What Is an eBook?

The rise of eBooks has made the desire to self-publish achievable for many would-be writers.

But exactly what is an eBook and how does it work? Today we'll give you our best and most concise answer and show you how easy it is for you to create your own eBook if you so desire.

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What Is an eBook and How Does It Work?

First, the term eBook is short for electronic book. Just like paper books, eBooks consist of text and/or images, but unlike paper books, these words and/or images are stored in electronic format in different file types like .epub and .mobi.  

To read an eBook, you must download the file to a digital device such as an Amazon Kindle, computer, tablet, or phone, which will display the eBook file contents on the screen.

All eBook reading apps are designed to restrict the reader from making any kind of changes to the original file, so eBooks are non-editable. However, readers can usually add notes and highlighting on top of the original file in the same way that readers of paper books can. eBooks have the advantage over paper books of access to a built-in dictionary, as well as features like hyperlinks which enable easy navigation between chapters.

Another important characteristic of eBooks is that they are reflowable. This means they can adapt their presentation according to the device you read it on to fit your screen perfectly, a similar concept to responsive websites that adjust according to your screen size. 

Now that we've covered the first question, "What is an eBook and how does it work", let's look at how to make an eBook.

How to Make an eBook

If you've been wondering how to create an eBook, the easiest and most cost-effective way is to use a professionally designed eBook template. eBook templates provide an overall layout for your eBook with placeholder text, images, and graphics depending on the style you choose. When you customise the template, the layout stays locked in place, but the placeholders are replaced with your own content. eBook templates can be used repeatedly, so you only need to buy a template once. 

If you're interested in self-publishing using an eBook template, Envato Elements is the way to go. Envato Elements is a terrific resource that offers thousands of premium digital assets like eBook templates, mockups, logos, photos, fonts, and much more. 

What makes the service outstanding is that for one low monthly fee you can download as many of these digital assets as you like, as often as you like. Let's take a look at some of the fabulous eBook templates available from Envato Elements. 

eBook Templates

Tasty eBook Cookbook Template (INDD)

Tasty eBook Cookbook Template is an excellent template for those who want to publish both a paper and a digital cookbook. The A4 size template contains 18 unique layout pages that you can customise in InDesign and export as an eBook.

Adobe InDesign eBook Template | 28 Pages (INDD)

This stunning InDesign eBook template is exactly what you need to create an eBook that makes readers take notice. Not only does it include a stunning eBook cover template, but it also offers 28 unique page layouts and tons of graphics. A great multi-purpose template that'll make your content shine.

eBook Template Creator (PSD)

This elegant, modern eBook template is a great choice for creating your next book project. The template works equally well for digital or print books. It offers 41 unique page layouts which include three eBook cover templates, two content page styles, six intro page styles, eight image and text page variations, six text content variations, and much more.

BuilderArch eBook Template (INDD)

BuilderArch eBook Template was designed for businesses in the construction sector. The template contains three eBook cover templates, four different colour versions—orange, blue, green, and red—and 16 unique page layouts. The files are well organised in layers so that they are easy to edit.

eBook Template Creator (PSD)

Engage your readers with this terrific eBook template. Elegant and eye-catching, the template offers 32 unique page layouts, including three eBook cover templates, three table of content styles, 12 image and text variations, and more. The A4 template is fully editable in Photoshop.

Real Estate eBook Template (INDD)

This real estate InDesign eBook template was created specifically for businesses in the real estate industry, but can also be used for other eBooks with content that is image-heavy. The template offers both portrait and landscape orientation versions and contains 24 unique layout pages.

Minimalist eBook Template (INDD, PDF)

Minimalist eBook Template is another fabulous multi-purpose template that can be adapted to all sorts of content. The A4 template offers 25 unique layout pages. The files are well organised in layers to make editing in InDesign easy.

Kaliurang InDesign eBook Template (INDD)

Looking for a digital workbook? Kaliurang InDesign eBook Template may be exactly what you need. The eBook was designed for those who need to create their own online class workbook for webinars or need a handbook for workshops. The A4 InDesign template includes 56 pages with a wide range of layouts including eBook cover templates, six checklist and idea tracker pages, one weekly schedule, one monthly planner page, four case study page layouts, and much more. 

Multi-Purpose eBook Template (AI, EPS, PSD)

Use this modern multi-purpose template to create the eBook of your dreams, without wasting time trying to figure out how to design each page from scratch. The A4 template contains 28 unique layout page designs. Select the pages that work with your idea and then customise the text, images, and colours to reflect your brand or taste.

Zero eBook Template (AI, EPS, INDD)

Zero eBook Template has a wonderfully modern design that's bound to catch the eye of your potential readers. The A4 InDesign eBook template offers 25 unique layout pages with a high level of versatility. Choose the pages that work best for your content, and then edit the text, images, and colours to reflect your brand. Creating a stunning eBook template has never been easier.

Choose Your Favourite eBook Template 

Now that you know all about eBooks and where to find great eBook templates that will help you create the book you envision, head on over to Envato Elements and select your favourite eBook template. If you haven't found one here that quite fits your needs, don't worry—there are plenty of others to choose from at Envato Elements.

And finally, if you want more information on eBook templates, check out these really helpful articles below: 

• 
  WordPress Themes
  23+ WordPress eBook Themes: Made to Boost Author Sales Online
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• 
  Landing Pages
  20 Best Book & eBook Landing Page Theme Designs (2021 Examples)
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• 
  Adobe InDesign
  24 Best InDesign ePublishing Templates (Digital Magazines & eBooks)
  Melody Nieves
• 
  eBooks
  How to Create an eBook in Adobe InDesign
  Grace Fussell
• 
  Book Design
  How to Make a Book Cover
  Grace Fussell
• 
  InDesign Templates
  How to Make a Book in InDesign
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  Book Cover
  27 Best Book Mockups Using a Book Mockup Generator
  Nona Blackman
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  Flyers
  42 Best InDesign Template Tutorials
  Laura Keung