Ebook Design (HTML)
When designing an HTML compiled ebook, you must create
an HTML document (web page) for each page within your
ebook. These pages should include all of the following:
Introduction - You can create an image that compliments
the theme of your ebook, add your company logo and
ebook title or whatever you'd like. You should begin typing
your introduction on this page explaining what your ebook
is all about.
Foreword - You can include information in regard to
warranties, copyrights, trademarks or even an editorial.
Table of Contents - A Table of Contents is really optional.
If your ebook contains only a few chapters, a Table of
Contents really isn't necessary. However, if your ebook
contains many chapters, it is highly recommended that you
include a Table of Contents. This will enable your readers
to quickly locate important information.
About - This is really an optional page. It really depends
upon the type of ebook you're creating. If you're writing
your information in the form of a how-to manual, then you
should include an "About" page. This page should be used
to tell your readers about your ebook, your company, your
website, yourself or whatever you'd like. Make sure you
provide your website address and your contact information.
Navigation
HTML ebooks are created just like a website. In order to
navigate through the pages, you'll need to include good
navigational links on each page. In addition, each page you
create should contain links to the previous and next page
within your ebook. For example, page two of your ebook
should have navigational arrows or links to page one and
page three. Page three should have navigational arrows or
links to page two and page four and so on.
File Names
All of your files, including HTML pages and graphics, should
be placed within a folder by themselves.
Your main or starting page of your ebook should be called,
"index.htm" or "index.html", as many HTML compilers require
this. You can name the rest of your pages anything you'd like.
Creating Links
When linking to another page within your ebook, your HTML
code should look like this:
Your Page
To display an image within your ebook, your HTML code
should look like this:
or
Keep in mind that any images you include within your ebook
must be included within the compilation.
If you're linking to a web page outside of your ebook, make
sure you create a link that includes the full path to the
website and will open the page in a new window like this:
Your Site
If you don't include "TARGET="blank" the web page will open
within your ebook.
Enhancing Your Ebook's Appearance
To enhance the appearance of your ebook, include small
images that compliment the subject of your ebook. In
addition, create small graphic page headers, subject dividers
and bullets. By including these images, you will greatly
enhance your ebook and provide a more enjoyable
experience for your readers.
Try to avoid using animated or large, slow loading images, as
these types of images can be very distracting and irritate
your readers.
HTML compiled ebooks can include just about everything
that HTML 4.0+ supports. You can include live links,
subscription forms, order forms, JavaScript, DHTML, Flash,
video and sound.
When designing your ebook, try to avoid using anything that
requires a special plug-in, such as Flash. Although a dynamic
presentation looks nice to those capable of viewing it, not
everyone has those capabilities. Flash is very slow loading
and can cause your readers to become frustrated when
trying to load your ebook.
Creating an Icon
Many HTML ebook compilers are now enabling you to use
your own ebook icon. This icon is an image that will be
displayed on your clients' desktop. When clicked on, it will
open your ebook.
In order to create an icon, you must have a special software
program that will save your image with a .ico extension.
You can download a great software program called, "Icon
Edit Pro" here:
http://www.iconedit.com/
Before creating an icon, make sure you review your
compilation software to make sure that you can include your
own icon and to get their specifications.
About the Author
Shelley Lowery is the author of Ebook Starter. A complete
ebook design kit that takes you step by step through
designing, creating and marketing your own ebook. Give
your ebook a professional look in just a few simple steps
with over 100 ebook interface and cover templates.
http://www.web-source.net/ebookstarter.htm