E-Books

This is an introductory guide to the major self-publishing options available to authors today, and how to choose the right service for you.

Word doesn't export to EPUB, but you can still produce an editable file quickly, without buying software or using a "meatgrinder" conversion.

In this post I regularly update the best resources I know of related to learning to publish an ebook, finding the right distributors and services, and staying on top of changes in the industry.

In 2015, Kindle Press published about 90 novels. By the end of 2016, it had published a total of 218 books—all chosen through the Kindle Scout program.

Pronoun works with independent authors to distribute their ebooks to the five major online retailers: Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Google Play. Pronoun charges authors nothing upfront, and doesn't take a cut of ebook sales either.

There are advantages to selling ebooks only through Amazon, and makes most sense for authors who are just starting out or who are relatively unknown.

Journalist and consultant Porter Anderson explains the new SELF-e program from Library Journal for getting self-published ebooks into American libraries.

A traditionally published children's author discusses how she's launched a successful indie publishing effort in less than two years.

Giving away your work isn't a problem if you've developed a strategy around it, and know how to turn new readers into fans.

Note from Jane: I am very grateful to Ed Cyzewski (@edcyzewski) for today's guest post, where he shares valuable insights

Is it possible to successfully publish and sell your e-books—without a platform—as long as you choose the right genre?

Note from Jane: The following post is the first in a series that will offer tips and advice from successful

Should authors take advantage of the Amazon KDP Select program? A comprehensive discussion of who the program is well-suited for, plus best strategies.

There are no “rules” for agent-assisted self-publishing, but the biggest drawbacks are usually loss of control and loss of royalties. All authors should negotiate a contract beforehand that protects their rights and lifetime earnings.

Today's guest post is by Judy L. Mandel, author of the Replacement Child, forthcoming from Seal Press in March 2013.

In the past year, I've run two posts specifically related to serial fiction—a guest post by Roz Morris and a

The turning point of my long-term publishing plans came when I realized I have very little in common with author

Here's a list of what I consider to be the most trusted resources on e-books and e-publishing. If you think

In the latest issue of Writer's Digest to hit the newsstands (May/June 2012), you'll find my feature article on "The

In my latest e-newsletter over the weekend, I shared three new tools for creating e-books. If you missed it, then you can

Last updated in January 2019 With new services continually appearing on the market that promise to help writers self-publish or distribute their

This weekend, I'll be speaking at the Writer's Digest Conference about e-publishing. I'm in the process of updating my slides

I recently received this very challenging question and scenario from traditionally published author Dr. Liz Alexander. I have an issue

Last week I shared 12 Must-Read Articles From 2011. Now I'm going to share a list of the best advice

Yesterday, my feature article for Publishing Perspectives went live: Experimenting With Serials for Fun and Profit Here's a little excerpt:

Here are the most brilliant online articles I read this past year. You may not agree with the arguments you'll

Today's guest post is by Brad King, a professor at Ball State with a brilliant mind for emerging media and

I've written about this tool before, but so few people know about it—and it's so incredibly useful!—that it's worth mentioning

I received the following question from published author Lisa Earle McLeod—who I remember first meeting at a Foothills Writers Guild

I received the following question from Gail McConnon: Re: Question on Serializing a Short Story Collection through a Paid Subscription

Yesterday was my regular contribution to Writer Unboxed. I discussed how some independent authors are putting their work out there with

This past Sunday, I sent out the latest issue of my e-newsletter, Electric Speed. It featured 3 indispensable software tools

It's pleasure to bring you this insightful Q&A with writer Sean Platt. As his own website states, Sean Platt writes

Note from Jane: I don't usually run posts that feature or promote a single service or solution. Authors need to

Today's guest post is by Roz Morris. Last month I released my literary novel as four episodes on Kindle: 100,000

Today's guest post is from Biba Pearce at Your Novel Online. An e-book cover has an important job to do. Not

In case you missed it, my monthly column at Writer Unboxed was posted yesterday: A Checklist for Marketing Your E-Book.

I've been keeping an eye on John Carpenter and his book project ever since we first started having conversations on

The e-book publishing landscape is changing fast—with new services, new terms, and new formats. Despite the pace of change, here