Trying to open an ebook file?
As you dive deeper into the world of publishing, you’ll find the need to send your novel in ebook form to advance reviewers, agents, or beta readers. You may also receive advance copies of novels from other authors who are looking for feedback or a review blurb.
But how do you open ebook files so that you (or they) can read them?
This post will walk you through the steps to get your ebook file from an email message onto a Kindle device or into a Kindle ereader app. Experienced beta readers and reviewers will already know this process, but feel free to share this article with anyone struggling through this task for the first time!
These instructions will assume that the ebook file is in .MOBI format. If you need help in putting your manuscript into MOBI format, please watch this video.
Path 1: Using the Kindle App
If you are using the Kindle App (which can be downloaded on any smart device or computer) - it’s super easy! Just go to that device, access your email on it, and open the ebook attachment there. Your device will prompt you to open it in the app, and voila! You’re done! Easy, right?
It’s a little bit more work to get the ebook onto a Kindle device, but let’s go through that process now.
Path 2: Using a Kindle Device
To get your Kindle's email address, go to amazon.com/myk using your computer - you can’t access this easily on mobile. Log in (if you aren’t already), then click on the Devices tab.
You’ll see all of your Kindle devices, and each one has their own Kindle email address. Click on the device you want to read on, and it will display the email address (see below picture where I circled the email address). That is your device’s email address. Any ebook files that you send to that address will show up on that device.
Now, let’s talk about security. If your kindle’s email address puts files on your kindle, how do we stop someone from sending us junk ebooks, or viruses? Amazon has a safeguard in place and will only accept files from email addresses that you approve. Click on the Preferences tab, and then scroll down to the Personal Documents Settings and click there (see below pic). Then click on ‘Add an approved email address’ to add in new contacts who might send you book files. This is also where beta readers - or other recipients of your book - will add your email address in. This will allow you to email a book file directly to their kindle, which some authors do if they are worried about the reader sharing the book file with someone else.
Once you’re set up, just attach the MOBI file to an email and send it to the Kindle email address! It will show up in your Kindle in a few minutes.
Remember, your Kindle needs to be attached to a Wi-Fi or 3G network for this to work.
