Once upon a time, I wanted to check out what my words would look like on a Kindle screen. I hunted down the process and created my own little cheat sheet. Since that time, I’ve seen others ask if it’s possible, and have forwarded these instructions to a dozen, thankful peeps. [Maybe you’re another one waiting to happen.]
So, should you want or need this capability, here she is.
How to Send Word Docs to Your Kindle
Step 1: You should have an email associated with your Amazon account. If not, you’ll have to do that first. If so – go to Step 2
Step 2: Send an email to your kindle address. It will be the same as the email in #1, only with the @kindle.com extension [e.g. your.regular.email@kindle.com]
Step 3: The subject must be “convert”
Step 4: Attach your Word doc [You can attach MULTIPLE docs]
Step 5: Send that baby!
Step 6: Log into your Amazon account. Click “Personal Documents” on the left-hand sidebar
Step 7: It usually takes 2 – 15 mins of refreshing for the file to appear.
Step 8: Once it does, click on the “Actions” dropdown next to the file name.
Step 9: Select “Deliver to my…Kindle”
Step 10: On your Kindle – “Sync & Check for Items.”
VOILA!
Useful for:
– Personal encouragement. Just seeing your created words in that format can give you a dreamy, little boost.
– Handy access to your own words on-the-go. [You know, just like any other e-book.]
– I find errors that somehow remain invisible on both the hardcopy & computer screen.
– It keeps you from editing as you go. So you can just read. [If I find something major to change later, I scribble a key phrase on a notepad & later do a search for that phrase in the Word file.]
– [Insert your own amazing reason here]
Other tips:
– Insert an image on the first page of the file & it will display as the book’s cover.
– Others, such as beta readers, can forward the file to their own Kindles. [You know, once you pass these instructions on.]
– If your betas/CPs are comfortable with it, they can even authorize your email on their Kindle account & you can send it directly to them. They just have to pick up at Step 6 above.
I’m curious about those of you who use programs other than Word or have different readers/apps.
Do you ever use a similar process? Know of a quick cheat sheet to help others do the same?
I love doing this. It’s so much better than lugging around paper manuscripts. I use a slightly different method though: If you insert “free.” in in front of your email address (i.e. “free.youremail@kindle.com”) it will email you back a converted file so you don’t even have to hop over to Amazon, and you can just use your cable to upload it (and it doesn’t cost the 15 cents/MB or whatever Amazon charges to deliver it wirelessly). I find this easier.
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[I don’t get charged for wireless delivery? Different account settings maybe?]
That is an awesome tip! Thx for sharing.
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I think the charge depends on whether you are using Wi-fi or are connected to the Whispernet thing. It might depend on the model.
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Nice! I was just wondering if I could do this the other day! Perfect timing, thanks! I’ve been downloading my ms into PDF master on my phone or ipad (but that tempts me to edit (-:).
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Those instructions have helped quite a few writers (and even an agent). Def seemed like a helpful thing to share.
And rockin’ that you found it at just the right time. #magic
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