What is an eBook
Compiler?
We previously
discussed your desire to write an eBook.
I gave you some points to consider as you went about putting all your thoughts together.
So, you’ve
written and revised your book, hired an artist who has produced outstanding graphics
(if this was necessary), and now you’re ready to actually put together your
book so you can start your sales. What you need to make an eBook is
software called an eBook compiler.
There are many
different compilers to choose from, but first, you need to know exactly what an
eBook compiler does. Here is the simple
explanation: An eBook compiler is a
software program that converts either text pages or HTML text into a single
executable file or an eBook.
If you or someone
you hired has created a file with graphics in HTML, you will need an HTML eBook
compiler. This type of compiler requires
a working knowledge of the HTML tag language.
You can also use software to do this for you, such as Microsoft SharePoint
Design (you can find it here: https://products.office.com/en-us/sharepoint/collaboration if you want to see how it can be used) or Adobe Dreamweaver (which can be found here: https://adobe.com/products/dreamweaver.html
if you want to check it out).
How do you choose an eBook
Compiler?
There are a large
number of eBook compilers available on the market in addition to the two I have
shown you above. All come with glowing
sales copy and tekkie language. It can
get very confusing and overwhelming quickly without some simple guidelines to
help you figure out which compiler is right for you.
Choosing an eBook
compiler depends on a number of factors.
Let’s consider a few:
1. How did you create your pages? Did you use HTML or PDF format? There are many more compilers available for
HTML, but you can find some very good compilers that will convert your PDF
files into an eBook.
2. Consider
how easy the program is to use and the thoroughness of the software’s
instruction manual. It is absolutely
necessary that the compiler you buy have an instructional manual, some type of documentation, or online “wizards”. If
it doesn’t, your chances of figuring out how to correctly use the program are
compromised, and the time required to learn the program is going to be significant. Many manufacturers of compilers offer a free
trial version so you can play around with it and see if it suits your needs. Download the trial version and ascertain that
it actually does what it claims to do.
3. Security
features. If you plan to sell your eBook
check out the security features of the compiler software carefully. Security features should include: prevention
of the reader from modifying your text, access only to the pages you assign or access by
entering a password, different ways of generating passwords such as secure
password, user-friendly, and open passwords.
4. Supported
scripting. Find out what scripts the software supports. Scripting allows you to create
special effects, customize menus, and create and modify other user interactivity. Choose a compiler that permits you to include
graphics, search windows, hyperlinks, forms, surveys, etc.
5. Pricing. This is a factor that is not always easy to
gauge. The highest priced compilers are
not automatically your best choice.
Choose your compiler based on the necessary requirements for your eBook. That means you need to know exactly how you
plan to use your eBook and what functions you require.
Let’s look at
some of these factors in more detail.
First of all, make sure you have the correct browser to run the
compiler. The majority of HTML compilers
use Microsoft Internet Explorer, Edge, or Netscape. Check out the version that the compiler supports. Compilers that require a browser will not run
on a computer that does not have the required browser installed. However, there are eBook HTML compilers that
don’t require you to have any browser installed on your computer. These compilers run on any Windows system.
If you choose a
compiler that requires a browser, check to ascertain that the browser is
installed correctly and that it is properly configured to the specifications of
the compiler. Check to see if certain functions
are turned off or on, and make any adjustments according to the compiler instructions.
Security is an
essential element of any compiler, regardless of whether you plan to sell or
give away your eBook. One of the main
reasons for using a compiler is to prevent the reader from modifying your contents. A secure compiler allows
access only to the pages you want the user to access unless they enter a
correct password.
To find out how
secure an eBook HTML compiler is, open an eBook on it. While it is open, check
the temporary directory of your computer.
This can usually be accessed by typing in C:\Windows\temp. If you see a bunch of files when your eBook
is open or running, it means that your computer is decompressing the secure
data from your eBook before showing the eBook to the viewer. This method IS NOT secure! It means that
anyone with the knowledge of how to access these temporary files can steal the
secure data and then they can fiddle with your eBook to their evil hearts’
desire. Remember, one of the main
purposes of buying and using an HTML compiler is to protect your property.
Next, let’s
discuss passwords. When trying to choose
an eBook compiler, check out the type of passwords that the compiler supports. Almost all compilers offer some kind of
password protection that insures that the user can only access the contents
they have purchased from you. However,
the best compilers offer varied ways to generate different types of
passwords. Choose a compiler that gives
you the options of secure, user-friendly, and open password generation.
Another important
factor when it comes to passwords is how the compiler generates them. A compiler that has internal password
protection generation built into the software is more secure than compilers
that link to live internet password control systems. Find out if the compiler generates passwords online. If it has this option, it allows
you to choose any payment processing system you want or to do the payment
processing yourself.
Next, look into the size of eBook the
compiler supports. The best compilers
can create eBooks up to 2GB in size without decompressing the HTML pages or
images to your hard disk. Usually, eBooks
that are 2GB in size can easily support 6GB of compressed data. The catch here is that only text files will
generally be compressible. You do not
want a compiler that decompresses this amount of data when the user attempts to
open your eBook. This would mean that
anyone who purchases your eBook will have to wait for all the data to decompress
before they can access your eBook right after downloading it. So look for compilers that only compress
temporary files that are NOT HTML to
the local hard drive. None-HTML files
include Flash, Word, and Acrobat fields.
This type of compiler is more secure and certainly faster.
Make sure the
compiler you choose is compatible with your system software. Check out what version of Windows it requires,
and make sure you have that version before buying your compiler. Support issues are extremely important. Choose a compiler that includes an
installation program. This program allows your user to choose a number of
different places on their computer to install the eBook, to place a shortcut on
their desktop, and to add the eBook, if they choose, to the Start Programs
menu.
You also want
excellent access to vendor support.
Make sure you can access quick technical support! At three o’clock in the morning, this factor
will be VERY important to you.
Also, check to see the terms of free technical support that might be offered. Unlimited technical support is obviously the
best option.
Check to see if
the company that puts out the compiler software offers a service level
agreement. This agreement is to assure
you of their quality response to your questions or problems. A good thing to consider is how long the
compiler has been on the market.
Usually, the version number will give you an idea. The longer the program is on the market, the
higher the version number, the more bugs have been worked out.
When choosing an eBook
compiler, do not be swayed by incredible promises and dazzling sales copy. Do your homework first, and then consider all
the above issues and factors before choosing an eBook compiler.
You’ve put a lot
of effort into writing your eBook. Don’t
try to be “cheap” in getting it produced for sale. It could be the start of your growing writing
career.
If you really want to work with an easy to use compiler click below:
QUOTE TO CONSIDER
THOUGHTFUL GEM
"What you put on the internet today stays forever.
That's a REALLY LONG time!"
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