Book apps have exploded in popularity in recent years as a new and innovative way to experience books. Unlike traditional print books, book apps can include interactive features like games, quizzes, animations, narration, music and more. This interactivity brings books to life in an exciting way and engages readers of all ages.
Book apps also have advantages for authors and publishers. They allow authors to integrate multimedia into their stories, opening up creative possibilities not available in print. Publishers can add new revenue streams by releasing enhanced digital versions of print books.
For readers, book apps provide a more immersive reading experience that keeps their attention. The interactive features make reading fun and educational. Many book apps also have built-in reading comprehension quizzes and vocabulary builders. This makes them excellent tools for promoting literacy and learning.
Creating your own book app does not require any coding knowledge. In this article, we will walk through the steps to turn your book into an app using simple drag-and-drop software. You will be able to customize the design, add interactivity, include multimedia like audio and video, and publish your app to app stores. Whether you want to create an app version of your print book or develop an app-first book, this guide will teach you everything you need to know to bring your story to digital life without writing a single line of code.
Choose a Platform
When creating your own book app, the first step is choosing which platform or software to use. There are several good options to consider:
Bookea
Bookea is one of the most popular and user-friendly platforms for creating book apps. Some key features include:
- Drag and drop interface for easy book creation
- Hundreds of customization options for fonts, colors, animations, etc.
- Support for text, images, video, and audio content
- Analytics to track readership and engagement
- Apps work across iOS, Android, and web
The main limitations are that you can’t code custom features, and some advanced interactions like 3D images or mini games may not be supported. But for most book apps, Bookea provides an excellent balance of power and ease of use.
Kotobee
Kotobee offers similar drag and drop creation and customization as Bookea, with a few differentiators:
- Wider range of interactive content like quizzes, calculators, and RSS feeds
- More design flexibility for advanced users
- Apps can be previewed on actual devices during creation
- Analytics focused on user engagement
The tradeoff is that Kotobee has a steeper learning curve. But for complex book apps with extensive interactivity, it provides robust options.
Atavist
Atavist is geared more towards longform storytelling than traditional books. Key features include:
- Intuitive editor for mixing text, multimedia, and graphics
- Integration with WordPress
- Focus on adding interactivity to stories
- Analytics on reading behavior
The main limitations are less design flexibility than Bookea and Kotobee, and no native app output (web and mobile web only). But for longform narratives, Atavist streamlines adding multimedia elements.
Recommendation
For most users wanting to turn a standard book into an app, Bookea is recommended as the easiest platform to start with. It provides a good balance of customization options and ease of use without coding. Kotobee is better for advanced interactivity, while Atavist excels at longform multimedia stories.
Import Your Book Content
Importing your book content into your app is easy, but you’ll need to make sure your files are properly formatted first. Here are some tips:
Format Your Text
- Your text should be in a common file format like .doc, .docx, .txt, .rtf or .md.
- Avoid fancy formatting like columns, text boxes, or complicated alignments as these may not import correctly.
- Use styles like Heading 1, Heading 2, etc to format your title, chapters, sections. This will help create the book structure.
- Include page breaks between chapters.
- Proofread your text before importing!
Images
- Save images in standard web formats like .jpg, .png or .gif. Higher resolution is better.
- Optimal size is around 1000-2000 pixels on the longest edge.
- Name your image files logically like “ch1-image1.jpg” so they are easy to reference in your text.
- Compress large files before importing to optimize app performance.
Videos & Audio
- Convert videos to .mp4 format for best compatibility.
- Compress large video files to reduce app size.
- For audio, use .mp3 or .wav formats.
- As with images, name media files in an organized way.
Upload Your Files
Once your content is prepped, uploading is easy. Most app builders allow you to directly import Word documents, then you can add images, audio and video by uploading them. Be sure to organize your additional media in folders by chapter to keep everything tidy!
Customize the Look and Feel
One of the best parts of creating your own book app is having full control over the design. You’ll be able to customize the look and feel to match your brand or style.
Select a Template
Most book app builders come with professionally designed templates to choose from. Browse the options to find one that fits the tone of your book. Consider a clean, minimalist template for nonfiction or a more playful, colorful one for children’s books.
Fonts and Colors
Don’t stop with the template. You can further customize the fonts and colors throughout your app. Select font styles and sizes for headlines, body text, captions, etc. Then pick accent colors that align with your brand or cover design. Aim for sufficient contrast between text and background colors for maximum readability.
Branded Themes
Take your customization even further by creating a completely branded theme. Upload your logo and brand assets like custom fonts, colors, and graphics. The app builder will generate a tailored theme reflecting your brand identity. This makes your app feel like an extension of your existing content.
Add Multimedia
Enhance the reader experience by including multimedia like photos, illustrations, audio, and video. You can upload your own graphics or choose from millions in stock libraries. Insert multimedia elements alongside your text or create special sections like photo galleries or audio introductions. Just be sure they complement the content rather than distract from it.
With all these options, you can create an app that truly reflects your personal style as an author. Don’t settle for cookie-cutter design – make it your own!
Add Interactivity
Adding interactive elements to your book app can enhance the reading experience and engage users. Some types of interactivity to consider include:
Quizzes
Quizzes allow readers to test their knowledge and comprehension. To add a quiz:
- Click the Add Quiz button in your app builder.
- Enter the quiz title and description.
- Add quiz questions and multiple choice or true/false answers.
- Set the passing score.
- Customize quiz settings like randomizing questions.
- Preview and test the quiz.
3D Objects
Embedding 3D models gives readers an interactive visual aid. To add a 3D model:
- Obtain a 3D model file compatible with your app builder.
- Upload the 3D file.
- Insert the object at the desired location in your book.
- Allow readers to rotate, zoom, and interact with the 3D model.
Cautions
While interactivity can enrich the reading experience, too many elements may distract from the core content. Use discretion when adding interactive features. Ensure they supplement the narrative rather than overpowering it. Test your app thoroughly and remove any unnecessary interactivity that disrupts the flow.
Include Multimedia
Multimedia can bring your book app to life and create an immersive experience for readers. Consider embedding relevant videos, slideshows, animations, music, narration, and sound effects.
Videos
Short video clips can illustrate concepts or provide tutorials related to your book’s topic. Search for royalty-free videos on stock media sites or create your own custom videos. Ensure any embedded videos are optimized for mobile viewing.
Slideshows
Photo slideshows allow you to showcase images that complement your book’s content. You can add captions to provide context. Create slideshows directly in your app platform or use a tool like PowerPoint.
Animations
Simple animations and illustrations can make learning interactive. Look for animation tools that output MP4 files which you can embed in your app. Consider animating key processes or concepts from your book.
Music and Narration
Background music can help set the mood while narration brings your book to life. If narrating your own book, ensure high-quality audio recording. For background music, choose subtle, loopable tracks that won’t distract readers.
Sound Effects
Use sound effects sparingly to signify interactions like page turns or buttons clicks. Avoid overusing sound effects that may become annoying.
Sourcing Multimedia
Look for multimedia that is licensed for commercial use. Sites like Pond5 and AudioJungle offer a wide selection. For narration and music, you may need to hire a freelancer. Ensure you have rights to use any custom-created multimedia in your app.
The key when adding multimedia is to enhance the user experience without causing distractions. Well-chosen multimedia elements can take your app to the next level. But too many animations, loud music, and unnecessary sound effects could negatively impact readability. Prioritize content over flashiness.
Set Up User Accounts
One of the great features of book apps is the ability to manage different types of users and access. You’ll want to set up at least three types of accounts:
Reader Accounts
These are for people who will download and read your book app. Reader accounts have the most limited permissions – they can only access reading and bookmarking functions.
To set up reader accounts, go to the Users section of your app dashboard. Click “Add New User” and select “Reader” as the account type. You can then enter their name, email address, and password to create the account.
Author Accounts
Author accounts are for you and any co-authors or contributors to your book. These accounts have full access to edit all content and manage other user accounts.
Follow the same steps to add an Author account. Just choose “Author” as the account type when adding a new user. You can add multiple authors.
Admin Accounts
Admins have the same permissions as Authors, and can help you manage users and content. Add admin accounts the same way, selecting “Admin” as the type.
Having multiple trusted admin accounts helps ensure smooth management of your book app.
Manage Users
Within the Users section of your dashboard, you can edit, deactivate, or delete existing accounts. Be sure to remove accounts for readers who no longer need access.
You can also export a list of users or manually reset passwords here if needed. Monitor user accounts routinely to stay organized.
Subscription Options
Many book app creators offer subscription access, where readers pay a monthly fee to access the book content. You can set this up in the app’s subscription settings.
Choose between requiring a subscription for all users or offering some content for free. You can also give some users free access while requiring it for most readers. Test subscription options to find the best model.
Proper user account management is key to running a smooth book app. Define roles and permissions, routinely monitor users, and consider subscription models to maximize the business potential.
Test Your App
Thoroughly testing your app before launch is crucial to ensure a smooth user experience. You’ll want to test on both iOS and Android devices to catch any issues early.
Debugging
Debugging is the process of identifying bugs and defects in your app so they can be fixed. Some common bugs to look for:
- Crashes or unexpected closes
- Layout issues on different device sizes
- Features not working as expected
- Slow load times or laggy performance
As you find bugs, document them with screenshots and details so your development team can replicate and fix.
Quality Assurance Checklist
Here are some key things to test for quality assurance:
- Functionality – All features work as intended. Navigation flows properly.
- Visual Design – Layouts look good on all device sizes. Images and text render correctly.
- Content – All text is accurate with no typos. Formatting displays properly.
- Performance – App loads quickly. Pages transition smoothly without lag.
- Security – User accounts and data are kept private. No unauthorized access.
Test on wifi and cellular connections to ensure speed isn’t impacted. Have testers try unusual use cases and inputs to find edge case flaws. The more thoroughly you test, the higher quality your app will be at launch!
Publish Your App
Once your app is ready, it’s time to get it out into the world! Here are the main steps for publishing your book app:
Submit to App Stores
The two main app stores to publish in are the Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android devices. Each has an approval process and requirements to list your app. Make sure your app meets the technical and content guidelines. Then submit your app by setting up a developer account and uploading your app build.
The review process can take days to weeks. Be patient and address any issues if your app gets rejected. Once approved, your app will become available for download!
Market Your App
With your app live, you need to get the word out. Start marketing efforts early, even before launch. Here are some tips:
- Build interest on social media – Share teasers and updates leading up to your launch. Engage your existing followers.
- Get reviews – Reach out to bloggers and influencers who may be interested in reviewing your app. Reviews help drive credibility and organic installs.
- Run ads – Consider paid advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google to further promote your app. Target relevant demographics.
- Email your list – If you have an email subscriber list, let them know directly about your new app release. Offer a promo code.
- Monitor performance – Track downloads, usage, reviews, and other metrics to see what’s resonating with users and how you can improve.
Integrate Analytics
Lastly, be sure to integrate analytics like Google Analytics into your app. This allows you to gain valuable insights into how people are actually using your app. See which pages they engage with, where they drop off, their demographics, and more. Use these insights to refine your app and marketing over time.
With the right preparation and promotion, your custom book app can find success and reach readers around the world!
Conclusion
Creating your own book app without coding is an exciting opportunity to share your book with readers in an interactive digital format. In this guide, we covered the key steps of choosing an app builder platform, importing your book content, customizing the design, adding multimedia and interactivity, setting up user accounts, testing, and publishing.
With the right app creation platform, the process is straightforward even for non-developers. The interactive and multimedia capabilities can bring your book to life in new ways compared to print. Readers today increasingly consume content on mobile devices, so a book app allows you to reach them where they are.
For those inspired to create their own book apps after reading this guide, check out resources like App Builder and DIY Book Apps to get started. With an app builder’s drag-and-drop editor and templates, you can turn your book into a mobile app quicker than you think.
Don’t let the idea of coding stop you from transforming your book into an immersive user experience. The benefits for both you as the author and your readers make it worthwhile. Follow the steps outlined here, leverage the available tools and resources, and soon you’ll have your very own book app ready to publish!
