How to Write an eBook

As with anything, if you want to be successful, you should consider creating a plan of attack. In this case, writing your eBook will require a plan that will make the writing of it easier.

The first thing you need to figure out is the topic of your eBook. Many new eBook writers make the mistake of writing an eBook on a topic they know nothing about. Sometimes they believe that the market is good for their eBook, and while they might be right, the chances of them putting together a book that has quality content is extremely low.

Instead, choose a topic that you know something about. For example, you might be a parent. If so, choose to write about something that has to do with parenting. Maybe you like to garden. Well, that's great! Now put that knowledge to good use and help other people become as good at gardening as you are. How about home decorating or making a living online? These two markets are huge right now in the eBook industry. Why not capitalize on that and write an eBook on the subject?

Once you've figured out your topic, there are a few more things you'll want to think about. First off, how many other eBooks have been written on the subject? The more eBooks on the subject, the more competition you'll have to face. Sure, there's nothing wrong with competition, but remember that your book will have to be bigger and better than theirs if you want to make sales.

You can find out how many eBooks have been written on the subject you've chosen by doing a quick Google search or by visiting ClickBank. ClickBank is an online retailer of eBooks, and you can usually get a pretty good idea of how many other eBooks have been written on your subject by visiting there. It's also a good idea to get a head start and become familiar with ClickBank, since chances are pretty high that you're going to want to sell your eBook there at some point.

If you find that your topic has been flogged to death, maybe you can narrow your niche a bit. For example, parenting is a huge subject that can be broken down into several niches. Choose one that interests you and run with it.

Once you've done this, you might think the planning portion of writing your eBook is over, but you'd be wrong...

Now it's time to work on your plan some more. The first thing you'll want to do is figure out what questions you're planning on answering in your eBook.

For instance, I'm working on an eBook that will teach others to ghostwrite, in the hopes that it will help others make a steady income from home. When I decided to write the eBook, I sat down with a pen and paper and made a list of the questions I wanted covered, such as:

-Where do I find work?

-How do I get experience?

-Where do I start? What type of equipment will I need?

-How do I deal with customers that won't pay?

-How much can I expect to earn a month, year or day?

I'm sure you get the idea. As you can see, those are some of the questions the reader may be asking themselves even before they pick up my book. I want to make sure that I answer them thoroughly when I actually write my eBook.

Each question can then be made into a title or subtitle. In short, you now have a basic table of contents for the eBook you're planning on writing. All you have to do is place them in whatever order you want, although you should start with the most important aspects first. I mean, I wouldn't put the "what type of equipment do I need" question last, since that's something the reader will need to know before they even pick up their first ghostwriting client.

Now you have a basic plan as to how you're going to write your eBook. The next step is to actually write it, which we'll cover next.

Oh, and you may have thought that I forgot about the title, but let me assure you that I haven't. Some people create the title at the end, which is fine. Some have their title in mind before they put finger to keyboard, which is fine, too.

I'm going to cover the title a bit later on in this site.

Alright...I lied. I'm going to deal with the title of your eBook right now.

Choosing a title is very important. The title of your eBook is the pre-seller. Some people will actually buy your eBook based on how the title makes them feel, so choose it wisely.

I tend to usually go with a how-to title. Here are a few examples:

-How to Discipline your Child Without Hitting Them

-How to Make Money Online Writing Articles

-How to Grow a Garden that Will Make Your Neighbours Jealous

And so on. The title makes the reader think, and it also tells them what your eBook is going to be about. If they want to learn more about the subject, they'll begin to look deeper. What you don't want is a title that leaves the reader guessing about what your eBook is going to be about. This will definitely lead them to finding something else, losing you the sale.

You can also go with a humorous title or something shocking that grabs their attention. The main thing is that you want your title to intrigue the reader and make them want to know more.

The pen is mightier than the sword, right? That's what they tell us, but in a fight, I'd sure as hell take the sword!

In the case of writing an eBook, I'd take a computer over a pen any day. I use Microsoft Word for everything I do. I used to have the older version, but I've since updated to the newest version. I find it the easiest to use. It has the spelling and grammar checker (which doesn't catch everything) and it's easy to add a table of contents and title page. You can also convert a Word document into a PDF file, which is what you'll have to do once you have your eBook completed.

However, you should use whatever program you're comfortable with. If you want to use Notepad to type up your eBook, that's fine. The important thing is to get writing!

In the next section we're going to have a look at how to write and edit your eBook. This is one of the most important steps when it comes to writing an eBook. Some people write in a mad frenzy and forget (or neglect) to proof it afterward. We'll discuss this in greater detail in a moment.

You now have your plan in place, a suitable title and a program that you like to write your eBook. The next step is the most time consuming but most important part of writing your eBook. It can't be rushed, and you have to remember to write the eBook as if your reader knows NOTHING about your topic.

It's easy to forget this. I've done it before, and found it later on. No matter whether you're writing an article for the web or an eBook, you should always assume the reader knows very little or nothing about your topic. This means explaining your points and giving examples to back up or explain the points you make. For example, I've written this lens with examples. If you scroll backwards, you'll see what I mean. In fact, I just did it again!

When writing your eBook, take your time and get it right. Make sure you cover your chosen topic as best as you can. Don't leave any questions unanswered. In other words, offer your reader value for their money. After all, they just spent money to buy your product. You want them to be satisfied, especially if you want them to buy future eBooks off you.

You also want to use titles and sub-titles to break the text up. Readers become a little nervous when they see huge blocks of uninterrupted text. If you can manage it, you can even add pictures or diagrams to help make your point. Screen shots are another thing you can add.

Follow your plan and add pieces that you may have forgotten the first time around. Once you're finished writing your eBook, it's time to edit it. Let the manuscript sit for a day or two, and then hit it hard. Sit down and proofread your brand new eBook and then do it again. Once you think you've caught everything you can, get someone else to read it.

Sometimes someone else will catch mistakes that you may have missed. If your written English isn't very good, you might want to consider having a professional editor, freelance writer or ghostwriter proof your work for you. It might cost a few bucks, but it's better than putting out a half-baked piece of eBook trash.

Once your eBook is as perfect as you can make it, you should convert it into a PDF file. You can do it by using the free version or by buying the PDF program for yourself. If you plan on writing more than one eBook, it might be a wise investment.

Oh, I almost forgot! You'll need a cover for your eBook. If you're handy with CorelDraw or other program, you can create one for yourself. However, if you aren't good at creating a good cover, you can always hire a graphic artist to create one for you.

The more you offer your readers the better. I know when I purchase an eBook, I love it when they have a clickable table of contents. I also like it when the eBook is as complete as possible, making it a great resource down the road. A clickable table of contents makes it easier to jump to the section I need later on, making it invaluable when it comes to time saved.

You can add a clickable table of contents to your eBook easily if you have the new Word program. Simply choose the 'references' tab and you'll see the 'table of contents' tab on the far right. Click it and then click the 'automatic table' that you like best. Word will then add a table of contents for you.

If you have the older version of Word, you can find out how to add a table of contents by viewing the YouTube video below. Below the YouTube video, you'll also find lenses that show you how to market your eBook. While I know how to write an eBook, I'm no marketing guru.

A snazzy cover page is also something you'll want to look into. Again, Word makes it easy to add a cover page. Just click the 'insert' tab and on the far right you'll see the 'cover page' tab. Once you click that, Word will give you several choices to choose from.

Having a good cover is almost as important as having an excellent title for your eBook. There are a lot of readers who buy a book or eBook just on the strength of the cover alone. It's sad, but very, very true.

Creating an eBook can seem like a big job. And it is. To do it right takes patience and skill. However, you are capable of it. It's said that everyone has a book in them, and I believe that theory. Everyone knows something that someone else would love to know. You can share this knowledge or experience through the power of the written word. The trick is to never give up, and make that dream a reality.

It's important to have a plan, and to do as much as you can as a writer to get your point across. Work on your voice, and try to write your eBook as if you're writing a letter to your dearest friend. Big words and phrases are confusing for most readers, and they'll find your eBook unhelpful if they can't understand what you're trying to say. Use plain language and try to insert a bit of humour into your eBook.

If you're having trouble, find help. There are a myriad of writers and ghostwriters out there that will be willing to help you create an eBook that you can be proud of. Remember, quality rises to the top, and trash sinks to the bottom. Selling eBooks can be very lucrative, but you shouldn't write one for the money alone. You should, however, write one if you have something to say or teach. Your passion will come through in your eBook.

Good luck and I hope this site was useful. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave me a message in the guestbook or to email me directly. I'll help in any way I can.