How I Made This E-Book

I've had so many queries about the technology under/behind PDCB that I added this appendix. To summarize:

I *was* originally going to use Adobe Acrobat to produce the e-book (and I do use it for other products) - but it became clear when prototyping that it was going to be very time consuming to update, version, etc as the process of producing an original document, export to PDF format and then modifying the PDF file in Acrobat was just too time consuming. I *do* need that kind of control in other technical e-books with interwoven text and graphics that don't change over time - so I use Acrobat there.

And frankly, I don't need the degree of "look and feel" control that Acrobat specializes in. So I started researching the alternatives.

There are a number of HTML compilers around that basically do the same thing - take a set of html pages and graphics and turn them into a self contained .EXE file that includes the content and the viewer.

I could bore you with a feature by feature comparison chart - or I could just cut to the chase. The first compiler I found with all the features I wanted - and a lot more - also turned out to be the lowest cost of all those I considered !

How often does that happen? Not often enough eh?

That software is called Activ E-Book Compiler. It really was a dream to use - so straightforward and effective. Given some of my past experiences, I honestly couldn't believe it when my first "try it out" attempt produced a great-looking, working e-book.

One of the great things about is that you can use it to make quick and easy simple e-books - especially if you are giving them away - or you can use the more powerful options to create a variety of charging models that are very sophisticated.

Finally, in the best PDCB tradition, there is a version you can try for free - and use it to make real e-books! In fact - the publisher doesn't really want you to buy it UNLESS you have tried the free version first!

However ...

This version of PDCB has been produced using a new compiler - EbookPaper

Why?

Only one reason - EbookPaper includes the "branding" facility that allows you (yes - YOU!) to add your message to the e-book and make it an embassador for your business too when you distribute it to your visitors. You can find find out more about creating your own Private Label version in the next Appendix, but to wrap up this section:

I recommend Activ E-Book Compiler for trial purposes and most e-book activities.
I recommend EbookPaper where the branding option will help distribution of your e-book.