Forums

[Tina Scheer Contribution Level: 1]

After you have created an e-book, how do you get it distributed? For example, I know that you have to have a capture page which basically sells the e-book, but once they have paid you,say via paypal, how do they get the e-book? Do you have to host the e-book somewhere and then include the link on an auto responder once the purchase has been made for them to download?
I have absolutely no knowledge of this, and each time I read something about it, it is placed in terms that if a person doesn't already know about this type of thing, they wouldn't understand the instructions. I could really use some direction in lame terms.

Thank you in advance!

[Willy Lim Contribution Level: 1]

Usually after they order, they will be directed to a Thank You page with the download link for the eBook.

[Tina Scheer Contribution Level: 1]

Thank you so much. So, I would have to have a url where the e-book is located then? I apologize, - I am truly new to all of the e-book creation. I have been looking at various e-book software, however I am not sure if the hosting with the url is included in the software or not, and exactly how I would go about making it a downloadable file.

[LISA ALEXANDER - WOLFE Contribution Level: 2]

Hi :)

First - you want to have this saved as a file and then upload it to the server. I know that probably sounds way advanced for you, but it's pretty easy.

First - what hosting company do you use for your website/domain name? Then maybe I can help you figure it out. It's usually as simple as just clicking a button to upload your file (ebook).

I think the best software to use to create an ebook is with a pdf file. http://createpdf.adobe.com

The reason I suggest that is because most people can read pdf files. If they can't they can get a free version to be able to read your ebook.

I personally wouldn't mess around with other eBook creator's because you don't know who will be able to read it or not. I could be wrong there though.

You can also use clickbank.com to sell and distribute your ebook. They have a step by step system you can follow - in lay men terms that will be easy to integrate into your site. http://www.clickbank.com/sell_products.html

If you plan to do a lot of ebook creations for resale, you might want to invest into the Adobe PDF Creator. It's very easy to use. In fact if you know how to type and insert images into a Word document - this can be converted into a pdf very easily.

Hope that helps some. I know it can be a bit intimidating, but I think what I've mentioned above may make it a bit more simple for you.

Another idea is to create a password protected area on your site and have that where you hold your ebook.

Thank you pages are great, but maybe what you could do instead is provide them information on how to obtain their ebook within that thank you page. For instance have a password protected area on your site.

Within the thank you page - you could put:

"Thank you for your purchase - please click on this link below to retrieve your ebook and use the following username and password"

That way you don't have to worry about others finding your ebook and grabbing it up free.

Best wishes to ya!

[susan coils Contribution Level: 4]

I had the very same problem. It's probably a lot more common than you think.
I even went so far as to purchase a book before realising that I had no way of passing it on other than as an attachment in a message! Not very professional.

Once I got it figured out, it wasn't that hard. But my hosting provider was great and helped me out quite a bit. He even created the folder for me to upload my own ebook into.

Now, when people sign up they recieve a mail from my autoresponder directing them to the link to download their copy. I was advised this was the best way to do it to prevent the 'clever' people from finding the book and downloading without supplying their information.

For e-book creation try OpenOffice.org.
I found this really easy to use. You simply type your book in word format and you can automatically save it in pdf format.

[Stephen Bent Contribution Level: 2]

Is adobe not a free PDF creator? Has someone tried this lately, looks like a trial and them monthly fee

[Lou Smith Contribution Level: 2]

Is adobe not a free PDF creator? Has someone tried this lately, looks like a trial and them monthly fee

Adobe Reader is free but Adobe Acrobat [the writer software] isn't. But there are several free and very good PDF creators out there including one called CutePDF Writer. You can read more about it and download a copy at:http://www.cutepdf.com/. I used it for years before MS Word finally included the ability to create PDFs in Office 2007.

[Hilary Hughes Contribution Level: 2]

I use these people as they are free - except that they take cut for each book sold. You have to upload it as a pdf and then you choose a jacket. The book is then distributed throughout their site and any takers pay through the software that comes with the link. You then get paid by pay pal.

http://www.lulu.com/

Hilary.

[Stephen Bent Contribution Level: 2]

Thanks for the info, I know adobe seems more of the standard norm, but I'll try it. Just concerned about conflicts, because everyone uses the adobe reader.

[Andrea Sieres Contribution Level: 2]

Microsoft Office allows you to save as .pdf now too. So if you have Office, then you are fine. And I agree, talking to the support of your hosting site will be great help. They guide people through it all the time and make it a snap

Audrey