Unlocking Creative Potential with Designrr eBook Creator
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Chapter 1: Discovering Designrr
Recently, I stumbled upon Designrr, a cloud-based tool that simplifies the process of creating eBooks. It allows you to import content directly from Google Docs, Word, blog URLs, or even copy and paste text. For those opting for the Pro plan, even more features are available.
If you think that creating an eBook means producing dull and uninspired content, let me clarify that misconception. While there isn't a free version, I secured lifetime access to the standard plan for just $27. This plan usually costs $29 monthly, but the site often has lifetime deals available. Even in its basic form, it offers excellent value.
Working with Medium Posts
I spent considerable time exploring the platform and quickly became hooked. My initial goal was to compile my Medium articles into an eBook. I attempted to import content directly from my published URLs, but with mixed results. Posts around 300 words imported without issue, but longer articles of 1,000 words posed challenges, leaving out significant portions of text. This was disappointing as I had hoped for a seamless extraction process.
The solution was to retrieve content directly from my documents instead. I typically draft in Google Docs and then transfer my content to other platforms. Designrr works well when pulling content from my drive, provided I use the correct header formatting.
Transforming LinkedIn Posts into an eBook
For my first project, I decided to gather some of my LinkedIn posts. Within an hour, I created an eBook from material I had written recently. I made minimal edits, focusing instead on formatting for visual appeal. I aimed to repurpose this content later, so I was strategic in my selections.
Rather than using the default cover from the eBook template, I designed my own on Canva, which took about ten minutes. For future eBooks in this series, I simply change the title and select a new image. The final product can be published as a PDF, a book, or an engaging flipbook.
Not only can you compile posts into a single eBook, but you can also create individual PDFs for each post. These can serve as lead magnets, be attached to emails, or be featured on your website to enhance your marketing strategy.
Formatting Made Easy
How user-friendly is Designrr? My initial experience was smooth and intuitive, likely due to my background in graphic design and document layouts. However, newcomers may face a learning curve.
Adding a table of contents is as easy as clicking a button, and updating it to reflect changes is equally straightforward. Emojis generally transferred well during PDF exports, though they occasionally failed to display as bullet points. For instance, titles that started with an emoji were sometimes stripped when exported.
Comparing Document Views
I noted some discrepancies when viewing documents in different PDF viewers. Adobe often omitted emojis in titles, while Chrome's viewer displayed them. Depending on your viewer, elements may render differently.
Choosing the Right Plan
The basic package suffices for simple projects like the one I created. However, if you plan to build a larger library of topics or require features like Facebook integration, consider upgrading to the next tier. The standard version has fewer templates and restricts cover page customization. I prefer designing my covers in Canva, ensuring they fit the dimensions of 816 x 1056 pixels. Once designed, I download them as JPEGs and upload them to Designrr.
With Designrr, you can create unlimited eBooks and access them for editing at any time. The Standard plan allows up to ten hosted flipbooks, but these cannot be downloaded as PDFs. Unlimited flipbooks are available with the Pro plan or higher.
Keep in mind that switching templates mid-project isn't possible, as each template has a unique structure. Once you've formatted your content, it won't transition smoothly to a different layout. It's crucial to commit to a template from the start.
If you're looking for a wide selection of graphics, you may find the library lacking and difficult to navigate. Fortunately, you can upload your own images, although this process can be time-consuming and less convenient for quick additions.
Beyond Just eBooks
In the future, I may opt for a yearly subscription. For now, my current plan meets my needs. Although Designrr is classified as an eBook creator, the final product can also serve as a handout, newsletter, or promotional material for services.
You might think you don't need such tools, but there are numerous creative applications you might not have considered:
- Interactive Learning Materials
- Personal Journals
- Recipe Collections
- Travel Guides
- Interactive Portfolios
- Family Photo Albums
- Customized Study Guides
- Poetry Collections
- Event Invitations
- Employee Training Manuals
The options are vast, and you can even try the service for free before committing. I was pleasantly surprised by what I could create with minimal training and effort. Designrr is not just a tool for professional use; it also offers a way to preserve your writing legacy.
Start capturing cherished memories—whether through poetry, family recipes, or photography. The potential is limitless. So, why hesitate?
Join me in exploring the creative possibilities with Designrr, because it is far more than just a simple eBook.
The first video, "UPDATED: Designrr Review | Demo + Custom Bonus," offers insights into using Designrr effectively.
The second video, "How to easily make eBooks - Designrr Review," provides a step-by-step guide to creating eBooks effortlessly.
© 2023 Bette A. Ludwig: All rights reserved.
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