Ebook Creation...

Images will really make your file large. You have to optimize them, i.e. save them at a lower resolution. Photoshop has a "Save for Web" option that does a really good job. If you don't have photoshop, look in your graphics program for some way to reduce the quality of the images.

I would say negative on the .exe. A lot of people will be a little hesitant to run an executable.

Hi Loubo,

I would definitely say that including images is a major plus for any eBook. But it looks like your 45mb eBook is a tad too big. You might want to compress your images a little.

As far as document type, I personally like PDF documents. I am currently using a software that converts MS Word into PDF. The software is called EasyPDF Printer Driver.

Hope that helps,

James

* Statics shows that .pdf is the best choice when it comes about ebook and .exe is a great turn off.

* 20-30 photos will be best.

* 45MB for a 40 Pages ebook is really too large. It should be up to 4MB only.

* The best pdf converting software is adobe acrobat professional 9.0. But it will cost around $300. You can use FREE trial for one month. Or you can send the file to me. I'll convert it for you. Free pdf converters have some lacks of features.

* You can also create table of contents and link them to the appropriate page using adobe acrobat professional.

* Use photoshop's "save for web" function from the file menu to reduce photo file size. Then you will get more optioms as high, very high, maximum rsulotion for dcreasing file size. If you haven't any photoshop ask for my help.

Hello,

From my experience, the use of many large images may trigger powerful positive emotions, and that's a good thing.

Two problems arises, and you need to decide between:

• Heavily compressed (distorted!) images may have a negative impact.

• Large files will deliver great quality but will make people impatience, and that may lead to the undesired click on the 'cancel download' button.

Fortunately, using my knowledge in the field of C++ and the knowledge of pinnacle graphical compression algorithms, I've found with extreme joy that PDF documents supports JPEG2000.

JPEG2K is my suggestion: Encode your images using JPEG2000, hire someone who really knows how to take advantage of all its features or DIY.

Drop me a line if you need some assistance,
Gaby

My personal preference is PDF. PDF is platform independent. In other words people of the PC and Mac world can buy your ebook. If you are looking for security then get something like DLGuard or a hosting account from the Ultimate Marketing Center. UMC has a dlguard type script that comes with the hosting package.

What I do is write my content in OpenOffice Writer (free equivalent to MS Word). Then I convert it to PDF. OpenOffice has a feature that exports your documents in to PDF. You will need to go to File > Export as PDF. Click on the Security tab. Put a checkmark in "Restrict Permission." You will now need to tell it the password you want. Under "Changes", I check the radio button of "Not Permitted." By selectig "Not Permitted", this will prevent people from modifying your PDF file (e.g. adding/deleting pages, commenting, or filling in forms). In order for them to make changes they will need to know your password you set.

The second set of security I have already mentioend, which is something like a download guard. With this you can set their download link to expire in say two weeks. That way it would limit them sharing the download link.

Even though the PDF format does not allow serial keys and so forth like the exe ebook compilers, it is more portable. I have a post about DRM (Digital Rights Management). Many people are against it. They feel once they pay for the product they should have access to it. There are a few other security things you can do, however, after my research it seems as if I have more than enough information to create a decent "report" on how to do this.

Defintely go with PDF

How many photos should I include? IT really depends on the length; but as other Warrior state, stick with your low resolution, colorful images.

You asked... Do readers care if there are many photos and illustrations but the file size is a little larger? not really .. Reader want useful content that's knowledge which can be applied to thier own lives.. Photos fall far behind rich content.

What about ebook programs? No comment..

Just export to Acrobat...

Hope this helps.. study others who have done this.. you will be fine.

Go with password protected .PDF ... some people don't like to install .EXE files.

As many photos as you need ... as long as it doesn't compromise the filesize into oblivion.

I found out that too many photos in a PDF slows down CPU speed and can be a little drag when reading. If you have the choice ... try to balance it out between TEXT and PHOTOS.

Hi

PDF is my favourite ebook type I haven't read a exe ebook in sometime now. 45mb is too big, if your photos are straight from the camera maybe you could try cropping the images to just the parts that are important.

You could definately get the file size down to a manageable download with some photoshop work.

hope this helps.