Hi I hope this is the right section for my question. I have started writing an ebook. I believe when is finished to be about 20 - 25 pages long, if this the normal? The initial writing is done in Microsoft Word. Do I need a specail type of programme or software to make it to ebook? I have other questions about marketing and receiving payment but i will ask those in their respective sections. Thanks
There is no "normal" number of pages for an ebook. As long as the ebook has useful, good content, even 10 pages is okay. Usually ebooks are in the .pdf format. Use something like this to convert your word document into pdf. http://www.doc2pdf.net/converter/
Personally, as a writer I like to read EBooks that are a reasonable length. The reason for this is that I think you are giving the customer a bad deal by writing less than 10 pages. Many people will argue with me, but it is only my opinion. Some people hate those who write EBooks espescially on EBay where people think that you are stealing the right to be a Power Seller. I personally think that, that is rubbish. If you write well and use the correct punctuation you can write a decent literature work. Some people pass EBooks off with 1 page describing how to make or create something or even how to get something for free. I think EBook's can be valuable if written with thought and care. Do your research, write with the correct punctuation and grammar, check for spelling mistakes and don't rush the work. If you want your book to stand on it's own right then work at it. You don't need a special programme. In fact, most of the EBook's that have lot's of pretty pictures have very little to offer the reader. The EBook's that are the best offer quality information and remain simple in a Microsoft package that can easily be downloaded to the customer's computer. All the best to you.
If it is a computer technical book, you might want to consider .CHM or Microsoft Compiled HTML Help as an alternative to .PDF, especially if your target audience are mainly using Windows...
It depends directly on what your subject matter is. If it's a guide for say, how to train a puppy, one could reasonably fit the material into 25 pages or less. However, if it's an all encompassing guide to HTML markup and CSS, it'd have to be longer. Simply asking if 25 pages is long enough means nothing without knowing what you're writing about.
I am writing about a home based business idea. I explain how to set it up step by step, how to approach your potential customers etc. Untill today I have written 12 pages and I am about half way through.