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eBooks explained – a quick primer on electronic books

eBooks explained – a quick primer on electronic books

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Self-publishing an eBook could be a good strategy for your project. They are a popular reading platform as they are easily transportable and affordable. EBooks are digital books that can be read online, on your computer, phone, and tablet, or on dedicated devices like e-readers and Kindles. Different devices and platforms require different eBook file types, like Mobi and ePub.

Contents

1. How to produce an eBook
2. Are eBook sales increasing?
3. Why you should distribute your eBook on Amazon
4. Understanding DRM when selling eBooks
5. What can eBooks sell for?
6. Can I DIY my eBook?
7. What is the difference between ePub and Mobi eBooks?
8. What is the difference between a reflowable and fixed-layout eBook?

1. How to produce an eBook.

There are a few different ways to produce an eBook, but all follow a similar set of steps. These steps include:

    1. Create your content: Besides writing the book, you also need to create or source any photographs, graphics, and/or figures you want to include in your eBook. Ensure that your visual content is the correct format and file type to use for an eBook.
    2. Convert your text to eBook format: Once your content has been written and sourced, you’ll need to convert it to an eBook format. These formats include ePub and Mobi files. To do this, you will need to use dedicated software, like Calibre or Kindle Create, to convert your document to the right format.
    3. Design your eBook: To catch and keep the attention of potential readers, you will need to design your eBook. This includes the cover and interior of your book. It’s best to use dedicated software, such as Adobe InDesign, to create the design your eBook.
    4. Edit and proofread your eBook: Before you think about setting up your eBook on a publishing platform, you must edit and proofread the content—interior and cover—to ensure there are no errors. No one wants to publishing a book rife with typos and avoidable mistakes.
    5. Publish and distribute your eBook: Once your content is complete, you’re ready to publish and distribute your eBook! There are various platforms you can use to do this, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Apple Books, or Smashwords. Do some research and see which is best for you.
    6. Market your eBook: Just because the book is out into the world, it doesn’t mean that your work is done. You need to market your book in order to reach readers and generate sales.

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2. Are eBook sales increasing?

The sales trend of eBooks from 2022 showed that eBook purchases were steadily increasing, and had been for the past few years. Part of the success of eBooks is due to the rising popularity of eBook-compatible devices, such as e-readers and tablets. Another factor to the recent success of eBooks is the ease and accessibility of purchasing and reading eBooks online.

Though COVID has made it difficult to accurately predict future eBook sales trends, it overall seems that eBooks continue to be a popular format of the publishing industry. 

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3. Why you should distribute your eBook on Amazon

Distributing your book on Amazon is a great way to utilise their marketing tools. This can mean a few different things for self-published authors and publishers alike:

  1. Reach a large readership: Amazon is both the largest online retailer and the owner of one of the most popular e-readers—the Kindle. By distributing your eBook on Amazon, you increase the potential of your eBook reaching a larger audience of readers than it would elsewhere.
  2. Easy to use: Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s user-friendly self-publishing platform. This platform makes it easy for both self-published authors and publishers to distribute their eBooks.
  3. Increases your eBook’s visibility/findability: The marketing tools on Amazon can be powerful—if used correctly. These tools include running advertisements, promotion via email newsletters, and access to participate in the Kindle Unlimited program. All of these elements can to help increase the visibility of your eBook and thus generate more sales.
  4. Good royalty rates: Selling your eBook on Amazon via KDP will give you competitive royalty rates. Depending on the price of your eBook and where you are distributing it, self-published authors can earn up to 70% of their eBook’s sale price.
  5. Access to worldwide distribution: Amazon has a very wide international reach – in the world of book distribution they are ubiquitous. Distributing through KDP can make your eBook available to readers in many different countries. Green Hill always encourages Australian self-published authors to think big especially if the book has widespread appeal and the content will suit readers in the English speaking world. That includes Australia and NZ, UK, USA, Canada, India and many people of the Chinese diaspora. Amazon is a great strategy for increasing book sales and eBooks are a great place to start.

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4. Understanding DRM when selling eBooks

First things first, what is DRM? DRM stands for Digital Rights Management and is a technology that controls how digital content, such as eBooks, can be used and distributed. It’s used to prevent unauthorised sharing, copying, and printing of eBooks, protecting the author’s intellectual property rights. DRM is embedded in the eBook file, and readers need special software or devices to access it.

As a self-published author, you want to ensure that your hard work is protected and distributed fairly. One way to do this is through Digital Rights Management (DRM), a technology that protects digital content and prevents unauthorised sharing. Both IngramSpark and Amazon KDP offer DRM for eBook sales. When you publish your eBook through IngramSpark or Amazon KDP, you have the option to include DRM protection. If you choose to protect your eBook with DRM, it’s important to keep in mind that you might be limiting your potential audience, which can translate to fewer book sales. If you find that your audience is more important to you than piracy prevention, you can choose to publish your eBook without DRM instead.

 

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5. What can eBooks sell for?

Typically, the price of an eBook varies widely. This is because it is dependant on a number of factors, including genre, length, and market demand. The majority of eBooks on Amazon and other major retailers generally sell for around $0.99 to $9.99 AUD. $2.99 to $4.99 is a common price-point for self-published eBooks.

However, just because your book is selling at that price, it doesn’t mean you as the author will receive all of the profits. The royalty rate that retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer to authors typically ranges from around 35% to 70% of the sale price. The exact amount depends on factors like the price of the eBook, the region it is sold, and whether the author is participating in any promotional programs.

It is worth noting that, when calculating the royalty rates you might receive, the percentages are based on the retail price of your eBook and not the retailer’s net profit after deducting fees and taxes. Additionally, some publishing contracts and distribution agreements may offer you a different royalty rate or payment structure.

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6. Self-publishing an eBook – an I DIY my eBook?

It can be relatively easy to produce a basic eBook, especially with the help of various self-publishing platforms like KDP. These platforms let authors upload their text and cover image files, format the eBook, and publish it online through retailers like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple Books.

There are, however, some things to be wary of when trying to DIY your eBook. It can be more challenging to produce a high-quality eBook that stands out in the market when trying DIY avenues. Authors who choose to self-publish their eBooks should be prepared to invest time and effort into editing, proofreading, and formatting their book to ensure that it is professional and error-free. They should also consider hiring professionals to ensure that their editing, cover design, and text formatting is polished and market ready. It’s all about quality—the reader is more likely to buy your book if it looks well-made and professional.

Green Hill can generate a quality eBook during your print book publishing exercise.

6.1 Other dangers

    1. Marketing: As a self-published author, you are almost entirely responsible for promoting and marketing your own book. This can be a time-consuming  and challenging endeavour, especially for those not experienced in marketing. Green Hill can provide you with a comprehensive marketing service to help you along the way.
    2. Piracy: Self-published eBooks risk being pirated. This can lead to a loss in sales and therefore profit for the author.
    3. Legal issues: Knowing copyright laws is very important for a self-published author so they can avoid using copyrighted content without permission.
    4. Scams: There are many scams targeted at self-published authors. These include vanity presses who charge high fees for publishing services, or fraudulent marketing services that promise to boost your book sales but provide little or no results. Green Hill has a dedicated chapter on self-publishing scams in our book The Little Book of Publishing Tips.

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7. What is the difference between ePub and Mobi ebooks?

While both ePub and Mobi are two common eBook formats, the two do have some key differences:

  1. Device compatibility: EPubs are more widely compatible with different e-reading devices than Mobis. You are able to store and read ePub files on most e-readers, smartphones, and tablets. This includes iBooks, Google Play Books, and the Kobo e-reader. Mobi files, on the other hand, are almost exclusively used on Kindle devices and apps.
  2. File formatting: When it comes to formatting, an ePub is the more flexible of the two. EPubs support features like resizable text, scalable images, and embedded fonts. This can help create a more attractive and accessible reading experience for your readers. Mobis, however, are more limited when it comes to formatting options, and may not allow certain design elements that you had planned for.
  3. Digital Rights Management (DRM): Both ePub and Mobi files support Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. This is designed to help prevent the unauthorised reproduction and distribution of eBooks. However, the specific DRM system in use can differ depending on the eBook format.
  4. Production software: EPub is an open standard which is upheld by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). This means there are a variety of tools and software out there for users to create and edit their ePub files. Mobi, on the other hand, is a proprietary format that is owned by Amazon. Therefore, there are limited options for creating Mobi files if you’re not using Amazon’s tools.

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8. What is the difference between reflowable and fixed-format eBooks?

When an  author decides to convert a  manuscript into an eBook, the big decision is what format the book will be published in. There are two main types of eBook formats – fixed-layout and standard/reflowable layout. Let’s take a detailed look at both of the formats in order to choose the perfect option for your eBook.

8.1 Reflowable eBooks

Reflowable eBooks are more flexible and can adapt to changes in devices and screen sizes. For this reason, they are able to be read on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, computers, tablets, and e-readers. The content of a reflowable eBook is laid out as a single text column which can automatically adjust to fit the size of a device’s screen. They also let readers adjust font size and the font typeface, and so are a very accessible option.

Reflowable eBooks are usually the preferred choice of book types like novels, biographies, and other text-heavy genres that don’t need complicated or complex layouts or a high number of graphics. This kind of eBook is typically created as an ePub.

For eBook purists, ‘reflowables’ are often preferred because  the eBook technology has been designed for a great reader experience. Readers can change fonts, text size and insert bookmarks. Refowables with graphics often present an issue for authors who want their eBooks to look pretty. But this can come at the expense of providing and easy read for purchasers. It best to simply anchor graphics to a particular spot in the text.

8.2 Fixed-format eBooks

Fixed-format eBooks are made to keep true to the layout and design of the printed book version of the eBook. They are often used for genre’s such as childrens books, cookbooks, graphic novels, personal projects, and any other kind of book that has a complex layout and or a high number of graphics. EBooks that are made to be fixed-format are typically created as PDFs, Mobis, or KF8s. The content of a fixed-format eBook is presented page-by-page, with the visual elements (e.g. figures, tables, illustrations, photography, etc.) and text laid out exactly like they appear in the print version.

As discussed, for some purists, the fixed format eBook defeats the purpose for which eBooks were created in the first place. On the other hand placement of graphic material may be critical for reader comprehension e.g.  for a cookbook an image and a table might best be viewed together.

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What you need to know about ghost writing

What you need to know about ghost writing

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Ghost writing a book is the process of hiring a professional writer to bring your story and ideas to life. There are many things to think about when considering hiring a ghost writer, including your budget, needs, and more.

Contents

1. What is ghost writing?
2. Should I hire a ghost writer?
3. What type of books can be ghost written?
4. What are some examples of ghost written books?
5. Do I own the copyright if a ghost writer writes my book?
6. How much would I be expected to pay for ghost writing?
7. How do I find a ghost writer?
8. How to prepare for ghost writing
9. My ghost writing is completed, what’s next?

1. What is ghost writing?

Ghost writing is a service that involves writing content which is credited to another person. Ghost writers are employed by people to write a book, article, or any other type of written content for a client who will put their own name on the work. The ghost writer typically remains anonymous or credited in a minor way (such as in the acknowledgements section in the books back matter).

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2. Should I hire a ghost writer?

Ghost writers are hired to help the author bring their story to life. The author typically hires a ghost writer if they need assistance with the writing side of the manuscript. There are a couple of reasons why ghost writers are hired. Some of these reasons are listed below:

    1. The author is lacking skill in writing: If an author has a good idea for a book but cannot write, hiring a ghost writer can help bring the story to life.
    2. Time constraints: Writing a book can be quite time consuming, and the author may not have the time to write. Hiring a ghost writer can help the author save time and allows them to still be listed as the author of their book (even if they didn’t write it).
    3. Expertise: Ghost writers may know a little more about the project than the author does. They can bring expertise to subjects that the author may not be familiar with.
    4. Objectivity: A ghost writer can provide objective perspectives on work and can help overcome potential biases on the project. They can also help pick up on things that may have been otherwise missed by the author.
    5. Confidentiality: Ghost writers can help keep the authors personal information confidential when writing about sensitive and personal topics.

In short, hiring a ghost writer can help bring the authors vision to life by stepping in during the writing process. Doing this allows the author to focus on other aspects of the project (i.e. research, marketing, etc.).

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3. What type of books can be ghost written?

There is no rule for what genre of books can be ghost written. Many ghost written books cover a range of genres including:

    • Memoir: Many public figures/celebrities hire ghost writers to tell their life story as they do not have the time to write and/or do not have the writing skills.
    • Business books: Ghost writers can help business leaders and experts share their insights and advice. Again, a ghost writer may be employed to save on time and to help the writing style be more appealable to a wider audience.
    • Self-help: Ghost writers can help professionals write books on wellness, personal growth, and relationships. Typically, they are hired for similar reasons as above.
    • Fiction: If a ghost writer hired to write fiction, it’s likely they are employed to help complete unfinished work or be the voice of another character. The author could also have a great idea for a story, but lacks the writing skills to bring it to life.
    • Childrens books: Ghost writers can be good to help the authors create engaging, educational, and fun children’s books.
    • Technical books: If a ghost writer is hired to ghost write a technical book, it is likely because the author only has experience in technical writing. This means that the author may struggle to write to a wider audience in a way that can be understood.

Of course, there are many other types of books ghost writers can be commissioned to write, but these are the common. Many ghost writers are adaptable and are comfortable writing across multiple genres. However, there are some ghost writers who do have a limit to the genres they write.

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4. What are some example of ghost written books?

Though ghost writers are usually anonymous, they are sometimes credited for their work by the author. There are some books—even quite famous ones—that we know are ghost written.

See some examples of ghost written books below:

    • I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafazi
    • Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
    • Becoming by Michelle Obama
    • Trump: The Art of The Deal by Donald J Trump
    • The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
    • Loosing My Virginity by Richard Branson
    • It Takes a Village by Hillary Clinton

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5. Do I own the copyright if a ghost writer writes my book?

As the person who had the idea and commissioned the work, the author (under normal circumstances) owns the copyright, even if the book is written by the ghost writer.

It is very important to either have a written agreement or contract between you and the ghost writer that stipulates the terms of the ghost writing agreement. This should include who owns the copyright. In some cases, the ghost writer may retain certain rights, like being credited as a co-author or that they are able to use the work as a sample of the quality they can give to clients. The terms of the agreement would depend on the project specifics and what has been signed by the ghost writer. You can always have a lawyer to go over the agreement to ensure rights are protected.

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6. How much would I be expected to pay for ghost writing?

Ghost writing costs vary on depending on a number of factors, including:

    • Experience
    • Length of the work
    • Complexity of the work
    • Time and research required

As a guide, ghost writing can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Some ghost writers may choose to charge an hourly rate, however, most charge on a per project basis.

Ghost writing is an investment. It is important to be prepared to pay for the quality of work and the time it takes for the ghost writer to complete the project. A good ghost writer will pass back a high-quality piece of writing which accurately represents the authors book and vision.

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7. How do I find a ghost writer?

Green Hill has a ghost writing partner who can assist authors with writing for many different genres. Contact us to start the discussion about your project today.

There are also many other ways to find a ghost writer, including:

  • Referrals: Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and the writing community to see if they have any recommendations.
  • Search online: There are many search engines which can assist in finding a ghost writer. Freelance ghost writers can also be found on freelance websites, such as Upwork or Freelancer. It is important to assess the quality and experience of ghost writers on these platforms.
  • Writers’ organisations: Professional writers’ centres would have access to a network of ghost writers. Check out the Writers’ Centre to find out more.

Finding and choosing a ghost writer needs to be taken seriously. It is important to understand the ghost writers experience, writing style, and qualifications. It is a good idea to request writing samples and have an agreement that both parties adhere to. Make sure to read over the terms and conditions, timelines, payment schedule, and copyright of final work. It is a good idea to have a contract signed by both parties ensuring obligations are met for both author and ghost writer.

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8. How to prepare for ghost writing

There are a couple of things authors need to do to prepare for the ghost writing of their book. Here are a few steps we recommend taking:

    1. Identify your audience: Who is this book intended for? Knowing exactly who you are trying to target will help the ghost writer tailor the writing style to entice and engage the audience.
    2. Set goals: What do you want to achieve with your book? Do you have a specific message and an audience to target? Setting out your goals will help you to guide your ghost writer in the right direction. Make sure your goals are easy to understand for the ghost writer.
    3. Do your research: Collect any documents, notes, or research to give to the ghost writer working on your project. It is important to share this information so the ghost writer can understanding the project they are asked to take on.
    4. Decide on a budget: You need to be able to determine how much you are willing to spend on a ghost writer. This can help determine the scope of the project and narrow down your list of ghost writers.
    5. Make your timeline: When are you wanting the final product to be completed? Do you have specific milestones that need to be met? You will need to let the ghost writer know so they can determine if this timeline fits with them and their writing process. Please note, writing a book takes time, and a ghost writer will typically indicate how long the job will take for them to complete.
    6. Review your options: Research ghost writers to find one that suits your goals and needs. It is important to review the ghost writer’s experience, credentials, and writing style. Request samples of written work and speak directly with the ghost writer to make sure you are comfortable with them.
    7. Draw up an agreement: Once you’ve chosen your ghost writer, make sure an agreement and contract are drawn up. This should include the timeline, payment schedule, and terms clearly. An agreement will ensure both parties are covered, able to maintain the agreed upon rights, and have a physical contract to refer back to if needed.

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9. My ghost writing is completed, what’s next?

Once the ghost writer has completed the contract and passed back the manuscript, you need to make sure it is ready for the next step! See the following steps below:

    1. Review your manuscript: Read through the manuscript and make any changes that are necessary. This is the chance to make sure you are happy with the end product!
    2. Seek feedback: Once you have completed the first revision of your manuscript, it is good to have another set of eyes who are new to the project look over it. Share the manuscript with friends and family to gain some extra feedback and suggestions. This can help identify areas that may need to be addressed.
    3. Consider editing: It is always good to have another more professional eye on the manuscript. Seek feedback from a professional editor to polish up any loose ends and make sure that your manuscript is ready for publication. Green Hill Publishing can help you find an editor that suits your needs through our editing partner, Bookmark Edits.
    4. Prepare for publication: Think about how you’d like to publish your book. Make sure you are satisfied with the final manuscript before you submit or send your manuscript to other publishers. Green Hill Publishing can assist you with all your publishing needs! Feel free to contact us to find out more about the publishing process with us and how it can fit with your project.
    5. Promote your book: Once your book is published, you need to start promoting your book. Read our blog post on marketing to find out how Green Hill can help you and also how you can self-market your book.

Getting your book from its stage as a draft, ghost-written manuscript and into a publishable format is a joint effort from all parties involved. It is important to consider involving other professionals, such as editors and publishers, to assist you in the success of your book!

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The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

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What is typesetting?

What is typesetting?

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Contents

1. What is typesetting?
2. Why is typesetting important?
3. How to typeset a book
4. How to find a typesetter
5. Do I need typesetting for an eBook?
6. Examples of good typesetting

1. What is typesetting?

When a book is opened, the reader expects it to be clear, easy to follow, and attractive. This includes the way the text appears on the page, the spacing, fonts, and image placement. The process for this is called typesetting. Typographers, applying the scientific and artistic principles of book typography, implement or manage typesetting.

Typesetting is the process of arranging a manuscript in a specific style, with the goal of making the book both easy to read and visually appealing to the reader. The process includes choosing font, line spacing, and margins. Typesetting can also be translated to any form of digital text (eBooks, websites, apps, etc.)

Typesetting can be defined as an ancient art as it is linked back to 1040 AD in China when inventors created movable type for printing. Later on, in 1440, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, involving type frames operated by hand in order to print books. From these early inventions, typesetting then moved into mechanical printing presses, to automated printing presses. It then eventually made its way into graphic software which professional typesetters use today.

Mood, time, period, and setting are intended to be evoked from typesetting. Each font, as well as the page, is laid out to reflect back to the theme of the story.

Think about a book you’ve read where something about the interior seems off (font, spacing, images). This is most likely because the typesetting wasn’t done in a way that suits the genre, and has therefore given an unreadable layout.

Each project is typeset differently, and typesetters take variables such as book length, genre, and print format into consideration. These variables impact and influence the decisions typesetters make around:

    • The trim size (the actual print size of a book e.g. 6 x 9 inches)
    • The margins (how much white space should be visible around the body text)
    • The font’s typeface and size (e.g. font name, type, and size for body text, headings, captions etc.)

Typesetters typically take care of the following aspects as well:

    • Kerning (adjusting space between characters)
    • The spacing between words
    • Word stacking (preventing rows of text from starting and ending with the same words one after the other)
    • Drop caps (styling the first character that appears in the first paragraph of the chapter)
    • Book blocks (making sure the block of text on each facing page end on the same row as the other)
    • Illustrations, graphics, and tables (identifying where they should be displayed throughout the text)
    • Orphans and widows (preventing the last or first row of a paragraph from ending isolated on the top or bottom of a page)

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2. Why is typesetting important?

Typesetting is an extremely important aspect of book design and requires a good understanding of font, font sizes, and line spacing. Good typesetting is not able to be identified by the average reader. Instead it allows for the reader to be able to enjoy the layout/text without interruption. In comparison, bad typesetting will draw the reader to identify issues and will be distracted.

The aim of typesetting is to make the readers experience enjoyable and as smooth as possible. Typesetters follow a set of rules to make the book appear professional and trade-ready. These rules ensure a high-quality design, readable print, and ease of conversion to eBook.

Below is a snapshot of reasons why professional typesetting is critical for book publishing:

    1. Readability: A well typeset book has legible text that is easy to read, making the reading experience for the reader a positive one.
    2. Looks aesthetically good: Typesetting is used to create a visual hierarchy when reading and to draw attention to the most important parts of the text.
    3. Is accessible: A good typesetter ensures that the text is readable for all readers.

The author’s goal for their book can determine the route in how typesetting is approached (DIY it or hire a professional). However, if a book needs to compete with bestsellers, or if it is a business leaver, the quality of the typesetting is highly important. Compare the book’s appearance as if it was meant to mirror the author.  If a book is put together messily without following any set rules, this reflects back onto the author. This is why it is always important to have professionals assist you with this.

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3. How to typeset a book

Modern typesetting should be done in software that is made for professional trade publishing. Many authors make the mistake of thinking manuscripts can easily be typeset in Microsoft Word then converted to a PDF file, but this is not the case. While manuscripts are written in Word, typesetters do not use Word to do typesetting. Instead, they use the content provided in the document to craft the book’s interior layout in dedicated design software. It’s impossible to follow the rules of typesetting in a Word document, and trying to do so would make an unreadable book.

There are many design software applications that are available for use, however, it is always best to work with a trusted and professional provider. At Green Hill, we can professionally typeset your book ready for trade.

If you are looking to DIY, you must have a clear understanding of the software available and how professional typesetting is done.

Below are some examples of typesetting software applications that can be useful:

    • Adobe Suite: Adobe has software that professional designers use. Although it is accessible, you need to know how to use the applications. There is also a monthly subscription.
    • Microsoft Suite: This is one of the least powerful tools. However, you can build a book via the booklet layout. There is also a monthly subscription.

It is important to understand that typesetters know how to do the work. Hiring a professional is always the best step forward. Doing so will ensure there are no errors in your book before you print.

3.1 Preparing for typesetting

When it comes to preparing for typesetting, there are a few things that need to be considered:

    1. How do you want the book to be laid out? Whether you are having a book professionally typeset or if you are going to format yourself, you need to decide on your book’s the design and structure.
    2. Consider what fonts would suit your book and assess their readability.
    3. Find a typesetter who uses a professional software or choose a typesetting software that is reliable. Consider the spacing of lines and paragraphs to assist with readability.
    4. Decide if you need images or other visual elements in the interior of your book. Make sure these graphics are in appropriate spaces and don’t disrupt the manuscript’s readability.
    5. Make sure the manuscript is completed to the best of your ability before starting the typesetting process.
    6. Take time going over the typeset PDF.
    7. Get a physical print-proof of the book to test out readability and adjust any minor issues before finalising publishing and/or printing.

A good typesetter or publisher will guide you through the typesetting process and do the harder elements for you. Contact us to discuss the typesetting process and how Green Hill can help.

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4. How to find a typesetter

Finding a professional typesetter is very important as typesetting follows a strict set of rules to produce a professional product.

When choosing a typesetter, it is important to consider the following:

    • Find a typesetter who has worked on similar genres of books to yours. Finding someone who is familiar with layouts of similar books is important.
    • Before a final decision, ensure you see examples of the typesetter’s work. This is so you know what to expect as an end product and can facilitate an informed decision.
    • Look at the examples the typesetter has given in the eyes of a reader. Are there any inconsistences? Is it clear and easy to follow?
    • Educate yourself on the typesetting process. The more you learn the more you’ll be able to identify good work.

4.1 Where to find a typesetter?

There are freelance websites which advertise typesetters who can assist with projects, but there is a high probability that they aren’t “professionals”. It is always better to find a professional via a publishing company or a dedicated typesetting company.

If you are looking for quality typesetting, Green Hill can help! We include a professional typesetting service in all our packages. Not only would you have your book professionally typeset, we can set you up for the full publishing journey. This looks different for each author, but can include editing, illustration work, distribution, and print!

Contact us today to find out more.

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5. Do I need typesetting for an eBook?

EBooks can be developed in a number of ways, from converting Word files to a PDF, to using eBook conversion tools. However, these ways can introduce areas of concern. You do not want your book to look like a PDF file.

However, when it comes to a professionally produced eBook, the bottom line is: Yes. All versions of books should be typeset.

You want your digital book to read and feel as similar to a print book as possible, so all of the rules need to be applied. Having a well-designed and professionally typeset eBook can approve the reliability of the book, making it easier on the readers eyes, and enhance the overall appearance of the book in the long run and in turn make your eBook more marketable.

Fixed-format eBooks

A fixed-format eBook is designed to retain the original layout, format, and image placement over a variety of different devices and eBook platforms. Fixed-format eBooks are produced to be viewed in a specific way with a layout that takes into account the exact font sizes, images, and page breaks. This type of eBook is commonly used for children’s books, cookbooks, and any other book which has a visual element as the presentation of the book is extremely important. Fixed-format eBooks allow the author and book designer to have complete control on how they look, right down to every page.

Reflowable eBooks

A reflowable eBook can adjust its text and layout based on the size, orientation, and type of device or reading platform that is being used. The purpose of a reflowable eBook is to be as flexible as it can and allow the file to adjust based on the individual specifications of the book. These eBooks can be read on a variety of platforms, from smartphones to tablets and e-Readers. These eBooks are mostly commonly used for books with long forms of text, such as novels or other text-based content. EBooks formatted this way are typically not as interactive as reflowable eBooks compared to fixed-format eBooks.

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Examples of good typesetting

Typesetting is one of the most important factors of creating a publishable book. Here at Green Hill, we have the typesetting skills and knowledge to give you design direction for your book specifically.

Below are some examples of different types of typesetting that Green Hill have produced.

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kampong boy interior example recipe cover sashi cheliah self-published
kampong boy interior example recipe cover sashi cheliah self-published
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