When thinking of how I’ll publish my book, there are three formats worthy of attention beyond any others. They are eBooks (and the formats contained within them), audio-books, and print releases. They all have their little differences and issues, and I considered that leading up to the release of my new book. I wanted to get this right, but it seemed overwhelming from the start.

An eBook is the first and most logical format to begin with. The software I use has great support for both ePub and PDF formats. Those would essentially be the two main ways I’d get my eBook out to the world. Of interest in both is how the software lays out pages with graphics and how the text flows from page to page with footnotes and end-notes. Each of these elements has to be attended to in each format (including the intended book size when creating the output). My goal was simply to stick to the standard 6 x 9 paperback format.

Then, I started thinking of what it might take to create an audio-book. Who would dictate the book? I would expect that to be me. How would I make it? Where would it be done? In the initial release window, I had no plans to create an audio-book, but it does factor into the future of From Rent to Ruin.

Ten years ago the print version would have been my primary interest. I’d be working out a deal with a typesetter to handle the lettering, I’d be working with a printer and buying a set print run of books (hoping to gain a discount by buying more). Today, however, this would be different with the advent of services like Ingram Spark and Amazon (who can print books on demand for a cut of each sale). My plans were to keep the process indie and print with a local printer, but this would be more costly. Amazon is off my Christmas card list.

As is usually the case, the best way to support author when buying a book is to buy as directly as possible. From Rent to Ruin is best purchased in DRM free e-formats, no middle-man, just click “buy eBook.”