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Choosing an eBook Compiler
by Matthew Tibble
What is an eBook compiler?
You've written and revised your ebook, hired an artist who has produced
outstanding graphics, and now you're ready to actually put together your ebook.
What you need to make an ebook is software called an ebook Compiler.
There are many different compilers to choose from, but first, you need to know
exactly what an ebook Compiler does. Here is the simple explanation:
An ebook compiler is a software program that converts either text pages or HTML
text into a single executable file or an ebook.
If you or someone you hired has created a file with graphics in HTML, you will
need an HTML ebook Compiler. This type of compiler requires a working knowledge
of the HTML tag language. You can also use software to do this for you, such as
Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver.
How do you choose an eBook Compiler
There are a large number of ebook Compilers available on the market, all with
glowing sales copy and tekkie language. It can get very confusing and overwhelming
very fast without some simple guidelines to help you figure out which compiler is right for you.
Choosing an ebook Compiler depends on a number of factors:
1. How did you create your pages? Did you use HTML or PDF format? There are many
more compilers available for HTML, but you can find some very good compilers
that will covert your PDF files into an ebook.
2. Consider how easy the program is to use and the thoroughness of the
software's instruction manual. It is absolutely necessary that the compiler you
buy have an instructional manual, documentation, or online "wizards." If it
doesn't, your chances of figuring out how to correctly use the program are
compromised, and the time required doing so is going to be significant.
Many manufacturers of compilers offer a free trial version so you can play
around with it and see if it suits your needs. Download the trial version and
ascertain that it actually does what it claims to do.
3. Security features. If you plan to sell your ebook, check out the security
features of the compiler software carefully. Security features should include:
prevention of the reader from modifying text, access only to the pages you
assign or by entering a password, different ways of generating passwords such as
secure passwords, user-friendly, and open passwords.
4. Supported scripting. Find out what scripts the software supports. Scripting
allows you to create special effects, customize menus, and create and modify
other user interactivity. Choose a compiler that permits you to include
graphics, search windows, hyperlinks, forms, surveys, etc.
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