Inspiration Lab - Self-Publishing in Ebook Format
The Inspiration Lab
The Inspiration Lab is a free space dedicated to digital creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. We are located on level 3 at the Central branch of the Vancouver Public Library.
The Inspiration Lab features recording studios, a high-performance computer lab with audio, video and image editing software, as well as graphic design and self-publishing software. We also have analog-to-digital conversion stations for various forms of older media.
All of our services are absolutely free with your library card!
Self-Publishing Software in the Inspiration Lab
The Inspiration Lab provides the following software for self-publishing:
Sigil
Basic/Intermediate level formatting and conversion software. Working files are saved as reflowable EPUB 2.0
Adobe InDesign
Advanced/Professional level formatting and publishing software. Options to convert to fixed layout interactive PDF or EPUB 3.0
Inspiration Lab Booking
The Inspiration Lab is open during regular Central library hours.
Reserve a recording studio or drop in to use a computer workstation. If this will be your first time booking or you need a refresher on the process, review our booking instructions.
Before you Begin
See our Self-Publishing 101 Handout for information on what to bring with you to work on your eBook project, resources, and more.
An edited copy of your manuscript, and a way of taking your working files with you are two essentials. Bring a USB Drive or set up a Cloud Storage account that you can save to.
See also the General Technology Skills guide for more information on this.
Useful Websites
Blogs
Start your own blog at one of these sites for free:
E-books
Workshops for self-publishing and creating ebooks are available at the Inspiration Lab. See VPL Events for details.
A sampling of services for converting from a Word, InDesign, or PDF file to an ebook:
Marketing
General writing and publishing
- Book Design Made Simple
- Daily Writing Tips
- DIY Author
- Self-Publishing Advice (Alliance of Independent Authors)
- Self-Publishing Resources in Victoria BC (& beyond)
- Writer Advice
Online image banks
Many image banks are owned by the same companies. The ones below are all independent of each other (and mostly fee-based services):
- Adobe Stock (part of Creative Cloud)
- iStock
- Dreamstime
- Imagezoo (for illustrations)
- Shutterstock
Associations
With member discounts for printing, distribution, etc.:
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