Trail Markers 1. Write the content (this is the easy part). Take what you trust and build upon it. Seek the input of others.
The great ones share. You will know who to ask. They will say, “Yes! , Here!; Take what you need!; There is plenty for all; Let me help you.” And, as long as you also share, the stream will continue to replenish itself.
2. Choose pictures to illustrate your book. A wealth of shared images can be found on Flickr. But, make sure you credit the artist as best you can. Most give freely but it is good to build another when you can. If are uncomfortable using the image created by another without direct contact, you can look to them for inspiration and build them with your own digital camera.
Consider a contest. If you offer took take submissions to the public, many will send you submissions to be included in your book. Be sure to fully credit their work and include them in your acknowledgments section.
3. Convert your document to pdf format.
Your operating system will be a determining factor. If you have a PC system, add a PDF converter. Adobe Acrobat is good. Primopdf converter is also good and it is free. I use both. The differences are negligible and I like free. After you make the addition, you may select converter from your printer selector file. This will create your pdf in your chosen destination.
Most Mac operating systems come pre-bundled converter in the printer choice menu.
4. Distributing your ebook.
What won’t work: Google Docs doesn’t support pdf. Yahoo Briefcase won’t allow you to share without an upgrade. One option is offer a free site subscription RSS feeder. You then email the document to anyone who subscribes. Another option is to email it as an attachment to any who request it.
Finally, there are hosts like Quicksharing.com. They don’t require registration. They will hold carry your ebook for free. You go to their site. Then follow their easy to use menu to browse out your file and upload it. Quicksharing will display the address. Then you can share it with anyone who would like to download your ebook.
There are a couple of things that I don’t love about it. One, because it is monetized by advertisement, you occasionally find promotional links for things you wouldn’t choose to promote, at you download site. Two, if your ebook isn’t downloaded for a month or so, the Quikshare automated system will delete it.
I have converted this document to a PDF and hosted it on Quicksharing so that you may download it (free of course) and get a feel for the process. I am building another ebook about giving great feedback in difficult situations that will also soon be available for free download. If I can help, in any way, please contact me. I hope this work has added value to your day.
Featured photo credit: CURVD® via unsplash.com
