 The process of
writing an eBook is very similar to writing any book. The main difference is
that the finished product will be an electronic file.
Here are some
steps to follow when writing an eBook:
1. Identify A Niche
What will be your target market or niche?
Is there a demand for an ebook in your chosen topic area?
2. Determine Your Purpose
Before you start writing, take some time to
think strategically.
Answer these questions:
- Who will be the intended audience?
- What will be the topic of the eBook?
- What will be the purpose of the eBook?
(or what problem will it solve?) If your eBook doesn't help your
readers, why would they buy it? Unless your story is purely for
entertainment, that is.
3. Put Together An Outline
Put together an outline or a Table of Contents. Plan out what you intend to
cover in each chapter.
4. Complete Your Research
The Internet is a great place to do research. Statistics, quotations, recent
news, whatever. But beware - many aspiring writers have spent countless days
and weeks caught up in the research stage, and they never started writing.
Get your research completed as quickly as possible and move on to your
writing.
5. Schedule Time To Write
The most writing I ever did was when I had a deadline and had to produce a
certain amount on time. Schedule time every day, or every week, when you are
going to write. It's also a good time to set yourself a target number of
pages to write in each session. And keep to your schedule.
6. Write Your First Draft
Write, write, write. Don't try and get it perfect now. Just get your
thoughts down on paper. You can edit and rearrange and correct mistakes
later.
7. Include Appropriate Graphics
Select any graphics, charts, diagrams and pictures that are appropriate to
include. Be sure they are placed near to the text which references them. You
will also need some artwork for your cover.
8. Rewrite Several Times
You will probably need to rewrite each chapter at least 2-3 times before you
are really satisfied. Aim for clear, concise writing. Keep an eye out for
cumbersome passages that the reader could struggle through or lose interest.
Cut out unnecessary words and phrases as you go.
9. Ask Someone To Read It
Find an objective
friend or family member, or better still, another writer. Ask them to read
what you have written and give you some feedback. What can be improved upon?
What did they not understand? Which parts were tough reading? Believe me,
it's better to find this out now than when after your book is published and
when it is being reviewed!
10. Editing Tips
- Check again for
unnecessary words or phrases. Cut them out. Be ruthless.
- Check that the content of each
chapter is consistent with the chapter title.
- Check that the content flows
from paragraph to paragraph, and from chapter to chapter.
- Consider whether you have you used sufficient examples, anecdotes,
similes,
metaphors, etc.
- Check the spelling (your word
processor should be able to help you with this).
- Check your grammar (your word
processor should be able to help you with this).
- Replace passive writing with active writing.
11. Format Your Manscript
Remember that your readers read your eBook on a PC, or they may
decide to print it on paper before reading it. Keep this in mind when
designing the format, including colors, graphics and layout.
If you expect your readers to view it online, you may like to include
special effects when they move the mouse over a section or when they click,
for example on hyperlinks.
Keep in mind how it will appear in the
various ebook formats.
12. Don't Breach Copyright
Do not copy graphics or passages of text from other sources
without permission or the rights to do so. Learn more about
copyright
here. More...
Get an Idea for an Ebook
Images for Ebooks
Write an Article a Day
Joseph Pulitzer's 34 Words to Better Writing
The Average Length of an Ebook |
BoxShot3D
If you want to make your own
professional looking ebook covers, then BoxShot3D is our best
recommendation. We use it ourselves.
Virtual Cover
Creator
This software costs $89.99 and comes with more than 100 ready-to-use templates.
It costs less than you'd pay a graphic designer to create just one cover!
Ebook Graphics and Images
Using images within your ebooks will give them
a more professional look. The best way is to use Royalty Free images.
That doesn't mean free, by the way, it means "free of royalties". You still
pay for a license to use the photos in your ebook, sometimes for less than
$1 each!
Get your royalty free images from:
iStockPhoto -
Shutterstock -
Fotolia
|
