Rating the eBook Compilers
Now that you've finished writing your eBook and have a basic
understanding of what an eBook compiler does, you may be feeling
overwhelmed by the number of compilers on the market. To help
you make your decision, I have tested and reviewed the
best-rated eBook compilers currently available.
* E-ditor
This software has a demo version that you can download to try
out before purchasing. You can't actually use the demo to create
an eBook, but you can run the software and test it out
thoroughly to see if it does what you need it to do for your
particular eBook.
This eBook compiler is one of the easiest to use. The software
has a very user-friendly help menu that provides instructions
for and explanations of every field on every screen. The program
also includes video tutorials demonstrating every step of this
compiler with clear explanations of all fields that need to be
filled out. There are 7 screens that you use to choose your
eBook options.
This compiler requires your files to be in HTML format. You
follow simple directions, and the compiler loads your files. If
you decide to edit your eBook after it has been compiled, make
any changes in your original files and click on "Compile your
eBook" and your changes will appear in your compiled eBook.
E-editor allows for some customization of your eBook. You can
create a special page that appears when the eBook is opened;
create customized icons that appear on the desktop after
downloading; use your own logo on the task bar of your eBook;
customize the task bar's buttons, where the task bar appears in
your eBook, and choose the task bar's colors. Additionally, you
can choose to have the eBook open to the last page read, which
many of your buyers will appreciate.
An excellent and unique feature of E-ditor is the capability to
choose a standard Microsoft window or to create your own design
for a window to personalize your eBook. The program provides
some sample window designs, but you can use any .bmp (bit map
skin) graphic you have stored on your hard drive.
E-ditor is a good choice if you are new at producing eBooks
because it is easy to use and allows you to customize the
appearance of your eBook.
* Desktop Author
This compiler does not require a browser, nor do you have to
download software or plug-ins. The program converts exe. files
into pages that look like a standard book. You can create and
produce eBook pages scaled to fit on your computer screen
without any scrolling. Additional features include WYSIWGY (what
you see is what you get) page editing and creation, the ability
to manipulate internal images, cut and paste functions, hotlinks
to pages, email, website, or other files. It is an excellent
compiler to use for a marketing tools, such as creating
brochures and manuals in addition to eBooks.
* EBook Edit Pro
This compiler provides a demo version, which allows you to test
out its features. The software uses a Wizard that leads you
step-by-step through the set-up and creation of your eBook.
Customization includes text editing that appears on the pop-up
starting message window; the ability to allow or prevent
resizing of your book and the mouse-click pop-up menu; enabling
or disabling the navigation bar and choosing the buttons you
want to appear; and customizing the eBook's desktop icon and the
logo that appears on the navigation bar.
Ebook Edit Pro is loaded with excellent features that allow you
to create multi-media Ebooks, and includes a Wizard that is
customized for beginners and for advanced users. The software
uses HTML files, downloading them from the directory where they
are saved. Edit and resave your files in the original software
used to create those files, and then with a single click you can
re-compile your Ebook.
Features include customization of icons, toolbars, and the
"about box." This compiler has a particularly useful feature
called the Rebrander feature. This permits you to enter
customized code into your Ebook pages and distribute the
Rebrander software to your affiliates or distributors. They can
then customize the links included in the Ebook, but they can not
alter any link or information that you have not entered a
customized code for.
The software includes "eBrand-It" software that allows custom
fields for your customer's name, affiliate ID or URL. This
feature is a powerful marketing tool because affiliates are much
happier giving away your Ebook from their own site when they can
customize it.
* Ebook Compiler
This compiler offers a demo version that allows you to compile
10 files. If you don't include graphics, you can create a 10
page Ebook that allows printing and copying of the Ebook. The
catch is that you can't sell any Ebook you create in the demo
version.
The purchased software is user-friendly with easy-to-follow help
files that not only guide you through the steps of compiling
your Ebook, but also explains what an Ebook compiler does. The
software provides detailed instructions on how to create source
files from Microsoft Word 2000 and 1997, PowerPoint 2000 and
1997, and HTML documents. It contains less detailed instructions
for creating source files from other programs.
This compiler allows for password protection of your entire
Ebook or for selected pages. Additionally, you can set a time
limit on your Ebook. When the runs out, the customer no longer
has access unless they pay for it. In other words, it allows you
to create a demo version of your Ebook for marketing purposes.
You can set a single password or multiple passwords. Using
multiple passwords assigns each user their own specific
password. Online help files guide you through setting up your
passwords. You can also create a Sales and Thank-you page for
selling a password protected Ebook. This is a good choice for
the novice, particularly since it includes basic features for
password protection and distribution.
* Activ Ebook Compiler
This is an easy to use compiler that provides excellent
features. This software can support HTML, JPEG, GIF, and all
active plug-ins. Features includes password protection,
branding, internet linking, icon customization, assigning unique
serial numbers, splash screen, file compression, and start-up
messages. It also provides free lifetime upgrades. Additionally,
it includes a preprocessor, re-brander, active script, and
detailed instructions for using HTML, Power Point, and Microsoft
Word files.
There are several other excellent Ebook compilers on the market
that are worth looking into.
Ebook Generator features splash screens, password protection,
branding, icon customization, and compression control.
Additionally, it includes virus prevention that alerts the user
to any modifications made to your Ebook and offers usage
statistics so you can track your Ebook's use. With all these
advanced features, this is an excellent compiler for the
beginner because it is exceptionally easy to run.
Ebook Creator is another excellent compiler, supporting HTML,
JPEG, GIF, and PNG graphics, and Javascript, VB script, and Java
applets. It also supports all Internet Explorer plug-ins.
Standard features include unique serial numbers, direct linking
to a form or a page on your website, disabled right clicking,
and search functions. The software allows for expiration after a
set number of days or usages, which allows you to create demo
versions. You can create up to 1000 different passwords; every
time the Ebook is downloaded, a unique password is required to
access protected pages. The software provides user-friendly
menus and buttons that allow the beginner to the advanced user
to easily create their Ebook.
Obviously, there are some excellent compilers out there. So
figure out EVERYTHING you need in terms of features, and then
compare prices and options. Do take advantage of demo versions
if they are offered before purchasing. And then, have fun
creating your Ebook!