Everyone's talking about E-books but it's hard
to find information on which software to use to produce your own.
So here are a few short reviews of the best in E-book
software, links to the programs, and a quick guide on how to publish your very own book.
Update 2009 : please note that you've found a very old web page, on a site that's being updated. Sure it's all about ebooks, but things have changed since this page was put togther, and most people create their ebooks in .pdf format. For the latest on writing, writing ebooks, and selling ebooks on the internet please visit my blog at philwiley.com
Reviews/product information: (product links no longer work. The ebook creation software either doesn't exist anymore, or it's outdated)
Web Compiler 98
E-ditor PRO
Neobook
Super Winbook
The Writer's Dream
Articles:
How to publish an E-book
How to catch a ride on the E-book bandwagon
How to Publish An
E-Book
by Phil Wiley
It seems that everyone wants to publish an e-book.
They're being given away on marketing sites all over the web,
and they're attracting a huge number of downloads.
Imagine the traffic, a popular e-book can bring you, if it's given
away free from hundreds of web sites. And not only traffic.
Your e-book can contain advertising from businesses and
programs you're promoting, and you can even sell ad space
in it.
Given their sudden popularity there's surprisingly little
information available on how to put one together. So I've
reviewed all the available e-book compilers and narrowed
them down to a shortlist of four. The one's to make the grade
are WebCompiler 32, E-ditor PRO, Neobook, Super Winbook,
and the Windows version of Writer's Dream. The reviews and
links to trial versions are all available on my web site at
http://ozemedia.com/ebooks.htm
But before you can sit down and create the content for
your electronic book, you should consider why you are
developing it, who you intend to read it, and whether
you expect payment for it.
Here are a few pointers.
* Rule number one - aim it at your target audience.
* The writing style you use should be similar to that of
your emails or web site. Keep it light, short paragraphs
and sentences, and lots of white space. Writing is just
'harder to read on a computer screen, so don't let
people get bogged down by it.
* Simply creating an electronic book is not enough. Think
about how you are going to distribute it. Unless it's widely
available you will have wasted your time writing it because
you will have few readers.
* The best way to distribute it is to load it to your own
web site, then write to ezine publishers and high profile
sites inviting them to grab a copy to give away on their own
sites.
* Include a link to your e-book in your sig file.
* If you intend selling the book you can still give it away
but password protect most of the content, just as you
would with a web site. Then sell people access to the rest
of the book on request.
* Another way to profit from your e-book is by advertising
affiliate programs, and other biz ops in it. If you can
guarantee a wide enough readership you can even sell
advertising space in it.
How to Catch a Ride on the E-Book Bandwagon
by Phil Wiley
It used to be ezines, but now everyone wants to jump on the
e-book bandwagon.
They're being given away on marketing sites all over the web,
and they're attracting a huge number of downloads. They're
most often given away as free incentives to get people to sign
up for ezines. But on some sites they're being sold for
between $7 and $29, and some are even being marketed as
affiliate programs.
Unless you can offer a substantial product it's better to give
yours away for free. An e-book of your own can be a great
marketing vehicle for promoting your site.
Imagine the traffic, a popular e-book can bring you, if it's given
away free from hundreds of web sites. And not only traffic.
Your e-book can contain advertising from businesses and
affiliate programs you're promoting, and, if you wish, you can
even sell ad space in it.
But just how do you produce one? There's surprisingly little
online information in how to put one together. This article is
about to change that.
To put this article together I downloaded dozens of e-books,
and put them through their paces. Instead of judging them
on their content I went by their looks and ease of use, then
discarded all the one's that didn't make the grade. I also
asked for opinions from participants in business and
marketing forums.
The e-books I had left were all put together with the same few
software programs. The e-books that topped my list were
written in a program called Web Compiler, which I liked because
it looked just like Microsoft IE4. However it's also the most expensive. The other's to
make the shortlist were E-ditor PRO (which is very similar to Web Compiler), Neobook,
Super Winbook, and the Windows version of Writer's Dream. Evaluation copies of each of
them are available for free download. The links ( along with a longer version of this
article ) are posted on my web site at
http://www.ozemedia.com/ebooks.htm
If you can put together a web site, then Web Compiler, which sells
for US$149US or 99 pounds sterling, and E-ditor PRO are by far the easiest to use. This is
because they're HTML compilers which allows you to take a collection of HTML, either from
a Web Site you already have or maybe HTML you prepared specially, and turn it into a
single self-contained "executable" file, ready for download. Very little
technical knowledge is required to use these two programs.
Web Compiler can handle almost anything you can do with a web
site, including: embedded video and audio; built in searching;
Javascript, but not Java; and you can even use forms and shopping
cart type applications, as long as it's being read while connected
to the net.
Another feature is that the underlying HTML can be made
inaccessible, and groups of pages can be protected with
passwords, allowing information to be restricted to authorized
users, or maybe even sold.
A downside of Web Compiler 32 is that it only works on
computers using Windows 95 or 98. Though an older
16 bit version is available for Windows 3.1 users if there are
any still around. There is no Mac or Linux version.
E-ditor PRO comes second on my list. It works in a
very similar way to Webcompiler, but is much lower in price. Like Webcompiler, E-ditor PRO
let's you compile HTML pages that include text, images, photographs, sound, animations and
movies into a very portable and compact executable file.
Basically what you do is put together a
web site, then with a click or two you transform it into an ebook. You format your
information in HTML pages using any web creation software. (Netscape Composer, FrontPage,
DreamWeaver, Claris HomePage, HotDog, etc...). Then you launch E-ditor PRO and select the
files that should be included in your new e-book (text, photos, sounds, animations, video,
etc.) Select the options you want your e-book to have (both visual and security options
are available to set). Choose a name for your new e-book and click the Compile! button.
That's it!
You then have a brand new information product ready to
be sold over the net or to be given away as a traffic driver
It's a highly recommended program,
Neobook is next. It's an impressive authoring system, and though it's not as easy to use
as Web Compiler, it's just as versatile You can use it to create and compile a standalone
multimedia application using pictures, sounds, video, hypertext, and other elements. Plus
you can add custom push buttons, check boxes, radio buttons, and text entry fields to
create an interactive learning environment. Again it's Windows 95 only. A shareware
download is available from
http://www.ozemedia.com/ebooks.htm, and it's $199.95 if you
decide to keep it.
Super Winbook 98 Compiler is much lower in price, at just
$39.95 for the registered version. It doesn't work with HTML
files, but handles text from just about any word processor, and
it compiles and compresses all of the book files into one file
ready for download from web sites.
If you already have your book in Text (*.txt) or Rich Text (*.rtf)
files, just load them into the Winbook Compiler, make changes,
add sounds, and in a matter of minutes your book is ready for
distribution.
Writer's Dream, is the grandfather of e-book programs, and has
around longer than the Internet. Both the DOS and Windows
versions use plain ASCII text files that you create with any word
processor. Then add sound and graphics, and compile the result
into one stand alone .exe file. The unregistered version works
fully, but doesn't allow you to create files that you can distribute.
Writer's Dream works with Windows 3.1 and is only $39 if you
decide to keep it.
___________________________________________________
Article compliments of Phil Wiley's All the Secrets newsletter.
Phil puts together a unique weekly marketing and free publicity letter,
that stands out from the rest of the crowd. He's got a great personal
touch, and a lot of insider media knowledge which teachs you how
to grab all the free publicity you can handle. You can subscribe for
FREE at http://www.ozemedia.com
___________________________________________________
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THESE 2 ARTICLES IN YOUR EZINE OR ON YOUR WEB SITE. Copyright is
retained by Phil Wiley, but reprint permission is given as long as you include the above
resource box pointing back to www.ozemedia.com
___________________________________________________
Reviews/Detailed information
Web Compiler 32
$149US or 99 pounds sterling.
WebCompiler is an HTML Compiler.
Basically, WebCompiler 98 allows you to take a collection of HTML,
either from a Web Site you already have or maybe HTML you prepared specially, and turn it
into a single self-contained "executable" file that you can use for any number
of purposes. Very little technical knowledge is required to do so.
Built in searching allows the user of the presentation to find
information within it. The underlying HTML can be made inaccessible, and groups of pages
can be protected with passwords, allowing information to be restricted to authorised
users, or maybe even sold.
Form processing allows you to build presentations that request data
from the user, or catalogues, shopping cart type applications etc.
Product Information
WebCompiler is an "HTML Compiler". In simple terms it
takes a set of HTML and associated files (images, embedded video etc.) and turns it into a
self-contained executable that can be distributed in any number of ways, on CD or floppy
disk, via download etc.
The overhead beyond the compressed size of the HTML, images etc.
that go to make up the presentation is around 370K.
No "installation" of the compiled executable is required,
it will run directly from whatever installation medium it is supplied on.
When the executable is run, the user is presented with a hypertext
linked presentation, much like he would see on a WebSite.
The vast majority of modern HTML is supported, including Dynamic
HTML and other modern innovations. WebCompiler reuses the IE4 (or above) rendering engine.
With a few exceptions mostly because the HTML is not on a real "server", almost
anything that is supported by IE4 (or later, WebCompiler has been tested with beta
versions of IE5) will be supported by WebCompiler.
Support for Microsoft's Embedded Font technology allows the author
to be confident the end-user will see the content exactly as intended, whether or not the
user has the requisite fonts installed.
WebCompiler also supports the scripting languages JavaScript and
VBScript.
Unfortunately JAVA is not supported because of the unique way the
Microsoft JAVA VM accesses its data (this may be due to licensing issues).
Apart from simplifying the distribution of HTML by packaging it
neatly in a single unit, WebCompiler provides a range of other advantages over shipping
the original HTML -
The source code (HTML) can be made inaccessible to the end user.
Compression reduces the size required without needing the user to
"unzip" or otherwise install the HTML.
Pages or complete directories of HTML can be protected by
password/userid combinations. Passwords can also be related to specific systems.
An expiry date can be set beyond which the HTML cannot be accessed.
Built-in multithreaded searching allows the user to search the
entire presentation, and save the results of searches for future reload.
Built-in form processing provides multiple ways for the user to
return data to the presentation's author, even though there is no "server"
involved.
Form data input by the user can be printed, using a second
"template page" also specified in HTML to produce sophisticated "order
forms" etc.
Form data can also be returned via email, or saved to file, or
returned directly via a TCP/IP connection to an SMTP server.
Form data can be encrypted using the standard Blowfish algorithm
with up to 448 byte keys, and there is built in algorithmic checking of Credit Card
numbers.
Specific support is included for processing "repetitive"
input data to facilitate the development of Shopping Carts, Product Catalogues and similar
applications.
Branding can be applied to the presentation, using user specified
Icon, Splash Screen and Toolbar logo.
The interface can be customised by removal of the Toolbar, Status
Bar or even the removal of the complete user interface to provide a "Kiosk Mode"
that the user cannot escape from (On Win95/98).
Special support is included to enable printing from "Kiosk
Mode" applications even though no Print menu command or toolbar button is available.
The size of the interface window can optionally be fixed, so the
user sees the presentation exactly as the author intended (screen capability permitting).
Support is included to allow the execution of external programs. In
this way presentations can be "chained" or a presentation used as a menu system
for software installation or similar tasks.
The interface can be translated into languages other than English.
E-ditor PRO
E-ditor PRO works in a very similar way to Webcompiler,
and offers the same features at a much lower price. Like Webcompiler, E-ditor PRO let's
you compile HTML pages that include text, images, photographs, sound, animations and
movies into a very portable and compact executable file.
Basically what you do is put together a web site,
then with a click or two you transform it into an ebook. You format your information in
HTML pages using any web creation software. (Netscape composer, FrontPage, DreamWeaver,
Claris HomePage, HotDog, etc...). Then you launch E-ditor PRO and select the files that
should be included in your new e-book (text, photos, sounds, animations, video, etc.)
Select the options you want your e-book to have (both visual and security options are
available to set). Choose a name for your new e-book and click the Compile! button.
That's it!
You then have a brand new information product ready to
be sold over the net or to be given away as a traffic driver. It's a highly recommended
program, which also comes with a two-tier affiliate program so you can profit by acting as
a reseller. You can buy E-ditor PRO, download a fully functional demo, or sign up
for the affiliate program at http://www.ozemedia.com/editor.htm
E-ditor Pro Features:
- Unlimited creation of e-books, newsletters, reports, manuals, catalogs, multimedia
presentations, booklets, articles, electronic magazines, etc...
- The exclusive secret password generator will let you assign personalized username/passwords with
advanced encryption capabilities. These exclusive serial-number type passwords will keep
guard your information against prying eyes.
- NEW!Deactivate the righ-click function in your e-books -
nobody will be able to copy your content!
- Completely customizable user interface
that allows you to turn off the navigation bar to create a "kiosk" mode. You can
even turn off only a part of the navigation bar to leave the titles of your work.
- State of the art security features allow you to
protect your entire e-book or just some pages. This allows you to easily sell the entrance
to the secured part of your book (a very powerful marketing technique at your
fingertips!)
- You can set a time limit so the application (your e-book) will only work for a specified
number of days and then automatically stop working. Can you imagine the possibilities?
- Every single option available to HTML 4
users can be included in your e-books.
- You can even use Flash, Shockwave,
or any other plugin that Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 (or above) support;
to make your e-books come alive and entirely interactive!
- Link from your e-book directly to the internet,
this means you can redirect people from a free e-book to your website again and again,
traducing into unlimited traffic!
- Use banners in your compiled e-zines to direct
users to your sponsors... You could sell advertising!
- Create unique multimedia applications for your
company.
- Distribute your e-books in diskettes, cd-roms
or via download. There is no need to install the e-book, it will run from whatever
media it is in.
- When compiling an e-book, E-ditor PRO will
only add about 150Kb. of size to the original content to make it executable.
- Use neat web forms for user input and feedback.
Conduct polls, surveys and test banner response click-throughs.
- The system requirements to use this software and
the e-books created by it are: Windows 95/98/NT and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 (or
higher).
Disclosure: I've signed up for the affiliate
program myself.
So if you buy this product I will earn a small commission.
Writer's Dream
http://www.zdnet.com/swlib/
Writer's Dream, is the grandfather of e-book programs, and has around longer than
the Internet. Both the DOS and Windows versions use plain ASCII text files that you create
with any word processor. Then add sound and graphics, and compile the result
into one stand alone .exe file. The unregistered version works fully, but doesn't allow
you to create files that you can distribute. Writer's Dream works with Windows 3.1 and is
only $39 if you decide to keep it.
Writer's Dream is a nifty program that lets you quickly
and easily produce electronic paperless books, newsletters, or other documents. Start with
plain ASCII text files created with any word processor or text editor. Then add sound and
graphics, if you wish; .wav. .bmp, and .wmf formats are supported. Each book, which is
compiled into one standalone .exe file, can have 100 chapters or more. You can specify
background and title colors, plus choose whether to let people copy selected parts of your
book to the Clipboard or print. This unregistered version allows you to create ebooks for
evaluation purposes only -- you can't distribute them until you purchase the program. DOS
and 32-bit Windows versions are also available.
System Requirements:Windows 3.1
Purchase Information: Shareware: Free to try, $39 if you decide to keep it.
NeoBook
for Windows 95
http://www.neosoftware.com/neosft03.html#neobook_w
NeoSoft Corporation
Neobook came second on my list. It's an impressive authoring system, and though it's not
as easy to use as Web Compiler, it's just as versatile You can use it to create and
compile a standalone multimedia application using pictures, sounds, video,
hypertext, and other elements. Plus you can add custom push buttons, check boxes, radio
buttons, and text entry fields to create an interactive learning environment. Again it's
Windows 95 only.
NeoBook is an impressive authoring system for
interactive catalogs, newsletters, training materials, and more. Create and compile a
standalone multimedia application using pictures, sounds, video, hypertext, special
effects, balloon responses, text, and other elements. NeoBook supports most common image,
video, and sound files; and a floating toolbar makes creating and editing elements easy.
Drag and drop files; and add custom push buttons, check boxes, radio buttons, and text
entry fields to create an interactive learning environment or an automated slide show with
special effects transitions. NeoBook is designed with intuitive tools and actions that
make creating a professional-looking presentation quick and easy.
System Requirements: Windows 95
Purchase Information: Shareware: Free to try, $199.95 if you decide to keep it.
Super
Winbook
superwinbook registered version is $39.95
http://superwin.com/super.htm
With the Super WinBook 98 Compiler you can easily and
quickly produce your own winbook. The Compiler is a word processor that also compiles and
compresses all of the book files into one file and prepares the book for deployment.
If you already have your book in Text (*.txt) or Rich Text (*.rtf)
files, just load them into the Compiler, make changes, add sounds, and compile them. In a
matter of minutes your book is ready for distribution.
The Compiler can even compress all of the winbook files in a zip
file or a self-extracting executable file.
If your book is in another type of file, Write (*.wri), Word
(*.doc), PageMaker (*.pm6), Word Perfect (*.wpf), or any other type, from that word
processor just save (or export) the file as a Rich Text Format (*.rtf) file. Then load it
into the Compiler and proceed.
If you haven't written your book yet, use the Compiler to write it.
The Super WinBook 98 Compiler is shareware. You may download it and
use it. It is fully functional, except that the winbooks produced by it have a warning
screen between each page and may not be distributed.
If you produced a winbook with the shareware version, changing it
over with the registered version is as easy as opening it and pressing the Compile button.
The 16 bit version for Windows 3.1is a 1.031 mb .zip file, and the
32 bit version for Windows 95/98 is a 1.051 mb .zip file.
Currently there's a special offer running. For a limited time
Superwin will change your winbook made with the shareware Compiler into a registered
winbook for FREE. To get this free offer you must meet the following conditions.
Only one per person.
The WinBook must be FreeWare.
You must give them permission to post your book on their website.
They reserve the right to reject any winbook for any reason.
Instructions:
All you have to do is download the shareware
Compiler and use it to produce your WinBook. Zip the WinBook (the *.swb file), attach it
to email, and send it to freebook@superwin.com. They will unlock the *.swb file and post
it on their website. Please note : If you think that you will get the Registered version
of the Compiler from this Free Offer, please READ AGAIN. The Free Offer only returns to
you the book that you produce unlocked.
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