I'm a self-published author who has just built a web site and who is about to start selling his print book online.

I've recently learned that the cost of shipping my book to an international buyer is more than the cost of the book itself. I doubt many people would pay that, nor should they have to. I'm now thinking of selling my book as an ebook on my web site, primarily as a low cost alternative for buyers outside the U.S. (though of course anyone could purchase it).

I've received all sorts of conflicting advice about what to do (and what can be done) and would appreciate your help. Here are my objectives:

1. Find an individual or company to create, at a reasonable cost, an ebook I can sell on my web site. I do not at this time want to sell it on other web sites (which some companies require). Ideally, and depending upon cost, I would like to offer the ebook in all the major formats. I would appreciate referrals, and service providers should feel free to contact me directly.

2. I do not want the buyer to be able to forward the ebook to others by email.

3. I would prefer not to require buyers to use a password to access the ebook, but I'm willing to require a password if it's the only way to prevent the ebook from being forwarded.

4. I'm not sure whether I want the ebook to be printable. I would welcome your advice in this regard.

Please feel free to contact me directly at KIN9WEL@yahoo.com with your ideas and suggestions.

Thank you.