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? To discover niches, consider using these great tools: Online Gold Finder and NicheTopics.

2. Determine Your Purpose

Before you start writing, take some time to think strategically. Do not skip this critical step. It will save you time and trouble later.

Answer these questions:

1. Who will be the intended audience? 
2. What will be the topic of the eBook?
3. 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.

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...

Choose A Publisher For Your Ebook
Build A Web Site For Your Ebook
Take Payments Online
Start A Newsletter
 

Subscriber To Our Newsletter