do not steal images off the Internet. Photographers copyright their work and the last thing you’d need is a lawsuit.

Once your novel is completed and your cover art chosen, Zacton Press can take the hard work of eBook design off your hands. We will turn your Word document into a PDF file complete with table of contents, use the cover art you’ve chosen to design your eBook cover, and format your manuscript into standardised eBook text layout. We suggest you purchase an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and check the copyright laws of your country. Once your eBook is ready to go, we will then supply you with a list of eBook directories for you to upload your novel ready for purchase.

Zacton Press will format non-fiction and poetry manuscripts into a PDF file also. Please remember the formatting service is for an ‘as is’ manuscript and does not include editing, proofreading, spell check or appraisal. We suggest you proofread your manuscript carefully before sending it to us or uploading it onto a directory for purchase.