How to Write Ebooks
Ebooks are one of the most effective forms of marketing and they can also provide a lucrative source of passive income as well. When compared to traditional book publishing, ebooks have many advantages: they have almost no overhead costs, can be published quickly, and they can be distributed instantly without incurring the expensive shipping or handling costs associated with traditional book publishing. It is no wonder that there are now millions of ebooks available for purchase and download on the internet.
However, there are also several important steps you need to take in the writing, publishing and marketing production phases in order for your ebook to be a success. Here is an overview of some of the basic ebook production steps:
1. Decide how you will write, publish and distribute your ebook.
Before you start writing your ebook, it is best to decide how you will be publishing and distributing your book so you can take advantage of ebook publishing software which can make the actual writing process easier and be sure to write your book in the correct file format for publication.
There are two basic file formats that you will have to choose between when creating your ebook: PDF or HTML. The advantages of publishing your ebook as a PDF file is that it is very cheap and easy to create. However, the reader will need to have a PDF reader installed on their computer in order to read the ebook, and it will be very difficult to prevent the book from being sold or circulated without your consent. You will need to use Adobe Acrobat or a similar program to convert your document into a PDF file.
With an HTML ebook, your book will be essentially read online and you will be able to use many security features to prevent the unauthorized use and transfer of your ideas. Your reader will not need to download any special software in order to read the ebook, and it will be much more interactive and dynamic than a book published in PDF format. However, you will need to purchase and use an HTML ebook compiler in order to transform you document into an executable HTML ebook file (also called an .exe file).
2. Write the best ebook you can (or hire someone else to do it).
When you write an ebook, you not only want to convey information but you want to do this in a compelling and persuasive manner. This is especially true if you are using the ebook for marketing purposes. Some ebook compiling software, such as eBook Starter, include ebook writing templates to help you organize your ebook effectively. However, if you know little about how to write ebooks effectively, you should also consider reading one of the following books:
The 7 Day Ebook. This is one of the most popular books about writing ebooks currently available. It will show you how to write and market your ebook successfully and quickly. Co-written by Jim Edwards and Joe Vitale, two men who have considerable experience and success in the fields of ebook writing and internet marketing.
Create Your Own Ebook. This book will walk you through all the basic steps of ebook creation and provides many free resources to help you with creating and marketing your ebook successfully. However, one drawback is that it focuses exclusively on writing PDF ebooks.
3. Publish your ebook.
In order to prepare your ebook for electronic distribution, you will have to compile it using an ebook publishing software package. For PDF documents, this can be as simple as using Open Office (a free software) to export your document into PDF format, although you will not be able to take advantage of the many publishing and security features available with Adobe Acrobat. However, many ebook writers prefer using an HTML compiler to publish their ebook, so they can take advantage of the advanced security features available with many of these programs (such as the ability to register the ebook to a single user or computer and deactivate or “lock” the book if it is being used in an unauthorized manner).
4. Create marketing materials.
In order to help sell your ebook, you will want top quality marketing materials. This will include creating a professional looking ebook cover, sales page and other promotional materials. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but when it comes to ebook publishing, the cover image may be worth much more than that. If you have little experience with graphic design, you should seriously consider having your ebook cover designed by a professional ebook cover and graphics company like KillerCovers, which can create a professional and personalized ebook cover for around $100.
If you already have graphics for your ebook created, or if you are interested in creating your own, there are also software packages that work with Adobe Photoshop to create professional quality ebook covers as well. One advantage of going this route is that you will be able to use the software time and time again, so if you are considering writing many ebooks it can save you a lot of money down the road. One of the most affordable photoshop eBook cover creator plugins is the one from BlackBeltCovers (currently on sale for only $37).
However, if you cannot afford to hire a graphics company or to purchase a package like Cover Action Pro, there are some cheaper ebook cover options as well. One of the easiest to use ebook cover software program that does not require that you already own Adobe Photoshop is the Push Button E-Cover Creator ($27).
5. Upload your ebook for distribution.
Depending on the manner you will be making your ebook available, you may need to upload your ebook either onto your home server or onto a server for the company through which the ebook is being distributed. Once you have uploaded your .PDF or HTML .exe file, and you should also be sure to test the download and payment system thoroughly prior to your ebook launch date.
6. Market your ebook effectively.
Once you have prepared your ebook for distribution, your next step will be to get the word out! One of the easiest ways to market your ebook effectively is by attracting numerous affiliates who will do much of the marketing work for you. You will also need to decide whether you will be marketing it yourself on your own website, or whether you will sell it through a company like ClickBank which provides credit card processing and has over 100,00 affiliates working with them to promote their marketplace products.
By following the above steps and relying on the appropriate resources, you should be able to create an ebook that has excellent copy, a professional appearance and will be a resounding success in the global ebook marketplace.