Saturday, February 19, 2011

Rating the eBook Compilers


Now that you've finished writing your eBook and have a

basic understanding of what an eBook compiler does,

you may be feeling overwhelmed by the number of

compilers on the market. To help you make your

decision, I have tested and reviewed the best-rated

eBook compilers currently available.

* E-ditor

This software has a demo version that you can download

to try out before purchasing. You can't actually use

the demo to create an eBook, but you can run the

software and test it out thoroughly to see if it does

what you need it to do for your particular eBook.

This eBook compiler is one of the easiest to use. The

software has a very user-friendly help menu that

provides instructions for and explanations of every

field on every screen. The program also includes video

tutorials demonstrating every step of this compiler

with clear explanations of all fields that need to be

filled out. There are 7 screens that you use to choose

your eBook options.

This compiler requires your files to be in HTML

format. You follow simple directions, and the compiler

loads your files. If you decide to edit your eBook

after it has been compiled, make any changes in your

original files and click on "Compile your eBook" and

your changes will appear in your compiled eBook.

E-editor allows for some customization of your eBook.

You can create a special page that appears when the

eBook is opened; create customized icons that appear

on the desktop after downloading; use your own logo on

the task bar of your eBook; customize the task bar's

buttons, where the task bar appears in your eBook, and

choose the task bar's colors. Additionally, you can

choose to have the eBook open to the last page read,

which many of your buyers will appreciate.

An excellent and unique feature of E-ditor is the

capability to choose a standard Microsoft window or to

create your own design for a window to personalize

your eBook. The program provides some sample window

designs, but you can use any .bmp (bit map skin)

graphic you have stored on your hard drive.

E-ditor is a good choice if you are new at producing

eBooks because it is easy to use and allows you to

customize the appearance of your eBook.

* Desktop Author

This compiler does not require a browser, nor do you

have to download software or plug-ins. The program

converts exe. files into pages that look like a

standard book. You can create and produce eBook pages

scaled to fit on your computer screen without any

scrolling. Additional features include WYSIWGY (what

you see is what you get) page editing and creation,

the ability to manipulate internal images, cut and

paste functions, hotlinks to pages, email, website, or

other files. It is an excellent compiler to use for a

marketing tools, such as creating brochures and

manuals in addition to eBooks.

* EBook Edit Pro

This compiler provides a demo version, which allows

you to test out its features. The software uses a

Wizard that leads you step-by-step through the set-up

and creation of your eBook. Customization includes

text editing that appears on the pop-up starting

message window; the ability to allow or prevent

resizing of your book and the mouse-click pop-up menu;

enabling or disabling the navigation bar and choosing

the buttons you want to appear; and customizing the

eBook's desktop icon and the logo that appears on the

navigation bar.

Ebook Edit Pro is loaded with excellent features that

allow you to create multi-media Ebooks, and includes a

Wizard that is customized for beginners and for

advanced users. The software uses HTML files,

downloading them from the directory where they are

saved. Edit and resave your files in the original

software used to create those files, and then with a

single click you can re-compile your Ebook.

Features include customization of icons, toolbars, and

the "about box." This compiler has a particularly

useful feature called the Rebrander feature. This

permits you to enter customized code into your Ebook

pages and distribute the Rebrander software to your

affiliates or distributors. They can then customize

the links included in the Ebook, but they can not

alter any link or information that you have not

entered a customized code for.

The software includes "eBrand-It" software that allows

custom fields for your customer's name, affiliate ID

or URL. This feature is a powerful marketing tool

because affiliates are much happier giving away your

Ebook from their own site when they can customize it.

* Ebook Compiler

This compiler offers a demo version that allows you to

compile 10 files. If you don't include graphics, you

can create a 10 page Ebook that allows printing and

copying of the Ebook. The catch is that you can't sell

any Ebook you create in the demo version.

The purchased software is user-friendly with

easy-to-follow help files that not only guide you

through the steps of compiling your Ebook, but also

explains what an Ebook compiler does. The software

provides detailed instructions on how to create source

files from Microsoft Word 2000 and 1997, PowerPoint

2000 and 1997, and HTML documents. It contains less

detailed instructions for creating source files from

other programs.

This compiler allows for password protection of your

entire Ebook or for selected pages. Additionally, you

can set a time limit on your Ebook. When the runs out,

the customer no longer has access unless they pay for

it. In other words, it allows you to create a demo

version of your Ebook for marketing purposes.

You can set a single password or multiple passwords.

Using multiple passwords assigns each user their own

specific password. Online help files guide you through

setting up your passwords. You can also create a Sales

and Thank-you page for selling a password protected

Ebook. This is a good choice for the novice,

particularly since it includes basic features for

password protection and distribution.

* Activ Ebook Compiler

This is an easy to use compiler that provides

excellent features. This software can support HTML,

JPEG, GIF, and all active plug-ins. Features includes

password protection, branding, internet linking, icon

customization, assigning unique serial numbers, splash

screen, file compression, and start-up messages. It

also provides free lifetime upgrades. Additionally, it

includes a preprocessor, re-brander, active script,

and detailed instructions for using HTML, Power Point,

and Microsoft Word files.

There are several other excellent Ebook compilers on

the market that are worth looking into.

Ebook Generator features splash screens, password

protection, branding, icon customization, and

compression control. Additionally, it includes virus

prevention that alerts the user to any modifications

made to your Ebook and offers usage statistics so you

can track your Ebook's use. With all these advanced

features, this is an excellent compiler for the

beginner because it is exceptionally easy to run.

Ebook Creator is another excellent compiler,

supporting HTML, JPEG, GIF, and PNG graphics, and

Javascript, VB script, and Java applets. It also

supports all Internet Explorer plug-ins. Standard

features include unique serial numbers, direct linking

to a form or a page on your website, disabled right

clicking, and search functions. The software allows

for expiration after a set number of days or usages,

which allows you to create demo versions. You can

create up to 1000 different passwords; every time the

Ebook is downloaded, a unique password is required to

access protected pages. The software provides

user-friendly menus and buttons that allow the

beginner to the advanced user to easily create their

Ebook.

Obviously, there are some excellent compilers out

there. So figure out EVERYTHING you need in terms of

features, and then compare prices and options. Do take

advantage of demo versions if they are offered before

purchasing. And then, have fun creating your Ebook!







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