Update: the questions were answered (thank you all!) and the book’s now available on Kindle. Buy some now!
We have many, many requests for a Kindle, eBook (Sony) or iPad version of Laugh, Sing, and Eat Like a Pig, and the time has come to git ‘er done. BUT (and it’s a big but), for this book there are decisions to be made, so it’s time to crowdsource: what’s our best approach?
I’ve never done this, so correct me or make suggestions.
The problem: the layout has interruptions.
← 
I’m told eBooks are easiest when it’s a simple flow of text, like the one at left. People can zoom to find the text size that’s best for them on that reader. (Kindle, iPad, whatever.)
But that kind of flow doesn’t work well for complex layouts, with illustrations and sidebars.
1. Illustrations can interrupt a paragraph, like the example at right. →
How do other ebooks do this?
(To me it seems simple – the text should just flow around the illustration the same as they do for a web page. But I hear it’s not that simple.)
2. Sidebars are boxes of text that interrupt the flow of the story, like this example [left]:
For e-readers, do people move sidebars to anywhere they want, e.g. between paragraphs? Or group them between chapters? Or put them at end of chapter, and insert a link to them in the text stream?
The trickiest part is when it’s a big sidebar. In the example at right from my book, the box spans two pages. Should that be inserted at end of chapter, with a link in the stream at the right place?
Advice, folks?
Was just looking for your ebook. See your post is very timely. I don’t have an opinion on how best to implement, but let’s say I’d buy it either way. Content is king and format is secondary.
Hi, @MarilynsView here,
Thought I’d see what Google would recommend. Here’s an interesting and very informative article with relevant comments, too:
http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2010/from-print-to-epub-exporting-sidebars/
Is the original manuscript in InDesign by chance? If so, contact me and maybe I can help you with reformatting, if you have the files.
As a total aside, did you know Tom Ferguson? Tom was my very first client when I began my design business. The company I worked for before hanging out my shingle designed/illustrated/produced the first issues of Medical SelfCare, so he and I went way back. We lost touch, and I was very sad to hear he had passed away/crossed over. He was a wonderful person.
Best, Marilyn
Hi Dave,
Not an eBook expert.
That being said, what ebook formats are you going to support? I would suggest you to look into ePub, an open book format with growing user base. ePub is supported by iPad and Sony (if I remember correctly). Amazon is still pushing its proprietary format.
What format you are choosing will sometimes limit the format capabilities of your book. I find it hard to believe that the “Illustrations can interrupt a paragraph” problem can’t be fixed. I know InDesign is exporting directly to epub. Just sync the exported file with iTunes and check the results immediately.
I’ve only experimented with eBook formats for the iPad, so I can’t really speak for the other readers out there.
Audun
@foxepractice
Dave, I don’t know how to answer your question, but I did want to mention that every time I’ve had a random tech issue of this kind, LinkedIn Answers has been an *enormous* help. In fact, I don’t think there’s been a single tech question they couldn’t answer. You may know this already, but just in case I wanted to recommend you check it out.
Hi Dave. I’m no expert, but I have a cousin (graphic designer) who is looking into this for a client, with respect to a book that is heavily formatted – she did the formatting. I’ll get back to you if she learns anything worth sharing.
I vote for kindle. I love mine.
Best regards,
Lynda
All, I should have posted a month ago – the problems are solved, the book’s available now on Kindle. Thanks for your suggestions!
I am looking for a solution that will allow two-page publication. We have a wonderful book that has for the most part content on one page and an illustration on the next page that is highly dependent on being able to see the first page. Any suggestions?
Lorri, as far as I know, that depends entirely on the PDF that you upload. But I’m no expert – I’d urge you to visit the user forums for CreateSpace and any other system you’re considering.