Format Considerations for Amazon.com

Format Considerations for Amazon.com

Using Amazon.com to promote and sell your newly created Ebook is one of the best ways to reach a massive audience. Uploading the content from your computer is the first step and then the Amazon Digital Text Platform (DTP) automatically converts your document to display well on the Amazon Kindle. Multiple document formats are supported including HTML, Microsoft Word, plain text, and Adobe PDF.

Since Amazon is equipped to handle multiple data formats, very little formatting information is lost or disrupted in the uploading process. This means fewer changes and formatting adjustments once you preview the Ebook. However, there are some considerations regarding format of which you should be aware.

First, HTML is the most highly recommended format since it converts easily. When using HTML, it is necessary to include all images through a ZIP file that includes images and HTML file referring to them. There is specific direction on how to handle this process on the Amazon.com site. Remember that the HTML and image files must be in the same folder inside the ZIP file.

Most all Microsoft Word ‘.doc’ files will be uploaded with little problem in formatting. Plain text files (.txt) must be properly formatted before uploading. Amazon’s tool will automatically make adjustments depending on font size and other factors. The less formatting you use with text files, the better. Avoid using ‘enter’ and creating hard line breaks to avoid formatting issues.

And finally, Adobe PDF files are supported but the quality of these files is often hard to determine in advance. Since PDF files are typically used and optimized for printing, they sometimes do not translate as well as other formats. Be sure to preview content uploaded from Adobe PDF for formatting issues.

Most recently, Amazon DTP has begun supporting Ebooks that are created in the ‘.mobi’ format. They provide access to a free MobiPocket Creator for use if desired. This allows you to create an Ebook with a few simple clicks by adding HTML and image files to the publication. It also includes a Table of Contents wizard and the ability to add a personalized cover page.

Amazon has an Upload and Preview format so you have the opportunity to see what customers will see in preview format before your book is published. This makes it easy to make changes in formatting if needed. Remember that uploading files in any data format may cause some shift in formatting and content so the preview step is a critical one in the process.

Check out the Amazon DTP capabilities today and learn how to upload your valuable content and Ebooks. Start making money quicker by using this easy to follow, user-friendly tool that helps you promote your Ebooks and make the money you deserve.