Besides offering readers a browser-based version of your books, authors can use Laterpress to offer downloadable copies of their books, which readers can then load onto the ebook reader of their choice, like a Kobo or Kindle.
Your book needs to meet one of the following criteria to be downloadable:
- The entire book is free.
- The book is purchasable for a one-time fee which unlocks access to the entire book.
- The book can be read through an author subscription.
A note about chapter bundles: The download option is not available if you’re selling access to your book exclusively via chapter bundles. The system will allow you to make a book available for downloads if it can also be accessed via a subscription. Only subscribers will be able to download it, so be sure to inform your readers accordingly.
How to Enable Book Downloads
Go to the “Settings” screen for the chosen book. Scroll down to the section titled “Download Ebook.” Here, you will see two options:
Upload epub file — This allows you to upload an epub file you’ve created on your own. If you’re using programs like Atticus or Vellum, for example, this option allows you to upload the file you might already be using for ebook sales with other retailers.
Convert to epub file — Don’t have an epub file of your own? No problem! Click this button and our system will automatically compile all your chapters into an epub file.
Managing Your Downloadable File
When you have an epub file available for download:
- Red X button — Deletes the existing file.
- Blue cloud icon — Opens a prompt where you can upload a different file. This is useful if you’ve made changes to your book, or uploaded the wrong version by mistake.
- Click the filename — Downloads your own copy of the epub file.
How to Tell If Downloads Are Available
On the book’s cover page, you will see a download button. If an author has not set up book downloads, or the book is being sold exclusively through chapter bundles, the only option shown on this screen will be “Read Now.”
Please note that downloaded book files do not contain DRM.