Ron -
There are several major problems with creating an ebook using the compilers you stated.
First - how good are you at writing HTML??? These compilers require that your ebook be written in HTML format. In other words - web pages.
2nd - Since these compilers require HTML - they are also subject to all the problems that HTML creates. They must cater to the lowest possible denominator - you must stick with standard fonts, because the HTML engine will only use the fonts on the reader's computer. You must design for a variable page size, because not everyone is looking at the same size screen resolution. Your colors should be web-safe. Plus, no matter what you do, they will always look and act like web pages - just not very professional - especially if you are selling your ebook...
3rd - your ebook will only be readable by people using Windows. Period.
Why PDF?
PDF is universal. Anyone with a computer can read PDF files.
You do not need Acrobat to create PDF files. You can create them in Word, and use a low-cost pdf compiler such as JawsPDF, Or FinePrint PDF Factory (both less than $100) to create your ebook. If you want to do it for free, download a copy of Open Office - it comes with a PDF compiler built-in.
With PDF you can use any color, any design, any font - and it will always look exactly the way you set it up, no matter what computer the reader is using. (I've created a set of Ebook Templates for Word which will definately improve the look of your ebooks, too...)
You just cannot beat PDF. Plus, you mentioned wanting hard copies - most POD (print on demand) printers can use PDF's to work from. They cannot use HTML, you'd have to convert it to a format they could use.
Do yourself a favor, and start out right - PDF...
Neil Tarvin
ebook designer
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