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 tips to follow when writing an eBook:
Tip #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.
Tip #2: 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:
- 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.
Tip #3: Outline a Structure
Put together an outline or a Table of Contents. Plan out what you intend to
cover in each chapter.
Tip #4: Do 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.
Tip #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.
Tip #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.
Tip #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.
Tip #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.
Tip #9: Rewrite
Replace passive writing with active writing. Here's an example. "The
ball was kicked out of the stadium" is passive. There is no-one doing the
action. It is better to say, "Peter ran forward and kicked the ball high
into the air, sending it sailing out of the stadium".
Tip #10: Get A Friend 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!
Tip #11: 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).
Tip #12: Format
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.
Tip #13: 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.
On to Step 2: Choosing A Publisher
|
Finding A Niche
Online Gold Finder
Uncover profitable, undiscovered
online markets with just a couple of clicks.
NicheTopics
A ready-to-use report on 109 unique,
untapped niches.
Writing the eBook
How to Write A Book in 28 Days
This is not just another eBook from an Internet marketer. It is a
course on CD from a best selling author, Nick Daws. As seen at MENSA, the
Association of Independent Consultants, and more.
How To Quickly And Painlessly Write Your First Ebook
Even if you flunked English!
How to Write and Publish Your
Own eBook in as Little as 7 Days
Discover how to write and publish
your own eBook with less than a week's work – even if you feel like you
can’t write a complete sentence, can’t type to save your life and still have
nightmares about finishing term papers!
How To Create Best-Sellers Online
Best-Selling ebook authors, Jimmy D. Brown and Ryan Deiss reveal why
some eBooks flop and others become best-sellers.
The Writer's Portal
Looking for the right words to say? Need
help with phrases, quotations, definitions? Need to research something or
refer to an expert? Start at The Writer's Portal.
Make Your Knowledge Sell
Monique Harris covers infoproducts from
every angle. She will give you action steps, references and resources,
worksheets, checklists, the works! In particular she will show you
techniques she developed for focusing on saleable subjects within you.
How to Write A Damn Good Novel
by James N. Frey. A step-by-step no nonsense guide to
dramatic storytelling
Cover Art & Graphics
DynamiteCovers
Tantalize your customers with a
professional-looking, three-dimensional cover, case or box, and transform
your website into a super-busy speedway.
3D Covers
Looking for cover art for your eBook?
These guys offer 250+ eBook cover templates.
Getty Images
If you need photos for your cover or
inside your book, you should visit Getty Images. |
