How to Write an eBook

eBooks are all over the internet. Essentially downloadable books, they range from novels and works of fiction to programming guides and online money making guides. There’s always a market for another eBook, especially if you market it right. If you want to make and sell an eBook then keep reading…

1. Pick a Topic

Choose something you can write easily about. Nobody’s going to pay $20 for a cheap three page book that’s poorly written. For the purposes of this article I’ll pretend you’re writing an eBook on how to setup your own website.

2. Research!

I cannot stress how important this is. Make sure you either are an expert on your chosen topic or you know where to go to find information. You will need a good twenty pages at least before you can even think about writing one.

3. Get the right Tools

Most eBooks are in a PDF format. PDF makes them easy to read and very easy to download. A lot of people use Adobe Reader Pro, but this is quite expensive if you don’t have it. Some other options include CutePDF and eWriter Pro(the free version). eWriter is the tool I would choose, as it allows you to write the PDF file exactly as you want it and even include links before compiling it.

4. Start Writing

Use whatever method suits you. I personally prefer getting a bullet point layout of what I’m going to cover. This makes sure I know what to put in and keep to the structure I have planned out. Make it easy to read, especially if it’s an instructional eBook. No-one wants to read fifty pages of size 10 text. Make it a decent size, use headings and bullet points. Make the paragraphs relatively short. Add some colour and pictures if you want. Just make sure it’s pleasing to the eye and not too difficult to read.

5. Share your first draft

Send your first draft to a few close friends and have them read over it. This is essential to catch any spelling errors, things you may have missed out or things you got wrong. Listen to their ideas and make sure you have a solution to all of them.

6. Write a 2nd Draft

Write another draft, or edit your first and fix all the problems raised by your friends. Show them your second draft, rinse and repeat until you are happy with the final product and are sure it can no longer be improved.

7. Compile the PDF File

Fairly obvious and shouldn’t need explanation. Make sure you know how to using the program you chose in step 3.

8. Find a Way to Distribute it

Do you want to give it away for free or sell it? Is it a novel or a how-to manual? These are all questions you must ask before settling on a distribution method. If you’re giving it away for free then just host it using Rapidshare or another free filehost solution. If you intend on selling it then make sure you pick the right place to do so. You can either sell it through your own online store, through Lulu or through Clickbank. Personally I recommend Clickbank. Lulu charges exorbitant rates while Clicbank allows you to sell your book at whatever price you want and they only take a minimal charge. Furthermore, Clickbank affiliates will help sell your product as they get a share of Clickbanks profits.

9. Advertise It

Once you’ve chosen how to sell/give away your eBook then start spreading the word. You can use a paid solution like Google Adsense or any of the myriad of free services out there (click exchanges, etc). Tell your friends and family, send out emails. Just make sure people know where to go to buy it.

10. Repeat

One eBook isn’t going to make a living wage (unless it’s reall, really good) so start writing another one! Depending on how well you carry out the previous steps you can earn a very decent residual income off your publications!