WordCrusher

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Please Note: WordCrusher is no longer supported. We have replaced it with the Book Format Rocket, which includes additional features and does not require specific operating systems or versions of Microsoft Word in order to run.

WordCrusher is our very own Microsoft Word add-in for formatting your books. It was first developed back in 2012, and was very unique of it's kind for the time. WordCrusher works by providing a simple button-press to tear apart your Microsoft Word document, remove all of the unnecessary fluff, and then completely rebuild from scratch a well-formatted MOBI file that you can upload to Amazon.

WordCrusher was designed with two intentions:

  1. Making it easier for publishers to produce high quality books.
  2. Providing a good reading experience for our customers.
Click here to download the latest version of WordCrusher

WordCrusher is Windows-only and works with Microsoft Word 2007 or Word 2010.  

By crushing your books, you create a full-featured eBook (or well formatted print book) that will provide a better reader experience than just uploading a Word document and hoping the conversion goes well. This means better reviews and fewer refunds, which means that you will get better rankings for your books and will sell more copies. It will also encourage the people who write your books to want to purchase more of your back catalog.

Installing and using WordCrusher is simple:

  • WordCrusher is our very own Microsoft Word add-in for formatting your books. It was first developed back in 2012, and was very unique of it's kind for the time. WordCrusher works by providing a simple button-press to tear apart your Microsoft Word document, remove all of the unnecessary fluff, and then completely rebuild from scratch a well-formatted MOBI file that you can upload to Amazon.

  • How to install WordCrusher

    WordCrusher requires a Windows PC and MS Word 2007 or 2010.

    How to install WordCrusher

    WordCrusher requires a Windows PC and MS Word 2007 or 2010.

  • How to register your copy of WordCrusher

    You only need to register your copy once.

    How to register your copy of WordCrusher

    You only need to register your copy once.

  • How to install KindleGen

    KindleGen is a great command line tool provided by Amazon (but don't worry; WordCrusher will use it for you so you don't need to know how.

    How to install KindleGen

    KindleGen is a great command line tool provided by Amazon (but don't worry; WordCrusher will use it for you so you don't need to know how.

  • Introduction to Using WordCrusher

    Step by Step instructions for how to crush your book.

    Introduction to Using WordCrusher

    Step by Step instructions for how to crush your book.

  • Advanced Formatting Tips

    Some advanced tips for using some hidden features of WordCrusher, as well as some alternatives, especially for those on Mac.

    Advanced Formatting Tips

    Some advanced tips for using some hidden features of WordCrusher, as well as some alternatives, especially for those on Mac.

Resources:

Download WordCrusher Here
Download Kindlegen Here

BEST PRACTICES

Set up your book this way for best results. Not necessary…but much more likely to work on the first try.

  1. If your source (starting) document is not in .docx format, create a new .docx copy by saving it as a “Word Document” (File > Save As > Save as Type). Back up your book. Create a fresh copy. Save your fresh copy in .docx format because you will get best results using .docx (RECOMMENDED)
  2. It’s best to delete everything other than the book’s “core content” from this .docx version that you are starting with. Please remove the following items from your ebook manuscript: Table of Contents, Copyright Page, Cover Image, Title Page, etc. (WordCrusher creates these for you!)
  3. If your manuscript is complex, use H1 headers (by clicking on the “Heading 1” button) to “tag” those items that you want to show up in the Table of Contents. (NOT REQUIRED, but recommended)
  4. (Update: these best practices apply for the Book Format Rocket too!)

Advanced Formatting Tips & Mac Alternatives

Early on, Blaine did an advanced training for Apex Authors where we covered some advanced tips with how to use WordCrusher as well as how to use it if you have a Mac. We also covered quickly some alternatives to WordCrusher and spent some time with Q & A. You can watch that training in the playlist above.

Topics & Links:

  • 0:00:00 – Introductions
  • 0:08:00 – Advanced Features & Tips
  • 0:32:00 – Formatting Q & A
  • 0:56:00 – Running WordCrusher on a Mac
    • Easiest: Get a cheap windows laptop, that's how Blaine started.
    • Mac 101: Using Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp (via support.apple.com) – this method is free and included with the latest versions of the Mac operating system
    • Parallels – paid application for running a Windows Virtual Machine and Mac at the same time – this is what Blaine uses now
    • VMware  paid application for running a Windows Virtual Machine and Mac at the same time
    • (Update: The Book Format Rocket works just fine on Mac!)
  • 1:00:00 – Alternatives to WordCrusher
    • Calibre – EBook Management Library – has limited conversion functionality
    • Scrivener – Very powerful research and editing tool w/export to MOBI (good for original content you write, not as good if an outsourcer produces work for you)
    • (Update: Watch Training #270: Book Creation Software for a more up to date list of alternatives.)
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