NOTE: I've placed dots (.) after "<" in all lines above. This is to ensure that code shows up properly here. When using this on your web page, remove those dots. NOTE: Be sure to replace URL with address you want to re-direct visitor to.

4. HIDE YOUR DOWNLOAD PAGES FROM THE SEARCH ENGINES

It's amazing how many download pages you'll find via search engines if you put your mind to it. In fact, one search I just ran on Google turned up two download pages on first page of results (albeit both from same website).

To get around this, you need to ensure that search engines do not include your download pages in their index.

To do this, just place following snippet of code between <.head> and <./head> tags at top of your download page's HTML...(again, remove dot)

<.meta name="robots" content="nofollow,noindex">

5. PROTECT YOUR PAYPAL ORDER BUTTONS

PayPal is a great service but it has a gaping security hole that affects anyone selling downloadable products.

When you sell via PayPal, even most amateur of hackers can find out location of your download page just by looking at HTML code on your sales page.

One way around this is to use HTML encryption software to render HTML of your sales page un-readable. While this will stop majority of hackers, more determined ones will probably be able to crack code.

Another approach is to use specialized software like 'PayLock Generator' (http://bizzydays.com/paypal) which creates highly encrypted PayPal order buttons that are very difficult to crack.

6. CHANGE YOUR DOWNLOAD LINKS OFTEN

This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you've followed steps outlined above, then you've gone some way towards protecting your digital products. It's not 100% protection, however, which is why I recommend changing your download links regularly. This will help ensure that, if someone does manage to access your products, and has been leaving your download links on forums or whatever, then you'll be able to cut them off.

7. PUT A STATEMENT ON YOUR EBOOK

If someone is giving your ebook away for free, it's not a given that everyone who downloads it will be as dishonest as one giving it away. It's a good idea to place a prominent statement inside your ebook explaining that it's not a free ebook. Ask readers to contact you if they received ebook for free explaining where they downloaded it. You might consider offering a small 'reward' for taking time to contact you.

Okay, those are basic steps you can (and should) take to protect your downloads. If you're worried that this isn't enough, then you'll find some additional resources below that really go extra mile. (I use these myself so I can testify to their worth).

Just one final point... after you make changes outlined above, be sure to double-check everything is working okay.

Michael Hopkins is owner of BizzyDays Ebook Publications. Visit now to download original ebooks for FREE at: http://www.bizzydays.com

Look into opening a business banking account. Make an appointment with your bank to discuss your situation. They'll be able to make suggestions on best package for your needs.

Consult with professionals. Depending on your situation, you may need to use services of lawyers, accountants or bookkeepers, insurance agents or brokers, and others.

This isn't an exhaustive list, but it's a good start. Many cities also have organizations dedicated to helping small businesses -- check your Yellow Pages or local Chamber of Commerce to see if there's one in your area.

Excerpted with permission from Online Business Basics, a beginner's guide to marketing a business on a shoestring budget. http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/

[END QUOTE]

Q. 2 - Do I have to get an "ISBN" number for my ebooks, and if so - how do I go about doing that?

No, you don't need to have an ISBN. You'll find additional information here... http://www.00ebooks.com/ISBN-copyright.htm http://publishing.miningco.com/library/weekly/aa062797.htm

Q. 3 - Are there rules and regulations to ebook publishing or writing - and if so how can I find out what they are?

I'm not familiar with any rules or regulations associated with ebook publishing specifically. Basically, you need to stay within limits of responsible legal and business behavior in general. Be truthful in your advertising, use disclaimers, and so on. You'll find details of various regulations in this free ebook: http://www.bizzydays.com/downloads/WebLawLinks.exe I hope this goes some way towards answering your questions.