Converting a PDF

The Good, The Bad and the Downright Ugly

One of the most frequent questions I receive each month is how to easily convert a PDF to Kindle (Mobi) or Epub and maintain the original layout design. Unfortunately, while the conversion process is straightforward, the clean-up is a real bugger.
 
Let's take a quick look at the three e-book formats.
 
A PDF file is coded differently than a Mobi or Epub. Adobe systems'  PDF files emulate the layout you create in programs such as Word, InDesign or Pagemaker. Years ago creating the PDF file was a confusing process with mixed results. Since then, Adobe has perfected the process making PDF packaging a one-click process.

An Epub or Mobi e-book, on the other hand, use an entirely different form of coding called Hypertext Markup Language or HTML. You see this every day on the Web -- most web pages are created using HTML.  And although they Epub and Mobi use a different extension (.epub or .mobi), they are Kissing Cousins -- coming  from the same basic stock (HTML).

So when you look at your digital book, you are essentially looking at a form of web page.

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Formatting

Preparing your Manuscript for Digital Conversion

If you use a word processing program, you probably know enough to be dangerous. Before you go making your word file "pretty" - I want to teach you how to properly format your manuscript for digital conversion. Knowing how to properly format your manuscript prior to conversion will save you a lot of time and headaches.

Most word processing programs have a built-in style feature.  Use it.  Especially the heading 1 tag for chapters. Don't worry if it isn't the right font, or looks too big and bulky. In fact, IGNORE how the built-in styles make your manuscript look - that is moot.

Remember this Rule: You aren't designing the book, you are preparing the file for HTML (e-book) conversion.

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