kotobeeofficial-blog

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

3 ways to create your ebook without paying a dime

If you're planning to create your ebook, are you sure you're going to start creating with the right tool? The last thing you want is to discover after a month of hard work is that you must 'pay' for a tool. And not just that, but that your work is locked in a certain format with no way of retrieving it.

So if you have a limited budget for your ebook publishing and overwhelmed by all the information out there, let us tell you what you need to know.

In this webinar we will be looking at 3 ways to create your ebook without having to pay a dime. Those are three different ways to monetize without any upfront cost. The webinar will be structured as follows:

Popular free ebook software

Creating EPUB files

Exporting web ebook apps and desktop ebook apps

Publishing to free libraries online

The webinar will be followed by a Q/A session.

Register here: kotobee.com/webinars/create-your-ebook-without-paying-a-dime

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

Technology is just starting to become intimidating in the classroom. But why introduce new systems when your LMS already feels like home to your students? In this webinar, you will learn how to extend the function of your LMS to deliver great interactive ebooks. Not only will you be able to create content material that students can refer to, but you may include self-assessment questions and exams while tracking activity happening inside the ebook! Webinar dates: 10th Jun 2017 (3PM GMT) and 11th Jun 2017 (12AM GMT). Seats are limited, so don't delay! Register here: www.kotobee.com/webinars/import-ebooks-into-your-lms

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

You'll find the words 'convert PDF to X' scattered everywhere across the web. We know you've tried plenty of tools, and ended up with flat images of your pages with some transition animation. If that's what you're after, sorry, this webinar is not for you.

In this webinar, we'll explain the best practice we use to convert a PDF into a truly interactive ebook.

Webinar dates: 1st Jun 2017 (12 AM GMT) and 6th Jun 2017 (10 AM GMT).

Seats are limited, so don't delay! Register here: kotobee.com/webinars/fri_pdf

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

Book widgets could be the next big thing in digital publishing. Ever since their introduction by Apple’s iBooks Author, they are being used more frequently in interactive ebooks. Especially with their easy customization and integration, they have the potential of rapid expansion in this industry. They resemble Lego blocks, with the difference that they can be reproduced and re-used infinitely. Because the contents of a widget are based on open web standards (HTML5), they can be created or edited in basic HTML/JavaScript editors. Thus, the flexibility.

However, book widgets are considered to be a new topic for many, as there are no confirmed standards yet (or is there?) to be employed by creators other than iBooks Author. So you will find online resources about book widgets scarce. This is why we decided to collect as much information as we can about book widgets, and give it to you here.

This article is divided as follows:

Book widget examples

Types of book widgets

Where to find book widgets?

Adding book widgets in Kotobee Author

How to create book widgets from scratch?

Are you ready to get started? Here goes everything you need to know!

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

If it’s proving hard to chip away at the good old writer’s block, then you’ll be glad to know there’s something you can do about it. And not just any old solution either.

Writer’s retreats and workshops are the perfect way to unblock your creative juices, get them flowing again, and getting your pen (or keyboard!) loose again. With leading authors and agents in attendance, you’ll get to ask the right questions and hear the answers you need for your latest literary work.

See the list

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

The Complete International Book Fairs Calendar for 2017

A new year means a new excuse to devour a fresh pile of books! In the following 12 months, there’s plenty of opportunities to walk along shelves piled high with books.  This year’s book fairs and exhibitions are waiting for you to find the latest literary gems and lighten your wallet.

No matter what you seek and what you love, you’ll find unmissable opportunities in all the various aspects of the literary universe:

New and upcoming trends

Digital publishing and eBooks

Crucial discussions and workshops

Book signings by world-famed authors

Keynote speakers from around the world

Antique books

Niche literature (Haiku, Indie, comics, etc.)

Here’s just a taster of this year’s top options for book fairs around the world. Are you ready to dive into our list?

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

Publishing has opened up to more people since the rise of digital media. Having said that, traditional publishing is still going strong, with sales of hard books remaining healthy. So whether you’re self-publishing or following traditional means, this detailed infographic is a must read for you!

Attached is an infographic of the best and most important Publishing Events in 2017. They won’t just give you key insights into the latest industry trends. You’ll also find:

⦁ The best networking opportunities with fellow writers, publishers and industry leaders. ⦁ The best advice from literary stars. ⦁ Pitching to agents. ⦁ Live readings, exhibits, contests, cultural events. ⦁ Even a bit of cheeky self-promotion for your work, without the expense of a booth!

It’s time to take your pick of festivals celebrating literature, conferences, meetings and major literary prizes in 2017.   

Are you ready to dive into our list?

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

How I published my interactive ebook to the Apple iBookstore [Case Study]

Getting your ebook approved by Apple’s iBookstore can be a pain in the butt. Apple can be extremely strict with requirements. But the great potential and users behind its stores makes it all worthwhile. In this post, we’re interviewing Mark Kroeze, from San Antonio Texas, who has lately published his interactive ebook Sleeping Time Series to the Apple iBookstore. Read more here

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

How to create an interactive ebook: a step-by-step guide

Ebooks are the current expanding trend in education and publishing. Add interactivity on top of that, and you’ve got yourself a top-notch product that won’t be going away anytime soon; one that is sure to put you ahead of the game. This comprehensive guide will lead you on the journey to learn how to create an interactive ebook, as well as publish the ebook to different platforms. We will start together from defining what you want to create, to choosing your preferred online and offline tool, with the occasional suggestions and warnings. Learning how to create an interactive ebook is simple, but let us start first by defining the concept of ��interactive ebooks”. Clearly this term has been over used in past years by publishers who think that inserting a moving picture in their ebook would deem it “interactive”. Well, they are not at fault here but it just sounds quite silly given that they didn’t even scratch the tip of the interactive iceberg. With current technologies like HTML5 and EPUB 3.0 you can go way beyond a digital moving picture – provide experiences rich with videos, audio and even touch-based games if you like. All inside the same ebook. And that’s how we would rather define interactivity. This guide is divided into 5 steps:

1) Setting your target

2) Preparing interactive ebook content and material

3) Online services and websites to prepare your interactive ebook

4) Ebook creators and editors to build your interactive ebook

5) Publishing and distributing your interactive ebook

Continue reading here

[kotobeeofficial-blog]

Alice in EPUB-Land: Understanding the EPUB format

EPUB is boring – there I’ve said it. To make it sound even worse, I’m running a company building EPUB authoring tools for two years. Try Googling what is EPUB format and you’ll find yourself buried alive under IDPF pages of complex definitions and terminologies about EPUB – something that will basically give you a nightmare. There seriously aren’t many good online resources explaining EPUB format in a simple way, and that’s what makes it boring. It’s unfair because EPUB format should not be boring – it actually solves a lot of problems with digital publishing. And it shouldn’t take a tech-savvy to like it, let alone understand it. I thought I’d spice things up, and explain the EPUB format metaphorically in the easiest way possible. We will explain the anatomy of an EPUB format’s file structure, if you look inside. To make it stick, this will be as visual as possible: a variation of Alice in Wonderland.

So.. down the rabbit hole!