How to Sell Your E-Book

There are many options for selling an e-book. Most newer versions of MS Word allow for simple formatting and free conversion to PDF files, making it easier than ever to put together a text file with chapter anchors, images, indexes, and anything else your book needs. Once you've got an e-book file ready, you can get it into the marketplace one of three ways.

1. Traditional Presses: The first option is the most difficult and time consuming, but it's also the best if you really want the book to get "out there" and if you're looking to gain respect and credibility among literary circles. This option is, of course, traditional web publishing through a book company. It may take a while for your book to get accepted, but having survived a rigorous editorial process, you'll know your manuscript is truly ready for the public. Many small presses accept submissions for e-books along with conventional books-some good resources to find publishers include the Writer's Market series of books, the International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses reference book, the online Small Press Exchange, and the Duotrope's Digest website. While you're submitting to publishers, keep in mind the suggestions I provide in my article "Tips for Staying on an Editor's Good Side."

2. True Self-Publishing: The second option is pretty easy with some prior website knowledge. Basically, you could create your own author website and offer the e-book through the site. This option provides a level of professionalism not often associated with author-mills and self-publishing sites. Even though you would technically be self-publishing, it would be in a more individualized way, rather than through a huge, faceless, third-party conglomerate. You could personally market your book and tailor the site to match the content you want to sell. Accepting online PayPal payments and setting up secure logins for those who purchased the book is relatively simple with modern Web editing software. This option is a bit pricier, with some upfront costs, but it doesn't reek of the effortlessness that some people link to self-publishing sites.

3. Self-Publishing Through a Third Party: The third option is the dreaded self-publishing web firm. These sites are sometimes called author-mills because they have low editorial standards and don't care about the books themselves so much as they care about turning a profit. This option can work well if you just want to see the book posted but don't care as much about how it is perceived within the literary community. Also, keep in mind that some sites are more reputable than others; when going with a third party website, always be sure to carefully review the user agreement, making sure you keep the rights to your book.

Sources:

Robert Brewer, Writer's Market 2009, Writer's Digest Books.

Lauren Mosko, Novel and Short Story Writer's Market 2008, Writer's Digest Books.

Writer's Digest, Novel and Short Story Writer's Market, Writer's Digest Books, an Imprint of F&W Publications Inc.

Len Fulton, The International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses 2008-2009, Dustbooks.

Small Press Exchange, Small Press Exchange Directory, Small Press Exchange.

Duotrope's Digest, Duotrope's Digest, Duotrope LLC.

James Gapinski, Tips for Staying on an Editor's Good Side, Associated Content.