Can Anyone Recommend A Decent eBook Compiler?

Greetings to all from Oklahoma City.

I have an idea for an eBook that will be for sale on the Internet for between $14.97 and $19.97.

I do not know HTML.

Graphics could be used, but are not absolutely necessary for this particular idea. Using graphics would depend on the simplicity of the compiler.

Questions:

1. Since I don't know HTML, should I stick with a PDF compiler?

2. Can anyone recommend a decent, simple to use HTML or PDF compiler for $50 or below?

3. Can anyone recommend a decent eBook cover software creation software?

4. I've been hearing a lot about Activ E-Book (an HTML compiler) that seems like a bargain at $29.97 and seems to be getting excellent reviews. But is it simple enough for an HTML dummy to use?

Thanks in advance for your help.

RobertD