Create Mobi Files

Following is from a thread in the Premium forum started by TirzahLaughs. I thought I would copy it here for future reference.
Dirk

TirzahLaughs
Honestly creating Mobi Kindle files will give me a stroke. If you want to create your MOBI (kINDLE EBOOK) FILE yourself,  you can.  There are a couple of free programs to convert it...but honestly none of them are 'super clear' on how to use the programs.  I find tech people rarely write 'clear' instructions.
But depending on how complicated your manuscript is, you can use Calibre to convert your file to MOBI.
I recommend following the directions below...as it is the easiest version I've found.   
CALIBRE
http://www.guidingtech.com/6601/how-to- … i-or-html/
DIRECTIONS.
Some tips:
Edit your metadata (book title/author name) in Calibre
Remove page numbers for E-books.
Make sure you've include a front page or Dedication Info
Your formatting will change in the e-book.  No indents in ebooks.  Just FYI.
When you convert the file, the TOC option will pop up (but not until that page).  If you want a TOC, you can click the auto version here.  If it doesn't work, there is a work-around.

SolN
Would it be helpful if we converted them for you? It's something we are playing with.

Mariana Reuter
The following is a link to a complete fool- and author-proof guide to MOBI formatting for Amazon. You don't need to be computer savvy to follow it because it explains the process step by step. You only need to download two programmes (Calibre and another one), both for free and virus-free, and invest from three to four hours to convert a 70000 words novel.
Yes, three to four hours. Nobody said it was a fast process if you want to end up with a professional product. However, the time is worth the result. Of course, there's people who will gladly do it for you for a fee. It all depends on your budget. Prob is that, after spending on the proof-reading, the cover artwork, etc, you may wanna save a coupla pence on the MOBI file creation, which is something you can do yourself.
http://guidohenkel.com/2010/12/take-pri … ormatting/
Kiss,
Gacela

TirzahLaughs
SolN wrote:
Would it be helpful if we converted them for you? It's something we are playing with.
I think most authors would appreciate.  Many of the less techy ones pay companies to do it for them. The more techny google and do trial/error.
T

TirzahLaughs
Mariana Reuter wrote:
The following is a link to a complete fool- and author-proof guide to MOBI formatting for Amazon. You don't need to be computer savvy to follow it because it explains the process step by step. You only need to download two programmes (Calibre and another one), both for free and virus-free, and invest from three to four hours to convert a 70000 words novel.
Yes, three to four hours. Nobody said it was a fast process if you want to end up with a professional product. However, the time is worth the result. Of course, there's people who will gladly do it for you for a fee. It all depends on your budget. Prob is that, after spending on the proof-reading, the cover artwork, etc, you may wanna save a coupla pence on the MOBI file creation, which is something you can do yourself.
http://guidohenkel.com/2010/12/take-pri … ormatting/
Kiss,
Gacela

That's why I loaded the Calibre Quick Guide to Mobi above.  For those who want something simple, the PDF I attached will allow them to do a simple MOBI conversion in Calibre.   It took ten minutes.
The more complicated your manuscript layout, the more you may have to go the long route with HTML. But if you just need a simple Mobi file with basic chapters and no weird formatting...the Quick Guide will do it for you.
FYI...I found my hyperlinked word chapters flowed through to the TOC in Calibre!  Yeah me!
T

Norm d'Plume
Sol, I think it would a great additional offering, as long as people know it's available (needs a little promotion now and then to remind us) and doesn't cost too much. I would definitely use it, although there are now several self-help options described above.