The world of publishing continues to change and evolve with the advent of devices with which to read reports, books etc. While there is specialized software available for creating and publishing documents most of us always fall back to the tried-and-true – MS Word.
In this course we will go over the various options for page layouts, using objects, including material from outside sources and more. We will also look at the various format options, as well as discuss the pitfalls and gotchas when preparing for the different formats..
You will learn to design documents in Microsoft Word and then create beautiful newsletters, robust reports and comprehensive eBooks in different formats including PDF, EPUB, AZW and MOBI for distribution on eReaders, mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers.
Overview
- Exploring Design Components in Word
- Exploring different formats including PDF (portable document format), EPUB (electronic publication), MOBI and AZW (format used by Amazon’s Kindle)
- Workflow from Microsoft Word to eBook
- EPUB versions
- Standard components of an eBook
Setting Up Your Word File
- Document settings and metadata
- Specifying a language
- Recommended page size and margins
- Formatting the document appropriately using different types of styles
- Removing problem formatting
- Recommended line spacing
- What to exclude in the Word file
- Creating a table of contents for navigation
- Issues with tables of contents
- Including chapter breaks and numbering
- Separating chapters, sections and paragraphs appropriately
- Issues with hyperlinks
Choosing Fonts & Colours
- Recommended fonts and sizes for body text
- Recommendations regarding colour
Working with Images
- Overview of working with graphics
- Anchoring images as in-line
- Adding alternative text for accessibility
- Converting vector graphics
- Issues with colour
Generating EPUB documents
- Review of EPUB formats
- Features of EPUB version 2 and 3
- What to include in the Word file
- Proofing an EPUB file
- Overview of HTML in EPUB documents
- Overview of CSS in EPUB documents
Exporting from Word
- Final steps before saving the Word file
- Exporting for use in EPUB or MOBI by saving as HTML
- Installing and using a third party program to edit the EPUB document
- Previewing EPUBs
- Specifying book numbering
Editing EPUB files
- Adding files in an EPUB editor or management system
- Including key components in an EPUB document
- Creating and editing tables of contents
- Adding chapter and page breaks
- Including formatting specifications for other eReaders such as Kindle and Apple
- Building in accessibility features
Distribution
- eReaders that support EPUB formats
- Obtaining an ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
Converting Word to PDF
- Saving a document as a PDF (Portable Document Format) natively
- Specifying options during the saving/export process
- Ensuring the final output includes tags
Programs for Editing PDF files
- Review of low-cost programs for editing PDF files as an alternative to Adobe Acrobat Pro
Editing the PDF file in Acrobat Pro and Other PDF Editing Programs
- Viewing tags
- Checking reading order
- Adding and editing tags
- Specifying the document language
- Editing reading order
- Adding alternate text to graphic elements
- Running the “Full Check” feature