This is how I published my first ebook on major distribution sites, at no cost to me.  I didn’t include all the links to the tools, because Google.

First, the software I used:

Ubuntu Linux

When I first bought my Lenovo Thinkpad, I immediately installed Ubuntu Linux 12.04 LTS on it.  Works beautifully, and has tons of software bundled in.  This includes VIM, LibreOffice, and GIMP which are mentioned below. Updates to everything are automatic, and it  is Free Software.  Free, as in Freedom. (www.fsf.org).  The laptop came with the fledgling “Windows 8” when I bought it.  I broke Windows 8 accidentally and have not got around to fixing it yet. Not a priority.

VIM

VIM is an implementation of “VI”, which stands for “VIsual editor”.  VI was the first word processor to process text using the full screen rather than one line at a time.  It is far more powerful than most text editors, but it requires learning the VI commands.  If you learn the language, it is far more productive than anything else, but if you don’t learn the language then it is far less productive.  It’s worth it.  I write using VIM all the time, partly because it does not have frills.  Frills like auto-completion and spell-check, and grammar check actually inhibit creativity because those features encourage you to use common conventions rather than break new ground.  VIM comes from one of the oldest branches of the tree in the land of Free Software.

LibreOffice

LibreOffice is the word processor that you expect in a modern GUI, Windowsy environment.  It has spell check, page formatting, margins, and all that sort of stuff.  I use this when I’m preparing to publish.  VIM doesn’t allow me to put in page breaks quite so easily.  One of the important things I do with LibreOffice is create a table of contents.  If you have done this in Microsoft Word before then, the process is the same.  LibreOffice is Free Software, as in Freedom.

GIMP

I am not a professional photographer or an artist.  GIMP does nearly everything that the expensive and non-freedom software does.  However, GIMP is Free and Open Source (FOSS) and is a project of GNU, and guarantees my freedom to use it how I see fit.  I created my cover using GIMP and a photo of the Red Sea I found.

Calibre

Calibre is a modern piece of software, but in the tradition of Free Software, it gives me freedom.  It can convert files into “.epub” format, ready to read on many e-reader devices.  It can convert LibreOffice’s native .odt files, or .doc files, or .pdf files into .epub files.  Make sure you have a table of contents though, or the result is not very nice.  Free as in Freedom.

Next, the free online resources I used:

Wikipedia

When writing, it’s a good idea to do some research.  The articles I found that gave me relevant facts to help shape the story very often came from Wikipedia.  This is a free online service, and is in the spirit of Free Software, but it’s not exactly the same thing.  Regardless, I benefited greatly from the generosity of this community.

Google Maps

Although free, it’s more like “Free Beer” than “Freedom”.  Google does not give away their underlying technology, or the rights to any of their data, but it is free to read and use in that sense.  So in the spirit of the all-you-can-eat buffet, it’s somewhat free.  And looking at maps when writing about places far away from my home was very helpful.

Next, the free distribution channels I used:

Collections Canada

Library and Archives Canada is a government agency that provides a service that allows Canadians to register ISBN’s at no cost.  I applied for my own prefix as a publisher, and was granted one.  The requirement includes keeping a logbook, which Collections Canada does for you, using their online tool.  Sign up here: https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/

Amazon

This is not free and open, since the whole system is run by Amazon and no-one can look under the hood, so to speak.  However, they have created a collaborative community that has no costs and no significant barriers to join.  The catch is that Amazon sets all the rules, so it’s take it or leave it.  I choose to take it because they have the biggest marketplace and I would be foolish to think I can accomplish the same thing without them.

Kobo

Like Amazon, this is a proprietary system, that is very significant in terms of distribution.  Kobo has a distinct following, and they make a quality e-reader.  Both Kindle and Kobo provide smartphone apps that provide access to their catalogues.  I don’t have to pay for either of them in order to upload my .epub file.

iTunes

iTunes service is also free to sign up for.  Each of these three services has a different sign-up process, and each of them operate their own catalogues in their own way.  There are other distribution systems, but these seem to be the biggest three on the Internet.  For each of them, visit the website and you will find a link for authors to sign up and create an author account in order to start publishing.

Social Media

Social media sites have nothing to do with freedom, but they are free to use, in monetary terms.  There are rights and privileges exchanged for this use, but most people seem to find those acceptable.  This is a cheap way to start a marketing campaign, and even if a bigger marketing campaign is going on, a cardinal rule now is don’t ignore social media.  Large scale marketing costs money.  Guerilla marketing on social media does not.  Wish me luck.  I’ll need it.

Buy My Book

ps. Buy my book here for Kindle: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00IUAQOC0

Or here for Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/exodus-remains

After you’ve read it, send me a tweet telling me what you think it’s about:

https://twitter.com/raggedclown