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How to create a Squidbook

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How to create a Squidbook

 

What is a Squidbook you ask? It is a way of using Squidoo lens to publish a book. I came up with this idea recently and have started creating my first squidbook. You can check it out here
My first Squidbook

My second squidbook...on Squidoo

 

My third squidbook on epee fencing (under development)

Let me know what you think. 

Advantages of Squidbook 

Here is a list of advantages of Squidbook.
  • It is easy to create and update.
  • It is dynamic meaning it can be modified relatively quickly and published online.
  • It is easy to navigate.
  • It can support multimedia objects in addition to text. Images, videos, audio tracks can be embeded in your text.
  • You can add hyperlinks within your text.
  • You can receive feedback on every page.
  • You can add references and links at the bottom of each Chapter/lens.
  • You can add modules that may generate revenue such as Amazon books that may relate to what you are writing about.
  • You will create many many lens...

How to do it? 

Here are my recommended guidelines on how to create a squidbook.

1) Create an Introduction lens and include the Title and a short description of your book. Then add a Table of Contents with all the Chapter headings in your book.
Create a text module and place the content of your first chapter into it. At the end, create three links with one pointing to the "Table of Contents", one pointing to the "Previous Chapter" and one pointing to the "Next Chapter".
Add a link list moodule to contain any references if any.
Add a Guestbook module at the end.

2) Create a second lens (recommend using the same name as the first lens)with a numeric sequence added.
Create a text module and place the content of your second chapter into it. At the end, create three links with one pointing to the "Table of Contents", one pointing to the "Previous Chapter" and one pointing to the "Next Chapter".
Add a link moodule to contain any references if any.
Add a Guestbook module at the end.

Of course, you can add any images or multimedia objects within your text.

3) Repeat step 2 for all subsequent Chapters.

4) Go back to your first lens and make all the Table of Contents into links to each of the corresponding lens.

5) That's the whole idea in a nutshell. You have created a squidbook.

Notice I have not done anything exotic. I have used all the standard modules of Squidoo and have created a book that is easy to navigate and may include multimedia objects that traditional books and eBooks lack. It is easy to modify and it is easy to publish.

Warning: The Text/Write module has a limit of 2500 characters maximum. However, I found the List module have no limit so that can be used instead if your text is larger than 2500 characters.

Also, I've been informed that Squidoo expects at minimum 4 modules per lens. You may want to add an Amazon module at the end.

A new way to navigate !!! 

Recently, I've discovered a new way to navigate between chapters. Using the bio section and personalizing it with links. Here is a test sample squidbook.
Test Squidbook

some links... 

The Mall on Squidoo blog
An endorsement of squidbooks from a fellow lensmaster jurist.
Squidbook authors group
Come join in our group.

Reader Feedback 

Jewelsofawe

Cool idea! Love it!

Posted September 26, 2008

CCGAL

This is a really GOOD idea! And thank you for visiting my lens and adding squidbook to my list of words!

Posted September 21, 2008

chefkeem

A hearty Angel Blessing and 5 stars for this fabulous idea, Jack!

Posted September 15, 2008

archetekt

What a great idea!
If only I had time for all the great ideas I see in Squidoo.

Posted May 31, 2008

Evelyn_Saenz

What a great idea! I had been toying with the idea of splitting my lenses up into lots of little ones but hadn't quite gotten around to it yet.

I think this may be my next pursuit.

Posted May 20, 2008

 
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jackclee

About jackclee

Hi, I'm Jack. I am currently enjoying some time off from work. I worked for IBM for 28 years on various projects dealing with Museums and Libraries. I have travelled all over the world and have seen the diversity of our world. Currently, I am volunteering P/T at the Westchester Archives and also working at Jawonio as a Document Imaging Specialist.

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