Smashwords Style Guide Part 3

Next, return to your table of contents at the top of your book and highlight the phrase "Table of Contents." Click Insert Insert, Bookmark Bookmark, and label this last bookmark something like "ToC". This will allow you to link all your Chapter headings in the body of your book back up to the top of the Table of Contents.

LINKING TO BOOKMARKS.

Next, add the hyperlinks to your Chapter starts. In your table of contents, if Chapter 1 is called Chapter 1, then highlight Chapter 1 and then click insert Hyperlink. As you can see in the Style Guide, I tried to use more descriptive labels. In Word's Hyperlink menu on the left hand side, select "Place in this doc.u.ment." You will now see your bookmarks listed in the main window.

Select Chapter1 bookmark (or whatever you labeled it) and then click ok. Repeat this procedure for every chapter or item in the table of contents that you want to have a clickable link.

LINKING BODY PARTS BACK UP TO THE TOP.

Now you can link your chapter and section headings in your body back up to the table of contents. This makes it easy for the reader to jump back up to the top of book. From your ToC, click on the link to jump to your chapter or section heading. In Word 2000, you just click, but in later versions you have to press on the CTRL key before you click.

Move through your doc.u.ment to each indexed item or Chapter start and highlight it. Then click Insert: Hyperlink Insert: Hyperlink, and then select "Place in this doc.u.ment." When the bookmarks are showing in the main window, select the bookmark labeled "TableofContents," a.s.suming that's what you named your Table of Contents. Do this for each and every chapter and or indexed item.

Note that you can link any part of your book to any bookmark. This makes it possible to link between sections, or to manually create linked footnotes, endnotes or indexes.

TESTING: WALKING THE WALK WITH YOUR TOC.

After you are finished, all your links will be underlined. Carefully test every single link in your book to make sure they're operating properly. As I mentioned above, in some versions of Word you can just click your mouse on the link, and in other versions you need to press the CTRL key at the same time you click.

Warning: After you create your bookmarks and link to them, if you edit the names of the bookmarks, or edit the linked text, you might damage the viability of your links. Even if the links work in your Word doc.u.ment, they may not work in the final ebook. If you discover this to be the case after you publish, then you may need to remove all your intra-doc.u.ment hyperlinks and bookmarks and reapply them (I made this mistake while creating this new edition of the Style Guide!). After you create your bookmarks and link to them, if you edit the names of the bookmarks, or edit the linked text, you might damage the viability of your links. Even if the links work in your Word doc.u.ment, they may not work in the final ebook. If you discover this to be the case after you publish, then you may need to remove all your intra-doc.u.ment hyperlinks and bookmarks and reapply them (I made this mistake while creating this new edition of the Style Guide!).

Reminder: Word has an automatic ToC generation feature under the reference tab that uses field codes. Word has an automatic ToC generation feature under the reference tab that uses field codes. Do not use this. Do not use this. It uses automated headings and formatting to generate the ToC and this will un-normalize your text and cause font conversion issues in your Smashwords files. It uses automated headings and formatting to generate the ToC and this will un-normalize your text and cause font conversion issues in your Smashwords files.

Step 21. Front Matter (Important!!!) Front matter is stuff that goes on the first and second page of your book.

21a. (Optional) Blurbs Note: Front-of-the-book blurbs (testimonials) are not required for inclusion in the Smashwords Premium Catalog. In fact, there's a potential downside to this step. If you add too much testimonial content to the front of your book, it can actually decrease readership because the reader doesn't want to flip multiple pages to start reading. If you add blurbs, keep them brief.

If you add blurbs, put them at the very front of the book, before the t.i.tle & Copyright page (see below). If your book has received rave reviews from readers, consider adding a couple short snippets on the first page, so readers who sample your book will feel more inclined to purchase it. These should be real, honest reviews. If you falsify the reviews and your reader feels tricked, they may seek retribution by giving you a bad review on Smashwords.

Here's how self-publishing guru Dan Poynter begins his Smashwords book, "Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual Volume 2" (view it at https://www.smashwords.com/extreader/read/607/1/the-self-publishing-manual-volume-2):

What others are saying about The Self-Publishing Manual

"Poynter is at his best when discussing such specifics as starting one's own publishing house; dealing with printers; establishing discount, credit, and return policies; promoting, advertising, and selling a book; and order fulfillment."

-- Publishers Weekly "As usual, our self-publishing guru, Dan Poynter, is on the cutting edge of the New Book Publishing Model. Volume II couldn't come at a better time...when we so desperately need it!"

--Ellen Reid, www.bookshepherding.com

21b. t.i.tle and Copyright Page (REQUIRED)

On the first page of your book (unless you add the blurbs above), insert a t.i.tle and copyright page. This page will look best if you center it.

This page is required required to publish at Smashwords. The copyright portion should be in English, even if the rest of your book is written in another language (it's okay to list it in the book's language too). to publish at Smashwords. The copyright portion should be in English, even if the rest of your book is written in another language (it's okay to list it in the book's language too).

This page is where you identify yourself as the author and claim copyright ownership of your book (if you're not the original author, or you're not the exclusive exclusive publisher or distributor of this book, your book does not belong on Smashwords. Public domain books are not allowed unless you are the original author. Private Label Rights articles and other similarly scammy works are not allowed). publisher or distributor of this book, your book does not belong on Smashwords. Public domain books are not allowed unless you are the original author. Private Label Rights articles and other similarly scammy works are not allowed).

Tip: Your t.i.tle/copyright page is the first impression you make on your reader. Make it look professional. Center the t.i.tle and copyright page using Word's center command (the b.u.t.ton is in your toolbar), and do not use any indents on this page. Also make the text "Normal" paragraph style, and don't use more than two different font sizes (looks ugly). Your t.i.tle/copyright page is the first impression you make on your reader. Make it look professional. Center the t.i.tle and copyright page using Word's center command (the b.u.t.ton is in your toolbar), and do not use any indents on this page. Also make the text "Normal" paragraph style, and don't use more than two different font sizes (looks ugly).

A t.i.tle/copyright page requires the following: Book t.i.tle Authorname

Published by Firstname Lastname [or PublisherName] at Smashwords (or, alternatively, if you don't want to use the "Published by..." line, add the words, Smashwords Edition on the next line. No need to do both.)

Copyright 2010 Authorname

(optional:)Discover other t.i.tles by [insert your author name] at Smashwords.com (or, link to your author page at Smashwords).

(Optional: if you have multiple t.i.tles at Smashwords, write:) Discover other t.i.tles by Authorname at Smashwords.com: t.i.tle 1 - hyperlink *

t.i.tle 2 - hyperlink t.i.tle 3 -hyperlink

* Remember to make the hyperlinks "live" by highlighting the text you want to hyperlink, right-mouse click on the text, then follow the steps to insert the hyperlink. Remember, all web addresses here must begin with http:// http:// otherwise the address won't be clickable. Make it easy for your readers to learn more about you. otherwise the address won't be clickable. Make it easy for your readers to learn more about you.

Do not write "Published by Amazon" or "Kindle Edition," or "Ebook available in the Apple iBookstore" otherwise it won't qualify for the Premium Catalog. write "Published by Amazon" or "Kindle Edition," or "Ebook available in the Apple iBookstore" otherwise it won't qualify for the Premium Catalog.

As a courtesy to ebook retailers who promote and sell your Smashwords Premium Catalog t.i.tles, please restrict your hyperlinks to only your Smashwords author page and book pages, or your personal home page or blog. Please do not add hyperlinks to online ebook retailers that may compete with current or future Smashwords retail distribution partners. It's not considerate, for example, if to advertise your Kindle ebook in your ebook sold at Barnes & n.o.ble. Such advertising will only serve to alienate your retail partners, confuse your customers, and will cause a retailer to remove your book from their catalog.

Don's write, "Printed in the United States,", because this is your Smashwords ebook, not your print edition.

Avoid long copyright pages. Shorter is better because it allows the reader to start reading your book faster. long copyright pages. Shorter is better because it allows the reader to start reading your book faster.

Here's the world's shortest Smashwords t.i.tle/copyright page:

Formatting is Fun Published by Mark c.o.ker at Smashwords Copyright 2010 Mark c.o.ker

Your ebook is published by you (the author or publisher) at Smashwords. It should say either Smashwords Edition Smashwords Edition on the copyright page, or "Published by [Authorname] at Smashwords," (remove the quote marks), or, if you're a multi-author publisher, Published by [the name of the publisher publishing it on Smashwords] at Smashwords. Although some Smashwords authors consider Smashwords their publisher, we consider on the copyright page, or "Published by [Authorname] at Smashwords," (remove the quote marks), or, if you're a multi-author publisher, Published by [the name of the publisher publishing it on Smashwords] at Smashwords. Although some Smashwords authors consider Smashwords their publisher, we consider you you the publisher. Smashwords is your ebook publishing and distribution platform. We're your distributor, and we're honored you've entrusted us to help you publish and distribute your ebook. the publisher. Smashwords is your ebook publishing and distribution platform. We're your distributor, and we're honored you've entrusted us to help you publish and distribute your ebook.

It's okay to say, "This book is available in print at [insert retailer name]," though it's better to avoid naming a particular retailer and instead write something like, "This book is available in print at most online retailers." Also note that once your book is listed on Smashwords, you can add hyperlinks within your Smashwords book page to online outlets where the book can be purchased in print, a.s.suming you still employ that method of publishing.

21c. Add a Smashwords License Statement to your Copyright Page All Smashwords books are sold DRM-free, without copy protection or encryption. This means you're trusting your customers not to pirate your books. In our experience, the vast majority of customers are honest. Yet without proper education and reminders, a well-intentioned customer might feel inclined to share your book with someone else.

To minimize this accidental piracy, we encourage Smashwords authors and publishers to add the Smashwords License Statement Smashwords License Statement to their book. The Smashwords License Statement is an original creation of Smashwords, and it has been widely adopted by thousands of ebook authors and even some compet.i.tors. The Smashwords License Statement acts as a Trojan horse. Even if your book is accidentally copied or shared, the recipient of the book is gently reminded of their legal and ethical obligation to compensate you for it. to their book. The Smashwords License Statement is an original creation of Smashwords, and it has been widely adopted by thousands of ebook authors and even some compet.i.tors. The Smashwords License Statement acts as a Trojan horse. Even if your book is accidentally copied or shared, the recipient of the book is gently reminded of their legal and ethical obligation to compensate you for it.

To use it for your book, add the following text to the t.i.tle page or copyright pages of books that carry a price: Smashwords Edition, License Notes (Note: if you copy and paste this into your ma.n.u.script, be sure to remove the paragraph returns that may appear at the end of each line) This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

If your book is free, then the license statement might change to something such as: Smashwords Edition, License Notes Thank you for downloading this free ebook. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. If you enjoyed this book, please return to Smashwords.com to discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.

Step 22. The End of Your Book Most authors end their book with a period, and then give the reader nothing more. Don't squander this opportunity. If your reader makes it to the end of the book, reward them!

First, add a ### centered on the next line to signify the end.

Consider adding a personal message. Put yourself into the mind of the reader. They just finished your book. They loved it. They want to read more of your material. This is an opportunity to connect with the reader. You have various options. How about adding: About the author: [Insert a short bio]

Discover other t.i.tles by Authorname at Smashwords.com: t.i.tle 1 - hyperlink *

t.i.tle 2 - hyperlink t.i.tle 3 -hyperlink * Remember to make the hyperlinks "live" by highlighting the text you want to hyperlink, right-mouse click on the text, then insert the http:// hyperlink. Make it easy for your readers to learn more about you.

Connect with Me Online: [add links to: Twitter: http://twitter.com/[insert your twitter address]

Smashwords: http:// [link to your author page]

My blog: http://

POST FORMATTING.

Step 23. Prepare your Cover Image Even though you're creating a digital book, book covers are still important to your potential readers. Book covers are one of your best marketing tools (other than Smashwords, of course!). When you upload your ma.n.u.script, you'll be asked to attach your book cover as an image file. An image file usually ends with the file extension .JPG.

Book covers are required for the Smashwords Premium Catalog, which gives your book broad distribution to major online retailers. The book cover standards require your cover to be shaped like a book cover (a vertical [upright] rectangle, not a square) and should include your book t.i.tle and author name. Keep your cover image tasteful and avoid obscenity. 500 pixels wide by 800 pixels tall is generally a good dimension. The image must be at least 600 pixels tall.

Book covers cannot contain nudity, a price, or a web address (Apple, for example, will reject your book if they see a hyperlink on the book cover image). It must include the book t.i.tle and author name, and the t.i.tle and author name must match the t.i.tle and author name inside your book and in the metadata (Metadata is what you enter on the Publish page, such as the book t.i.tle, author name, book description. Metadata = data about something else, and in this case the "something" else is your book). The cover cannot be grainy or pixelated. Pixelation occurs when an author started with a small image and expanded the dimensions before they uploaded it to Smashwords.

Make the text crisp and clear. Remember, your cover will be shrunk to the thumbnail size, so you want all the cover elements to look good when it's small. This means, if you make your t.i.tle or author name to small on the cover, it'll be invisible in the thumbnail.

Your image must be in RGB color, not CYMK (at the risk of getting too technical, most image files are RGB [stands for red, green, blue], which is what's supported by computer monitors. CYMK is a format for printing ink on paper. Most image processing applications will give you RGB automatically. If your image is in CYMK, it will be rejected by Smashwords [a.s.suming we catch it, and if we don't catch it, the retailer will reject it]. Note that it is not easy to tell if your image is in RGB or CYMK. If your image opens in a Firefox browser, it's RGB. If it doesn't, then it's probably CMYK. Your cover designer will understand.) One Smashwords author recommended a free application called Paint.net (www.paint.net) if you want to create your own ebook cover.

If you do not have the ability to make your own book cover, email me for a low cost reference. I don't earn a fee for the reference, and I can't guarantee their work, though I will only suggest designers who have done good work for other Smashwords authors. Some will do covers for as little as $35.00, which I consider very reasonable.

Step 24. Before You Publish, Review the Requirements for Premium Distribution Distribution is important. Think of it as virtual shelf s.p.a.ce. To gain inclusion in the Premium Catalog, read the Smashwords Distribution page at page at http://www.smashwords.com/distribution and double check you have satisfied all the requirements. and double check you have satisfied all the requirements.

Common Errors that will disqualify your book from the Premium Catalog: The issues below are in addition to in addition to the formatting requirements discussed in the Style Guide. the formatting requirements discussed in the Style Guide.1. Book cover is missing, or doesn't satisfy dimensional requirements (should be vertical rectangle, not a square, and not a sideways rectangle), or needs to be cropped, or is missing the t.i.tle of the book and author name. Book cover should be at least 600 pixels tall. A good approximate dimension for a book cover is 500 pixels wide by 800 pixels tall.2. Your author name in the metadata is lower case when it should be Initial Caps, such as: Jane Smith. If you list your name as jane smith in your metadata, we'll reject it. To fix, go to Account: Edit Account Information at https://www.smashwords.com/account/edit3. The book description or book t.i.tle you enter on the Publish page is ALL CAPS. We strongly discourage ALL CAPS.4. Poor paragraph construction. Don't mix block paragraphs with first line indented paragraphs. Don't use tabs or s.p.a.ce bar s.p.a.ces to create indents.5. Read all the guidelines for Premium Catalog distribution at http://www.smashwords.com/distribution