The rapid rise in popularity of the iPad as well as other devices which allow the simple downloading of eBooks is a very positive boon to writers. No longer would a writer, much like yourself and many out there, struggle with the traditional method of finding a publisher willing to print a hardbound copy of your book in order for the reading public to peruse through and enjoy your work.
Before we get into the actual details of the very simple steps in publishing your eBook in iBookstore, here are a few basic facts. iBookstore is the means through which ebooks are distributed and downloaded through Apple devices, such as the iPad and the iPhone. There are literally millions of these devices spread all over the world so the chance of your eBook being downloaded and read has a much higher possibility as compared to it being in a traditional paperback book gathering dust in a shelf in some corner of a seldom visited books store.
Like most simple things in life, publishing an eBook in iBookstore requires a few steps.
First and most obvious would be to write something down, and it may be a short story or a collection of inspirational quotes, or even a simple how-to-do-this kind of thing. In fact, there’s even an eBook about how to publish an eBook on iBookstore. You can skip out on that one because just by reading this, you get that info for free. If you have already written something down and chances are you already have , then let’s move to the next step.
Second step would be conversion of your work to proper format, which would be the EPUB format. Although you may download an app to do this, conversion can be a tricky thing. Why not let the good folks at Fast Fingers do it for you instead? For a minimal fee, they can get this done in a jiffy. Not only will this be more convenient for you, but it will also give you more time to do what you do best and love to do, which is to write.
Third step would be to get an ISBN number for your book, and pay a $25 dollar fee after filling up a form. No sweat to it, it’s really easy. This is step is important because your book will be catalogued, and the work will be recognized as YOUR book.
Well, the next step will not be a problem if you are a US resident because you will be needing the following.
- US Tax ID ( your Social Security or EIN )
- A valid iTunes Producer account ( for uploading your work), and create a Free Books account or Paid books account in the Apple site.
- A credit card on file with that iTunes account
For now, this service is only available if you have the following requirements. You may visit their site for more details on this.
After all those steps, the last would be to get an application to be a recognized member of the iBookstore distribution network at the Apple website. And there you have it, simple fast and easy.
