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Successful ebook formatting requires attention to both visual and technical aspects. White space, graphics, and a professional cover can enhance readability and sales. Consider the ebook as a web page, and avoid complicated design elements. Use standard fonts and consider providing device-specific formatting. Tables can be embedded as HTML or images, but the former is searchable. Hire a professional for complex designs.
The keys to successful ebook formatting include both visual and technical considerations. Appropriate use of visuals and behind-the-scenes technical decisions can contribute significantly to ease of use for a reader. Remember that an ebook’s reviews, as well as the number of potential sales, can be negatively impacted by formatting errors in an ebook that looks unprofessional.
A key point in the visual aspect of ebook formatting is the use of white space. Readers may have difficulty understanding the content of an ebook if the text is visually dense or spreads too far across the page. Leave plenty of white space to help the reader visually process the content of an ebook.
Graphics can help support the content of an ebook. When preparing ebook content in a text editing program, avoid resizing images after they’ve been imported. Instead, make any necessary changes to the graphics or photos within a more appropriate application, then import the finished image.
An ebook cover is also important for visual appeal and the appearance of professionalism. An attractive and well-designed ebook cover could have a positive effect on overall sales. Technically speaking, the cover needs to be able to scale from thumbnail size to a large image without losing quality.
When defining the overall design of the ebook, keep in mind that an ebook should function more like a web page than a traditional two-page book. Readers viewing an ebook on a digital reading device will be able to determine their own font settings, resolution, and screen size. It’s also helpful to remember that many readers prefer being able to see an entire page of ebooks on screen at once, rather than having to scroll down to view all of the content.
Many novice ebook creators choose to use a PDF format because it is viewable on all platforms. Those with a technology background may want to try formatting ebooks using other formats, such as HTML. Using complicated design elements like multiple subheadings, sidebars, or tables will make formatting ebooks more difficult for beginners. In this case, hiring a professional to handle the technical aspects of the design might offer better results and less hassle for the author.
Some digital reader devices do not allow special characters. Authors may choose to use only standard fonts when formatting ebooks. Another choice is to provide a specially formatted ebook for each potential digital reading device.
If you are using an HTML format for an ebook, tables can be embedded as HTML or as an image. Remember that a table is not searchable if it is in a graphic image format. A table with HTML code is user searchable but can be adversely affected by user scaling on the digital player.
