I have Activ Ebook compiler and I have found it to be perfect for creating .exe ebooks. Is there a comparable product (about the same price) where the source documents are pdf files rather than html, and the end result is a pdf ebook? Apologies if this question has been asked a million times!
Posted on: 8:51 pm on November 22, 2006
Storyman
Google 'creating PDF' and you should find several low priced solutions.
Posted on: 11:27 pm on November 22, 2006
jonnyg111
I went for Ebook Creator by Bytepad. A number of problems so far: when I try to save as PDF, the file produced is not obviously a PDF file. (Right click and then Properties just describes it as 'file', although it does open happily when I choose Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
Secondly, the ebook creator doesn't seem able to reopen this file once created - If I locate it to try to open it, the program just doesn't 'see' the file in the folder.
Thirdly the program claims to be able to open HTML files which can then be saved as PDF, but if I visit a folder with lots of HTML files in, it doesn't 'see' any of them. I would be grateful for any help.
Posted on: 8:20 pm on December 6, 2006
Storyman
Hi Jonnyg111,
Hmmm. Sounds like a bit of bad luck with Ebook Creator. It would be nice if they had a forum of users to help.
Posted on: 12:19 am on December 7, 2006
jonnyg111
All is not lost - I can return Ebook Creator within 30 days and get a full refund. Can I ask, what should I buy instead? What did you use to make PDF ebooks when you started out, Storyman? And what packages can EbookFriends help with?
Posted on: 7:44 pm on December 7, 2006
Storyman
Hi Jonnyg111,
Before getting into how I make PDFs let me first cover why HTML is often a better solution. You can create the content in Word, then export as HTML. Activ eBook is a very popular program from creating HTML ebooks and the price is reasonable.
If you still have your heart set on PDFs you can use HYPrLock to display protected PDF files within Activ eBook. An excellent solution. http://www.hyprlock.com/hyprlock/index.htm
When creating PDFs, I use Adobe's inDesign. It goes beyond what is necessary.
If PDF is right for your project depends on several factors. If your reader is interested in "...just the facts" then it really doesn't matter if it is HTML or PDF. If the user is likely to print out the ebook, then PDF might be better.
Posted on: 2:15 am on December 9, 2006
jonnyg111
I have built ebooks out of html files with Activ Ebook Compiler, and I think they are great. You can turn a website into an ebook in minutes. However, they have been nervously received by my audience, given that .exe files can contain viruses. My answer has been two-fold: firstly, to say trust me, trust my ebook, and secondly, to attempt to make a pdf version available. Thus it is not that my heart is set on pdf, it is just that my audience is demanding it.
It seems that Activ Ebook Compiler does deal with pdf files. So I could make these freely using say Primo pdf creator, and then assemble them together using Activ Ebook Compiler. I am only making free ebooks currently, so I guess I will not need Hyprlock?
Thank you Storyman, for getting back on this.
Posted on: 11:24 am on December 9, 2006
jonnyg111
Having examined Hyprlock, it seems that it still operates within the .exe shell, and thus does not address my problem. (A second problem I have had is that .exe files do not run on a mac.) I am left still wanting a fairly basic way of creating a .pdf ebook that anyone will know is guaranteed virus-free where security is not a great concern and where both html files and pdf files can form the source files.
Posted on: 11:48 am on December 9, 2006
Storyman
Hi Jonnyg1111,
Have you Goggled "free pdf creator"? You'll find a slew of programs that will provide a solution.
Regarding your concerns about .exe files not running on a Mac. While true it is also true that Macs represent 5% percent of the market--and most of those in educational institutions K-12. Check your logs to see how many Mac users visit your site. Most sites find it is usually around 3%.
Posted on: 4:21 pm on December 9, 2006
jonnyg111
It seems I have been unfair on Bytepad's Ebook creator product. I have been given friendly and helpful advice there - it could be just what I need. Fingers crossed...
Posted on: 5:22 pm on December 9, 2006
mac girl
I am also a mac designer and author and I'd love to know if you came up with an acceptable solution to create e-books on a mac that have table of contents and other professional e-book functions. Thanks!
Posted on: 3:11 am on January 7, 2007
Storyman
Hi Laura,
To the best of my knowledge no has a solution other than PDFs.
Posted on: 4:05 am on January 7, 2007
mac girl
That's what a mac guy said just now on tribe too so I guess that's the latest news.
Posted on: 5:14 pm on January 7, 2007
Storyman
Laura,
Things might change now that Apple is moving to a PC 'friendly' system. I suspect that there may be something else offered at the end of this year 'if' Sony's ebook reader gains traction.
Currently the device sells for $350 USD. Rumors hint that there will be a $250 unit later this year. The rumors also suggest that Sony will be going after the student market with a B&W only unit near $100.
Posted on: 7:49 pm on January 7, 2007
Bradley
Quote: from Storyman on 8:21 am on Dec. 9, 2006[br]Hi Jonnyg1111,
Have you Goggled "free pdf creator"? You'll find a slew of programs that will provide a solution.
Hi jonnyg111 When I first started, I purchased a "PDF Generator" for $97, a typical Internet price. As it was $700 cheaper that Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Standard, I though this is a good thing. The software created a PDF just fine, but did not pull the bookmarks with the document. Oh, the links looked live, you know blue and underlined, but that was all, no live links. Yes, I supposed it would open on a Mac, but it was useless, really. FREE, ? ? ? Maybe, a waste of money.
Also the 7.0 Standard has some security options.
If you what an excellent product and the reputation that goes with an excellent product, do like the rest of us, and bite the bullet, or hire some one to create a proper PDF.
Just because the eBook realm has made it easier to become an author, this same ease does not mean we should offer low quality products. If your eBook is a quality product then it deserves a quality wrap.
Just a couple of thoughts, I hope it helps.
(Edited by Bradley at 11:33 am on Jan. 27, 2007)
Posted on: 4:50 pm on January 27, 2007
Storyman
Hi Jonnyg111,
Thanks for the advice on the 'cheaper' PDF creator. Didn't know that.
To get really goo results with a PDF it better to move up a notch and use InDesign to create the PDF. You still need to use Adobe's Acrobat to turn on certain features in the PDF file like the ability for Acrobat Reader users to write comments within the file.
Posted on: 5:36 pm on January 27, 2007
hometutor
However, they have been nervously received by my audience,
Why were they nervous about it? I think html is great for writing ebooks. You can include iframes etc so your readers can view updated content
Perhaps an hta with a little encryption to keep the honest folk honest?
Rick Authors and Publishers Tools and Information New Submission All Downloads for Publishing and Publishers on One Page
You could always keep an eye on eBay for someone selling a used copy of Acrobat. I have version 5 standard and am looking to go to 7 or 8 Pro. I've been told that if I want to eventually do print books, go Pro because it handles color in the CMYK mode which printers want better than the standard versions do.
But if you're not concerned with that, a standard version of Acrobat is cheaper and I've seen them going for under a hundred bucks. Version 4 and 5 still show up, and go even cheaper. For ebooks, they'll do the job.
I've checked other auction sites, too, but eBay has the most to chose from. Just be sure the seller is offering a legit copy.
I figure since many programs won't run on a Mac without a PC emulator it would be necessary for one to have a PC emulator if they own a Mac. Just my opinion. I point this out to my Mac users and they still buy my active ebook because they want my book. I do suspect that I loose a few sales.
Personally I really don't like PDF ebooks but that's just my opinion. They are hard to read compared to active ebook.
If you must have a PDF (I know they currently dominate) A cheap alternative to Adobe is:http://www.create-pdf-files.com/but look around you can get it cheaper. Since the password system is weak you will have to use Hyperlock to secure your book.
Posted on: 4:34 pm on March 11, 2009
rlemire
Bullguy;
You might take another look at using PDF. A new Google service called Google Books has a provision for adding new eBooks to their Book database under a Partners program.
Using Google Books, readers can search for and land on an authors "Book" page. Readers will then be able to click on a link to the authors "sales" page -- so they can purchase the authors eBook.
Unfortunately Google Books only accepts unencrypted PDF "eBooks" for the Partner program (the PDF eBooks are protected by Google security).
However, if a Reader ends up at an authors "sales" page, there is nothing to stop an author from selling an HTML eBook instead of a PDF eBook.
Google Books could be a very powerful marketing tool. The trick, as I see it, is getting the eBook into the "Book" database so readers can search for and find it.
Ron
Posted on: 12:15 am on March 13, 2009
hometutor
The other solution is to not compile it
How to Make a Multi-Media Book Not Just an Ebook Free by Kirkham
Pdf is a static document which never thrilled me as a means of conveying information considering the living power of the internet to make a web page come to life. Here's a way of making a multi-media or to use the phrase I coined m-book for free.....
While I agree "in principle" with the concept of multimedia eBooks and that PDF presentations are generally boring (although some PDF authors are using Flash quite effectively). In any case, The point I was trying to make was that Google Books could be a powerful marketing tool to get "readers" to your web site. -- Then you can dazzle them with your bright ideas.
Getting customers is a constant challenge and I think authors should be open to anything that will help.. including the use of "promotional" PDF eBooks -- if that's what it takes.
It's OK for an author to have artistic principles, but some of us consider selling our eBooks a business and the whole object of a business is making sales.
Ron
Posted on: 9:43 pm on March 13, 2009
hometutor
Sorry I was unaware that Google books require pdfs. For PDFs I just use Open Office
Rick
Posted on: 9:50 pm on March 13, 2009
amazonnbtrader
The cheapest site to download ebooks for your Kindle, Nook or other e-reader. Nothing over $2.50. A large selection of titles are still being added. If you don't find what you are looking for, just put in a request and no matter what book you are looking for, we will have it. From the lastest releases to the classics, popular or obscure. Check us out at:http://amazon.nbtrader.com
I think that pressmo.com is really good one. It makes flip page ebooks from PDF files, and they look and work really nice and smooth.
Posted on: 11:10 am on February 9, 2012
Maggiedon
Well, there are so many PDF e-book creator on the market, free and paid, some free e-book creator software has some restrictions on the publication, such as watermark, or can not allow you convert the full PDF files; as personal use, if the publication just has watermark, i suggest use free software, of course, some cost effective paid PDF ebook publishing softwares also have good business and personal services, such as XFlip Software: http://www.xflip.com/digital-magazine-software.html
(Edited by Maggiedon at 3:49 am on Nov. 28, 2012)
Posted on: 3:48 am on November 28, 2012
TomRasi05
It seems that Activ Ebook Compiler does deal with pdf files. So I could make these freely using say Primo pdf creator, and then assemble them together using Activ Ebook Compiler. I am only making free ebooks currently, so I guess I will not need Hyprlock?
Quote: from jonnyg111 on 8:51 pm on Nov. 22, 2006[br]I have Activ Ebook compiler and I have found it to be perfect for creating .exe ebooks. Is there a comparable product (about the same price) where the source documents are pdf files rather than html, and the end result is a pdf ebook?
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