An e-book is a book that has been written in electronic form to be read either on an e-book reader, or on a computer. Publishing an e-book is much easier and cheaper than publishing a paperback book. For that reason, many people are interested in how to create their own e-books and many wonder if they can create an e-book for free.

Software

E-book creating software is widely available, such as Microsoft Word, and some can even be found on the web for free. Most of the e-book software available offers user-friendly, step-by-step instructions to make the process almost fool proof, even for the novice computer user. Once you have found an e-book creating software that has the features you are looking for, you will need to write your e-book or copy and paste your writing into the e-book template. The software will convert your writing into e-book format.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

The PDF file is the most common e-book format available. This is a multi-platform file, which means it can be used by almost all computer users and handheld e-book viewers, no matter the manufacturer. Most operating systems offer free PDF viewers. Since PDF files are so common and most people are comfortable reading them, this feature becomes a selling point for your e-book.

.EXE (Window Executable File)

To use an .exe file, the e-book will need to be opened with an e-book compiler, which will convert the e-book into a Windows program. The reader will have to run the file to use a Windows document viewer. This type of e-book format can be a disadvantage to the e-book author because it will prompt less attention from readers. With the plethora of viruses that plague the web, many readers are suspicious of any file that requires them to download something to their computer. This type of format also limit's the readership of the e-book to Windows users only.

E-book HTML Format

An e-book created in the HTML format can be read by anyone using a web browser. However, the e-book will be created in several small files, which means that the reader will have to find the right file in order to read the e-book in sequence. This can be a major turn off to most readers. Once you find an e-book creator, it is fairly easy to create a professional looking e-book in very little time and for free.

Source:

California Association for the Gifted: Creating Electronic Books with Word: It's Free and Easy

Sacramento City College Library: Free eBooks: What Software is Used?

E-book Compilers