E-Book Support
Many new authors hear the term “ebook” constantly but are never properly told what it actually means, how it works, or why formatting one correctly matters.
An ebook is simply a digital version of a book designed to be read on electronic devices such as Kindle readers, tablets, phones, laptops and apps.
Unlike a printed paperback or hardback, an ebook is flexible and responsive. The text can resize, reflow and adapt depending on the screen size and reader settings being used.
This means ebooks must be built differently from printed books.
Ebooks Are Not Just PDFs
One of the biggest misconceptions in self publishing is assuming an ebook is simply a PDF version of a printed book.
In reality, most professional ebooks use formats such as:
- EPUB
- Kindle format (KPF/KFX)
- MOBI (older Kindle format)
- Interactive fixed-layout formats for heavily illustrated books
A proper ebook should adapt to the reader’s device and settings rather than remaining locked into a fixed page layout.
Why Ebook Formatting Matters
A poorly formatted ebook can seriously damage the reading experience.
Common problems include:
- Broken chapter spacing
- Random font changes
- Large blank gaps
- Images shifting incorrectly
- Unclickable contents pages
- Overlapping text
- Missing scene breaks
- Poor mobile readability
- Inconsistent indentation
- Strange page breaks
Readers are often extremely unforgiving when it comes to ebook formatting issues, especially on platforms like Kindle where reviews matter.
What A Good Ebook Should Include
A professionally prepared ebook should normally include:
- A clickable table of contents
- Consistent chapter formatting
- Proper spacing and indentation
- Correctly embedded images
- Device-friendly formatting
- Readable fonts and layout
- Working hyperlinks where appropriate
- Optimised file sizing
- Correct metadata
- Proper front and back matter
The goal is to create an experience that feels smooth and professional regardless of device size.
Different Types Of Ebooks
Not all ebooks are created equally.
Reflowable Ebooks
These are the most common type used for novels, non-fiction and text-heavy books.
The text automatically adapts to different screen sizes and user settings.
This is the preferred format for most Kindle books.
Fixed Layout Ebooks
These are used when page positioning is important, such as:
- Children’s picture books
- Highly illustrated books
- Cookbooks
- Graphic novels
- Activity books
- Educational layouts
These require far more careful formatting because the design must remain visually consistent across devices.
Ebook Covers Matter Too
Even though ebooks are digital, the cover is still one of the single most important marketing tools.
In many cases, readers first see your book as a tiny thumbnail on a phone screen.
Your cover therefore needs to:
- Remain readable at small sizes
- Clearly suit its genre
- Look professional digitally
- Avoid cluttered text
- Create curiosity instantly
A cover that works beautifully in print may not always work well as an ebook thumbnail.
DRM & Piracy Concerns
Many authors worry about piracy when publishing ebooks.
Some platforms offer DRM (Digital Rights Management), which attempts to restrict copying and sharing.
However, no system is perfect.
The reality is that most independent authors benefit more from discoverability and accessibility than from obsessing over piracy.
A badly priced or difficult-to-access ebook often harms sales more than piracy itself.
ISBNs & Ebooks
In some countries and on some platforms, ebooks can have their own ISBN.
For example:
- Paperback = separate ISBN
- Hardback = separate ISBN
- Ebook = separate ISBN
- Audiobook = separate ISBN
However, some ebook platforms also use their own internal identification systems.
Understanding this early helps authors avoid confusion later.
Ebook Platforms
Ebooks can be distributed through platforms such as:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
- Apple Books
- Kobo
- Google Play Books
- Draft2Digital
- Smashwords
- Barnes & Noble Press
Each platform has slightly different formatting requirements, royalty structures and upload systems.
Pricing Expectations
Many first-time authors struggle with ebook pricing.
Readers generally expect ebooks to cost less than printed books because there are no printing or shipping costs involved.
However, that does not mean ebooks are “cheap to make.”
Professional formatting, editing, cover design and marketing still require significant time and effort.
Finding the right balance between affordability and perceived value is important.
Common Ebook Mistakes
Some of the most common mistakes authors make include:
- Uploading a print PDF as an ebook
- Ignoring mobile readability
- Using unreadable fonts
- Over-formatting the interior
- Using oversized image files
- Forgetting clickable contents pages
- Not previewing across multiple devices
- Publishing without testing properly
Small technical issues can quickly lead to poor reader reviews.
Testing Before Publishing
Before publishing any ebook, it is strongly recommended to:
- Preview on multiple devices
- Test Kindle previews carefully
- Check navigation links
- Review image quality
- Confirm chapter breaks
- Test readability in dark mode
- Verify spacing consistency
- Review file size and loading speed
The more testing completed before launch, the fewer problems readers will experience later.
Amery Publishing’s Approach
Amery Publishing believes authors should understand how ebooks actually work before paying anyone for help.
Some authors may choose to learn the process themselves using free tools and tutorials.
Others may prefer professional assistance to save time, reduce stress and avoid technical formatting problems.
Both approaches are completely valid.
Ebook formatting and preparation can become surprisingly technical, especially when dealing with illustrated books, fixed layouts or multi-platform distribution.
For authors who still require support, Amery Publishing can offer ebook preparation and formatting as a paid service.