There is no better feeling for authors than holding your published book in your hand. The weight of the physical copy signifies that your hard work is complete and about to pay off. However, your publishing journey isn’t over yet. If you want your book to get the best possible reach, you need to convert your work into an eBook. But should you format your eBook yourself or use a service that specializes in conversions?
Why You Should Self-Publish an eBook?
Simplicity
While traditional publishing is a lengthy process, self-publishing an eBook is as simple as it gets. When you publish your own eBook, a finished manuscript can be converted and distributed in just a few days.
Cost Efficiency
An eBook conversion is a very cost-efficient way to expand your book’s reach. Simply pay for one or two eBook files and your book can be accessed by millions of readers around the world. The Mobi file is compatible with the Amazon Kindle, and the ePUB file is compatible with all other eReaders. Learn more about the differences between Mobi and ePUB files here.
Worldwide Distribution
When you publish your own eBook, readers around the world can find your book with the touch of a button. There are several options for distributing your eBook. One method you may choose is to distribute directly with retailers. With Amazon KDP, for example, you simply upload your book onto Amazon. Another method is to partner with a distribution service, making your book readily available to some of the largest online retailers in the world.
eBooks2go offers worldwide distribution in over 200 countries to retailers like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, OverDrive, Odilo, and our very own eBooks2go bookstore. We manage your metadata and organize all your sales data from the different retailers into one location, all with no upfront costs.
Should You Format Your eBook Yourself or Use a Professional Service??
Now that you understand the benefits of self-publishing an eBook, the next big question is: Should you format your eBook yourself, or is it better to use a professional eBook conversion service?
Some authors choose to format their eBooks on their own to save costs, relying on free tools like Calibre or other online converters. While this might work for books with basic text layouts, it becomes significantly more challenging when your manuscript includes tables, footnotes, images, hyperlinks, or special formatting. Free software often fails to maintain consistency across different eReaders, which means your book may appear differently—or even broken—on Kindle, Apple Books, or other platforms. Fixing these formatting issues can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially for first-time authors.
On the other hand, professional eBook conversion services ensure that your book is properly formatted, meets industry standards, and appears seamlessly across all devices. A well-formatted eBook not only enhances the reading experience but also boosts credibility and professionalism, which can lead to better sales and reviews.
Ultimately, your decision depends on your priorities. If you have the time and technical skills, doing it yourself might be an option. However, if you want a hassle-free process with high-quality results, a professional service like eBooks2go can help you create a beautifully formatted eBook ready for global distribution.
Ready to make your eBook look its best? Start your eBook conversion with eBooks2go today!