The eBook market is growing rapidly with each passing year. Recent data indicates that the number of eBook enjoyers has grown to 982 million in 2023. With a massive market, letting the opportunity go to waste is foolish.
If you have a knack for writing and enjoy penning down words to create captivating content, why not consider writing an eBook? Not only will it prove a first step in your writing as, but it will also be a great side hustle for some extra income. Talk about getting two deals in one for ebook writers.
Now we know how intimidating writing an ebook can be, let alone an eBook, but what if we told you there are ten simple steps to turn your ideas into marketable eBooks? Join us as we take you through these steps to write an eBook. We will go through everything from research to choosing a commercial platform.
The 10 Steps of Writing Your First eBook
Research for a Topic:
You want to wear your thinking caps for this one, as the first thing you want to start your eBook journey is by researching topics. As any great book focuses on a particular topic, you must also. Now, your goal here should not be focusing on profitable topics. Although it is an opportunity, you are more likely to find these markets saturated with only a few big names selling well.
Rather than this, your approach should be focusing your topic research on the things you are good at or know a lot about. Writing an ebook on topics you are more interested in will help save time on research. With this approach, you will get from ideas to the final draft in no time.
Identify your Expertise:
Now that you have your interests, be it gaming, cooking, history, science, etc. You will notice that it is still broad and impossible to cover everything. So, to help narrow it down, you will need to focus on specialist topics. Review the articles or blogs you have read out of interest. It will help give you clues on what topics you know of.
Once you have a topic settled, start digging; use search engines to find more about the topic. You are more likely to find the same topic with different takes. This will help give insight into what seems popular with the audience and whether it is a great topic.
Use your Greatest Asset-Your Audience:
Once you have a topic, the next step is finding out about the audience’s interest. You have a good head start if you write blogs in your spare time or have a social media following related to writing. Your audience is your biggest asset, and you can use it to help refine your topic or for suggestions.
You could use surveys or polls to find out the audience’s interests, or you could also use social media pages to get suggestions and queries people have about the topic. These suggestions will help with research and outlining.
Give Time to Research:
The next step in how to write an eBook is your research. This one is a no-brainer. You cannot expect to write a 100-page eBook with your thoughts alone. To provide an informative and engaging eBook, you need to invest significant time in research.
Review relevant articles, resources, books, and journals to jot down quotes, facts, and references. If you have formed a deadline, divide your time so that research gets the majority of it. The more time you invest in research, the more value you can bring to your book.
Research Other Books:
This one’s obvious. You should also review other relevant eBooks on the subject besides blog posts and articles. This will help you in two ways. First, you’re more likely to be introduced to newer concepts you might have already missed. And second, you will get a general idea of how to structure your eBook.
You do not need to read every eBook that matches your topic. Instead, look through relevant parts by using the table of contents.
Double Check Facts:
As you are going through research, you will be introduced to several statistics and quotes. Although it’s tempting to use them, double-check them first. Some eBook writers often make up their facts or use outdated information. Verifying these facts can reassure you that any information you put is accurate.
It’s safer to get your facts and statistics from credible sources like online courses, journals, and government publications.
Construct your Outline:
Now that you have all the relevant facts and research, it is time to write an eBook. Before writing one, you need to craft an outline for the eBook. Otherwise, you can get stuck after writing a couple of chapters.
In an outline, include the number of chapters, some description of what you aim to write in each chapter, and headings and subheadings to structure your content. By having a simple outline, you can handle the project more efficiently.
Write in a Distraction-Free Zone:
Writing is a demanding job that you cannot multitask. You must give a significant portion to thinking to ensure you can pen your ideas into words. If you do not prepare for it, you can easily get distracted.
Before you start writing, ensure you are in a distraction-free environment. If you are not in one, then make one. Turn off your phone, and put away anything that can distract you. If you have something on your mind that will distract you, like unfinished chores, do them first to have a clear head before you start.
Always Remember to Proofread:
By now, you’ll have prepared your first draft. And it can be tempting to think about publishing, but there is one thing left. After you are done writing, you need to proofread your content. We know it may sound tedious, but going through your book again can help you find mistakes or typos you might have missed.
Don’t start proofreading moments after finishing your book. Take a little break and clear your head. Once you are done, give it a thorough read. You are more likely to find grammatical mistakes or spelling errors through it. After making the necessary corrections, you are now ready for the final step of writing an eBook.
Market your Book:
As you reach the end, you will have a complete eBook. Now comes selling and marketing your eBook. Although you can do it on your own, it’s safer to let a professional eBook publisher and marketer help you with it. Through their service, your book can have a better reach, and you can also consult them regarding queries like the pricing and marketing platforms to choose from.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, writing your very own eBook is a rewarding project. Not only does it prove to be an excellent side hustle, but it also can help with your professional writing career. Using the steps above, you are on your way to writing your first eBook. If you are struggling with how to write an eBook yourself, there’s no harm in calling professional eBook writers for assistance.
FAQs
Do I Need a Professional to Write My EBook?
Although you can write an eBook yourself, if you face any difficulty, you can hire professional eBook writers for assistance.
How Long Should My EBook Be?
There is no rule regarding an eBook’s length. A standard eBook can be as short as a few pages to as long as a complete dictionary. The eBook length depends on the topic you discuss.
How Do I Promote my EBook Effectively?
You could use social media, or you could use guest blogging or influencers to market your eBook. But, the best way to promote an eBook is by partnering up with an expert marketing service.
Is it Necessary to Proofread and Edit My EBook?
Absolutely! Before sending it for publishing, you need to thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no grammatical mistakes or errors.
