«
»

Create Your Ebook for Free Using Google Docs

April 26th, 2010, 10:07 pm | Posted in Cool Toys, General Tips | 11 Comments

Did you know that Google Docs provide most of the basic tools that can be found in paid programs such as Microsoft Office? Google Docs includes a basic word processor that functions similar to Microsoft Word without all of the unnecessary bells and whistles. So you can easily use Google Docs to write your ebook, for free.

All you really need to do to create an ebook is type up the words of the document and do some formatting (e.g., bold, italics, change font size). In some cases you might want to insert a table or a picture, and spell check.  You might also want a highlighter to mark the places that you need to revisit or touch-up in your ebook. Google Docs provides all of that with the additional advantage of having your ebook online and available to work on wherever you happen to have access to the internet.

You will need a free Gmail account to use Google Docs.  Once logged in, click the link that says Documents and you will be in  the Google Docs interface. Here is where you will create a new file and begin writing. Depending on they layout for your ebook, you can either write your ebook in a Document format or in a Presentation format, it’s up to you. If this is your first time using Google Docs, I suggest you go with the Document format because it has all of the tools I mentioned earlier (especially the spell check!).

When you create a new Document, you will see the screen is pretty much laid out like Microsoft Word or OpenOffice Writer. Simply start typing and formatting your ebook the way you want and inserting any images. Just remember to save often just like you would in any other program. Your document will be auto-saved, but it’s still good to save it yourself regularly.

Here’s another benefit:  If you need your ebook proofread or edited, simply go to the Share menu and give your editor (or a very good friend) access to your document to review. It’s all online, so there is no need to email your ebook. Once the ebook is complete, go to the File menu and select Downlad as a PDF. Yes, that’s right! Google Docs will convert your ebook to PDF for you as well.

So don’t worry about not having fancy software, or not having the extra cash to spend on expensive applications. There is always a way to get your product created for free!

Share

11 Responses to “Create Your Ebook for Free Using Google Docs”

  1. Follow me on Twitter:

    This was a great post! I have used Google Doc’s a couple of times but did not know that I could publish a PDF with it! This is something that I was hoping to do during the #blog30 challenge.

    Thanks
    Kris

  2. Follow me on Twitter:

    In response to Kris’s comment:

    Hi Kris,

    They seem to be making Google Docs a full-featured product! This is great because it makes it a one stop shop to write then PDF instead of using 2 or 3 programs.

    Thanks for visiting,
    Gwen

  3. Follow me on Twitter:

    Hi Gwen,
    I love this post! I have never used Google Docs, but I will now. I’m not much of a tech person, so I love tutorials like this — simple how-tos. So many people need this kind of information!

    Thanks, Gwen!
    Marcia
    Marcia Hoeck´s last blog ..Hiring Employees or Team Members: What’s Most Important When Adding to Your Team? My ComLuv Profile

  4. Follow me on Twitter:

    Hi Gwen,

    Nice informative post! Right now I’m working on a special report while trying to keep up with the #blog30 challenge so using Google Docs will come in handy. I really appreciate the screen shots showing exactly where to go.

    Barb

  5. Follow me on Twitter:

    In response to Marcia’s comment:

    Hi Marcia,

    I appreciate the feedback, I will do more if these types of posts if that helps!! I’m glad it helped you.

    Thanks for visiting,
    Gwen

  6. Follow me on Twitter:

    In response to Barb’s comment:

    Hi Barb,

    #blog30 is a challenge, I tell ya! Its great to hear that you’re also working on your report at the same time. It’s a lot of writing for sure!

    Thanks for visiting,
    Gwen

  7. Follow me on Twitter:

    Gwen ~

    I’m bookmarking this one! I LOVE the way you guide your readers along with easy-to-follow and easy-to-comprehend steps.

    I’ve only seen Google docs used as “surveys” so far … until you came up with this wonderful post and helpful information!

    Thank you,
    Melanie
    (#blog30)
    Melanie Kissell´s last blog ..Fabulous Follow Friday Friends My ComLuv Profile

  8. Follow me on Twitter:

    Ohhhh I wish I would have known that!! Gwen you are good! This is an AWESOME post. Now I am going to have to go and check it out! Thanks =)
    Jaime´s last blog ..Do You Use Google Connect On Your Blog? My ComLuv Profile

  9. Follow me on Twitter:

    Thanks to tweeters @DaleLittle and @beyourboss, I was introduced to this article at a perfect time. I am about to archive the achievements of this year’s DC, MD, VA International Film Festival (DMVIFF.com) and will be using Google Docs for the first time, to do so.

  10. [...] written about Google Docs on the blog before: discussing it as a project management tool and explaining how to use it to create your ebook . Anyone who has worked on a project (or product) with me knows that I set up our projects in Google [...]

  11. Hi!

    Thanks for posting this! google documnets has been very helpful to me for the longest time. thanks to you, I know know that I can easily access ebooks through this without any hassle! Thank you for posting and keep the updates coming!

    Summer Davis
    Webmaster, http://www.ArtPrintsReviewed.com
    Giclee Prints

Leave a Reply

Subscribe to RSS 2.0 for comments

CommentLuv is enabled for my visitors!

This site uses KeywordLuv. Enter YourName@YourKeywords in the Name field to take advantage.