Comparing PDF eBooks To Kindle eBooks
Why Am I Pushing PDF eBooks Instead of Kindle eBooks?
Let’s answer that question first. I am not pushing PDF eBooks over Kindle eBooks. With PDF eBooks I’m sharing an idea that will be of help to self-publishers in several ways. I do not intend to replace Kindle eBooks or to take on KDP Amazon.
On a business and personal level, I am an Amazon fan. I have nearly a hundred books on KDP Amazon, and we have Amazon packages delivered to our front porch almost every day because we purchase everything except groceries from them.
KDP Amazon is the largest printer/distributor in the world. For a one-person business like mine to compete with them is ridiculous.
My PDF eBook idea offers an option that I sincerely believe is helpful to self-publishers, and that’s why I want to acquaint them with the advantages possible with PDF eBooks.
Kindle eBooks
Amazon eBooks have unique features that most readers find helpful. They are easy to buy and download to any digital device. The font and font size are adjustable to please any reader.
For self-publishers, Kindle eBooks are easy to create because their requirements are not complex. Kindle has an incredible library of how to meet all its requirements right on its site. You can learn as you work.
Being the biggest in the world allows self-publishers the opportunity to have their eBooks exposed to the entire world. However, it’s important to realize this can be a disadvantage. Amazon has millions of eBooks, and unless you attempt to gain exposure for your eBook, it can easily get lost among the millions of other self-published books.
Another disadvantage is that Amazon takes the lion’s share of the income from your eBook sales. How much depends on your choices. That’s just business. No one is going to handle the sale of your eBook without charging a commission.
Basically, Amazon is a gatekeeper. You are the author, and they are the distributors. This is a completely fair exchange of services, but PDF eBooks eliminate the need for a gatekeeper.
With PDF eBooks you are the author and the distributor. If you choose to distribute, which takes an effort, you keep all the income from the sale of your book. You can also choose to promote your PDF eBook through one of the companies that help you expose your eBook to the public and handle the sales and delivery of your eBook for a small commission. I suggest you do both, sell the eBook yourself and place it with one of these companies, of which there are several that do an excellent job.
PDF eBooks
The primary advantage of PDF eBooks is that you can create and prepare them for sale entirely on your own. There are other significant advantages. One I find important is that PDF eBooks have pages and can therefore have page numbers. Unlike Kindle eBooks, which have reflowable text that changes size to fit the viewing device and cannot have pages or page numbers. This is especially important for eBooks with footnotes and indexes.
Another advantage of PDF eBooks is that you can use them to proofread your final format before publishing a Kindle, paperback or hardcover edition of your book. You can create a PDF eBook smaller than the final size or the same size as your paperback and share with others who can help you critique and even review your book before it’s published. You can also use any reviews you receive on the published books.
You may have heard that PDF eBooks are difficult to read on small devices like smartphones or tablets. That idea stems from the business office use of PDF. Normally, PDF files are either letter size or A4 size. Actually, PDF documents can be any size you choose, and that includes sizes that easily fit small devices.
As you might have guessed, I create PDF eBooks from manuscripts for self-publishers, but authors can easily do it themselves. If you want to do it yourself and lack sufficient knowledge, my new book includes detailed instructions.
PDF eBook Publishing Instructions eBook. Click on the cover of the eBook below to get your copy.
If you prefer me to create your PDF eBook, please contact me at billbenitez@gmail.com for a free information and pricing consultation.
Limited Time Special
Get your 8.5 X 11-inch Notebook/Journal with a beautiful front and back cover for only $10 plus sales tax. Until the August 15th, shipping is free within the Continental USA. The Notebook/Journal has 100 lined pages. The front and back covers are below. Click anywhere on the cover below to get your copy now before I charge for the shipping.
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