What life-story writers ought to know about creating a hyperlink, how to make a PDF + more!
G’day and welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.
As a life-story coach I’m asked many questions about planning, writing, polishing and publishing life stories for family and friends.
And in this Q&A series I explain how I help writers just like you who are sitting down to write an autobiography, biography, memoir or other life-story project!
So this edition answers the question:
How can I make an ebook? Is it as simple as saving my Microsoft Word manuscript as a PDF file format? What other things do I need to think about?
I love this question!
In this modern age there are many ways to record a life story for family and friends.
For example, an audio or video recording, transcription, photo book, feature article, book or even a website.
Indeed the possibilities are endless!
However, an ebook is an easy transition if you have a finished manuscript.
So let me talk you through the main things to consider when turning a book into an ebook …
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: What you should know about Forever Young Autobiographies publishing services
1 Hyperlinks and turning a book into an ebook
The beauty of an ebook is you can read it while connected to the internet.
So this makes it logical to drop handy hyperlinks into a manuscript.
For example, perhaps you mention an interesting identity, activity, location, time period or other idea.
So make a hyperlink to a follow-up page that offers a reader more information
For instance, with my grandmother’s autobiography I linked to webpages offering extra details about World War II training camps where my grandfather had been stationed.
There were also links to webpages about historic churches her family had attended and local newspaper articles detailing natural disasters she had lived through.
Indeed a few well-placed links when turning a book into an ebook will add to the reader’s experience.
But don’t go overboard as too many links littering your text will become annoying!
Related article – Case study: Secrets to writing my 100yo grandmother’s autobiography
2 How to make a hyperlink?
Learning to hyperlink is super easy.
Once you start you won’t stop!
I like to link a few words at a time because it makes a link an easier target for people to tap if they are using a phone or tablet screen.
- Select the word or group of words you want to link.
- Right click (for most software).
- Select add Hyperlink or Http.
- Paste in the complete webpage address link. It should look similar to this format: http://foreveryoungautobiographies.com/
- Hit OK to save!
Related article – Best online writing tools: Story writing apps and writing programs to try and love
3 Ebook cover image and turning a book into an ebook
When turning a book into an ebook you are definitely going to need a front cover!
A printer requires two files for print books: the book manuscript and a cover file (including front cover, spine, back cover).
However for an ebook, the front cover image is saved within the manuscript.
That is to say, ebooks are one file not two.
So add an extra page to the start of your ebook manuscript and insert with your front cover image.
If you want to, make any leftover back cover info and images into a separate section to include towards the back of your ebook.
Related article – Book covers: How to create a memorable cover design
4 Making an ebook PFD
Pretty much most ebooks are saved as PDF files.
This is because PDFs can be read on any device.
So when turning a book into an ebook you will need to make a PDF file.
However, this is really easy no matter if your manuscript is on an Apple or Windows system:
- Simply open your file in say Microsoft Word, Apple Pages or similar.
- For Apple, first make sure you select a custom paper size that matches your trim size.
- Go to your menu and select Save As (Word) or Export To (Apple).
- Select PDF (*.pdf) from the drop-down arrow or options available.
- For Word, tick the box for PDF/A Compliant to embed your book’s fonts and graphics.
- For Apple, select ‘Good’ to save image quality.
- Click OK or Export to save!
Related article – How to get your own book printed without going crazy!
Final say: Turning a book into an ebook
Turning a book into an ebook is pretty straightforward.
In many ways it is quicker, cheaper and more portable than a printed book!
Things to keep in mind if you are making a manuscript into an ebook: add handy hyperlinks, make the first page your cover image and save the ebook as a PDF.
Indeed, technology is amazing and we should be encouraged to use it to record and celebrate life stories in many ways.
So embrace the tech to ensure the past lives on into the future.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Want to write a life-story ebook of your own? Come up with a basic chapter outline with the free Structure Success video training. Sign up here or fill in the form below.
Your say
Are you planning on turning a book into an ebook? Tell us about it! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
