Ebook Maestro is a both a powerful and affordable eBook creator. Don’t let the cheap price fool you – this is a full feature eBook publishing software solution. The compiler includes support for many features that are not available for .PDF ebook options – such as the ability to use Flash, Shockwave and video within your eBook. It’s interface is also quite simple and intuitive to use, but also contains many security features and a full trial version (“try before you buy”) for an extensive trial period. The eBook compiler also has a robust encryption features for eBook security and on-line sales.

All aspects of the Ebook Maestro Pro system are highly configurable, such as the ability to modify settings for windows, menus, search and navigational bars. There is also on-line sales support for when you have questions or problems using the software. If you are looking for one of the cheapest and best eBook compilers currently available, we highly recommend you take advantage of their free trial!

Price: $19.95

If you are looking for an ebook publishing software package that helps you both with the writing of the ebook and compiling and publishing it securely, then eBook Starter is a wonderful solution. This ebook publishing software package includes a sophisticated ebook text editor plus an easy to use HTML compiler, and is quite reasonably priced as well. The included ebook templates help you organize your ebook effectively while writing, and give the final product a professional look as well. The included publishing wizard walks you through all the steps of compiling and creating a secure ebook package.

This package includes many security features found in more expensive ebook publishing software programs, including the ability to password protect the ebooks, disable copy and paste functions, and programming in an expiration date for the ebook to be registered. There are also no hidden costs after purchase – such as the need to purchase additional security codes. And it comes with a free demo version as well, so you can test it out ahead of time. It would have been nice if there were some supporting help videos, but we believe that this is probably the one of the best ebook publishing software packages currently on the market.

Price: $97

But if you are interested in producing your own ebook, there are certain decisions you need to make prior to publishing your book, in order to make sure your ebook is successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Here are five different issues you need to decide before you publish your ebook:

1. To start, you will need to decide what kind of format you want to publish your book in. There are two basic formats quite popular with ebook publishers today – PDF and HTML executable files. PDF is probably the preferred format, and it is very easy to create a PDF file. For example, if you have Open Office you can just export your document to PDF format.  Adobe Acrobat is the industry standard for creating PDF’s and it may be worth investing in, as it comes with additional security features not available in many free PDF makers – such as the ability to disable copy and paste functions, making the intellectual theft of your ebook a bit more difficult.
   
   However, for those who want more control over the circulation and distribution of their ebooks, publishing the book as an HTML executable (.EXE) file may be preferred. To do this, you will need to invest in a ebook publishing software program called an “ebook compiler.”
   
   These programs often have advanced security features, such as the ability to disable or “lock” a book after it has been purchased, if it is found it is being distributed illegally. Some also allow you to register the book to a single user or computer, to also prevent the unauthorized transfer of the ebook. HTML based ebooks can also be more dynamic than a PDF ebook, allowing you to integrate advanced imaging features into the document. Your user will also not need any special software on their computer to read the ebook.
2. After deciding on the format for your ebook, your next step will be to decide how you want to distribute the book. Will you be selling it on your own website, or will you be working with an online marketplace (like ClickBank) to market your book? If you decide to sell it on your own website, you will need to look into credit card payment systems for your website.
3. After you have taken the basic steps to determine how you will publish and make your ebook available to the public, you are ready to sit down and do the hard part: actually write the ebook – or hire someone else to do this for you. One thing to remember: your time is one of your most valuable resources, and if you find writing to be a challenge, you should consider outsourcing the writer to a qualified professional or a team of professional. You can learn more about how to properly outsource your ebook quickly and successfully in The 7 Book Ebook guide.

Once you have settled on your decisions for these three basics of ebook publishing, you are ready to move forward! For even more tips on how to successfully publish an ebook, you can also read “How to Write Ebooks.”