The Best E-Publishing Resources

This week I’m teaching a 101 course on e-publishing with Writer’s Digest. I’ve taught it several times in the past year, but each time, I have to carefully update it. New services pop up, standards change, and things you couldn’t do before suddenly become possible—and vice versa. It can be a challenge even for me to keep up.

With that in mind, I thought I’d share what I consider the most trusted resources on e-books and e-publishing. If you think I’ve missed a critical resource, please let me know in the comments.

TeleRead. Sometimes it’s a firehose of information, but it’s helpful for quick updates on new devices, important launches, etc.
Digital Book World. This site is geared toward publishing insiders, but has plenty of material suited to authors. The more technically advanced author may want to check out on-demand webcasts related to e-book production. Or, start with Carolyn McCray’s helpful series on selling on Amazon.
The Book Designer (Joel Friedlander). Some of the best how-to information on self-publishing and e-publishing geared to indie authors. Very even-handed, service-oriented and comprehensive.
EBW Knowledge Base. Helpful resource that can explain the basics in plain English.
Step-by-step conversion guide for EPUB/MOBI starting with a Word doc (or something like Word). This requires that you download and use Calibre.
Creating & Formatting Documents for E-Readers Using EPUB. Similar to the above, just another way of doing it.
Liz Castro. This is for more technically advanced authors. Good how-to for anyone not afraid of coding who wants to delve into EPUB.
Resource list from Digital Book World. A good jumping off point for other legit resources, including special info for those working with InDesign.

And, separately, here are authors who have been successful e-publishing on their own. I list them as valuable and often essential resources, just keep in mind they can have strong opinions that aren’t shared by everyone.

JA Konrath. Try starting with: How to Make Money on E-Books.
Bob Mayer. Try starting with: How Do Covers for a Series Work?
John Locke. He’s written an ebook on how you can be as successful as him.
Cathryan Howard. Try starting with: How to Sell Self-Published Books: One at a Time.

Finally, you may want to check out my past posts on e-publishing:

10 Questions to Ask Before Committing to Any E-Publishing Service
Groundbreaking Tools for Creating E-Books
And don’t forget my class this Thursday that offers the 101 on how to publish your e-books