Last week we discussed converting manuscripts to the Amazon Kindle, the leading e-reader on the market.   But this conversion is just one process for an author when self-publishing. 

Today we’re taking a look at the ePub (electronic publication) format, which can be used with the iPad through the iBooks Application and the Nook by Barnes & Noble.

Introduced in 2009, Barnes & Noble released its own brand of e-reader utilizing the Android operating system to compete with the Kindle – the Nook.  Since its inception, new and improved versions including the Nook Color and the Nook Simple Touch have hit the shelves displaying color touch screens and providing Wi-Fi access. 

Selling an e-book using the Nook platform is simple and only requires a properly formatted e-book and an account with the Barnes & Noble ePubIt Service. 

Keeping up with the Joneses, so to say, Apple Inc. introduced the iPad in 2010.  The Apple technology, like most of their devices, continues to improve and has two versions available today:  the iPad and the iPad 2.  Mirroring the popular features of the iPhone, the iPad operates via a touch screen with LCD (liquid crystal display) and has Wi-Fi compatibility.  The iPad offers more features and allows the iBooks application for the iPhone and iPod Touch as well, reaching beyond the competition. 

Selling an e-book on the iPad requires two things: a properly formatted e-book, and an iTunes Connect account.  Writers can also sell iPad converted e-books directly to the Apple iBook Store once registering their work with the Apple Certified Aggregator.

How does a writer convert his or her manuscript to the proper iPad and Nook formats to sell e-books at the Apple Store and Barnes & Noble? 

Option One:  Writers can use a do it yourself script off the Internet.  Most of these scripts are free or require very little capital to use, but remember we always get what we pay for.  Most writers find that these scripts do not convert properly because of the complexity of formatting for all types of electronic readers. 

Converting a manuscript on our own can be a very daunting task.  If we’ve attempted to convert our e-book and it’s just not working, why not explore other options? 

Option Two:  Writers can have a manuscript professionally converted by Digital Content Center.  DCC offers professional iPad and Nook conversions & formatting services. 

The Digital Content Center conversion process for the ePub formats includes:

1. Converting all of the text of the manuscript to HTML Format (Hyper Text Markup Language).  This allows the e-book to be read almost like a website.
2. Manually integrating visual items such as images, graphs, and charts with the HTML.
3. Manually applying text formatting such as italics, bolds, and indentations.
4. Reviewing the e-book on the actual device by a human, not a computer program.
5. Correcting any and all necessary adjustments to the e-book once read on an iPad and Nook.
6. Repeating Steps 4 and 5 until the e-book renders properly within the ePub devices. 

Ready to convert to ePub format for the iPad and Nook?  Want a quote to convert a manuscript to the ePub formats? Click here.  Note: DCC will need a Word and pdf version of the manuscript to perform a quote.

Thanks for reading and remember if you have any questions give us a call or submit a support ticket and we’ll be there to help. 

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