Instructions for how to read epub and mobi ebooks on a computer, smartphone, tablet, or designated e-reader (Kindle, Nook, or Kobo).

1. Tech Tools for Writers, 1
How to Read an Ebook Tutorial
1. Set up an account with an ebook distributor or retailer if you don’t already have one.
Accounts are free. Your options are
 Amazon
 Barnes & Noble
 Apple iBooks
 Kobo
 Smashwords
2. Choose how you will read your ebook. You can read your ebook on a
 computer
 designated e-reading device (Kindle, Nook, Kobo)
 tablet (iPad, Android)
 hand-held device (iPod/iPhone, Android)
3. Choose a fiction or nonfiction book to explore. Each of the distribution sites listed above
will have free ebooks. Authors will often offer the first book in a series for free as a way of
building a readership.
4. Download your book. You have a few options here. If you’re reading on a designated e-
reading device, you can download the book to your computer and transfer it to your e-reading
device with the USB cable that came with it. Or, you can simply download the ebook directly to
your device if you have wifi and your device is wifi enabled. If you’re reading on anything other
than a designated e-reading device, go to Step 5 and download an e-reading app.
5. Download an e-reading app. Use the table below to help you decide if your e-reader needs
an app. See the Resources tab in this course for links to e-reading apps.
E-reader Need an app?
Computer Yes
iPod Yes
Kindle No
Kobo No
Nook No
Smartphone Yes
Tablet Yes

2. Tech Tools for Writers, 2
6. Explore your ebook. Use the following list to guide your exploration:
 Find the definition of a word by firmly touching a word or clicking on it.
 Highlight a section of text. Make a note.
 Go to Chapter 5. Now go to Chapter 2. Depending on the device you’re using, there may
be more than one way to move from one chapter to another.
 Use the search feature to look up a term.
 Is your device text-to-speech (TTS) enabled? If so, turn on TTS. What kind of reader
might this feature appeal to?
 Find a link that takes you “off-book.” Where does it take you? Why?
 Find a visual or table. What happens when you touch it or click on it?
 Does your book contain internal links that take you from one place in the book to
another? Are you able to go back?