Ebook Interactive Software – How to choose, Factors, Cost & Security

1. Easily operable interface

The right interactive eBook publishing software should not compel you to contact tech support frequently. For this reason, it’s better to select a tool that has a minimal and easy-to-use interface. Simple drag and drop widgets, buttons, and icons should make publishing a lot easier for you.

Not all publishers are expected to know how to code. If you are not already familiar with HTML and XML, publishing might seem like a challenging task. Therefore, an eBook creation tool that does not require you to code is the most appropriate choice.

2. Compatibility with other devices

An ideal interactive eBook publishing software should be compatible with different browsers, formats, operating systems, and devices. If you’re targeting people on the internet, which is approximately 58% of the entire population, you cannot compromise with compatibility.

Since you cannot control how the target audience might choose to engage with your content, it’s better to choose a platform that lets you publish eBooks that look just as great on mobile devices as they look on desktops. 

Related Read: How to Select the Best Digital Publishing Platform

3. Multiple content format support

Given the large number of content formats available out there, it’s easy to get confused between them. These are the most popular formats you should consider while developing content:

MOBI (Mobipocket eBook file) – An Interactive online learning format

• An older format in eBook publishing
• First used by Amazon Kindle
• Limited formatting options
• Does not support Android
• Restricted layout flexibility

ePUB (Electronic publication) – An Interactive online learning format

• The most widely used format
• Supports a wide spectrum of devices
• Protected with copy protection provisions and digital rights management (DRM) laws
• Supports fixed layout, read-aloud feature, animations, interactivity
• Does not support Kindle

PDF (Portable Document Format) – An Interactive online learning format

• Supports cross-platform file format
• Needs a PDF software
• Facilitates digital document sharing
• Supports DRM

TXT – An Interactive online learning format

• The most rudimentary eBook format
• Does not support images
• Supports only basic formatting
• No DRM provisions
• No fixed layouts
• Minimal formatting options

AZW – An Interactive online learning format

• Exclusively for Kindle
• Amazon owns the proprietary format
• Supports multi-device resolutions and reflowable content
• Rich formatting options
• Supports DRM

Clearly, the content format will have a significant impact on your choice. For instance, if your eBook needs to have interactive graphic components, then ePUB is the right format. On the other hand, if you choose the AZW format, your eBook must be Kindle-compatible.  

Moreover, the format varies with the type of device.

For example:

• Android, Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone eReaders: PDF or ePUB
• Kindle Devices: KFX, KF8, AZW3, AZW, PDF, and MOBI

Using this information, you can pick the eBook publishing software that best suits your requirements.

Also Read: Top 8 eBook Creation Software for Windows

4. eStore support

As a publisher, you can either create an eReader app or a brand eStore for your audience. An eStore could give you higher royalties. However, if you don’t have any experience creating your own eStore, you should publish on third-party platforms such as KITABOO.

Even though you get a relatively low percentage of royalty, your eBook can access international markets. Besides, you may always avail offers and discounts. Moreover, some online publishing platforms can help you promote your content and thereby generate good revenue.

Also Read: 10 Best ebook creation software

5. Access to user analytics

Reader response and content analysis are key performance indicators in eBook publishing. Without the much-needed analytics, you cannot determine how well the target audience has received your content.

Based on the analytics, you can increase sales and drive better conversions. Hence, the right interactive eBook publishing software should have built-in analytics and reporting features.

The following are some of the crucial parameters you should consider:

• Real-time user engagement and behavior
• Statistics such as frequency, impressions, and unique visitors
• Identify sources of traffic
• Highlight the best performing components of your eBook

Actionable insights would help you steer your marketing attempts in the right direction.

6. Cost

Price is undoubtedly an important variable while selecting an eBook creation software. You have to find a balance between the features you want and the price you can afford. The best way is first to shortlist 3-4 choices. In the next step, you can conduct a cost comparison and price analysis.

If you are new to this, it’s wise to choose a yearly subscription rather than a lifetime membership. You can always switch to another eBook publishing software in case it doesn’t meet your expectations. Besides, some platforms charge according to the features offered.

In that case, you can test one feature at a time and evaluate your eBook’s performance, after which you can change the pricing plans accordingly.

7. Content Security

When you publish something on the internet, security is always a major concern. The eBook publishing tool must protect your content from leaks, theft, and piracy. Hence, the ideal online publishing platform must have the digital rights management (DRM) feature.

With the use of encryption technology, DRM keeps your content safe and secure from cyber threats. Additionally, it also ensures that the content is only accessible by authorized users and distributed to the right audience.