How to Write an Ebook

If you spend much time online you have seen them: nestled on the sidebars or offered as free downloads, advertised on web sites like Amazon and E-Junkie. Ebooks are being touted as the future of publishing.

Ebooks give aspiring writers the ability to publish their works without having to fight to break into the publishing industry. No longer do unpublished writers have to beg an agent for representation, instead they can have full control of when and where their book gets issued, how it looks and what it sells for.

Creating an Ebook does not require specialized software; they can be designed using free software like OpenOffice and Microsoft Paint. If you do not own a computer you can even create one online using free resources like Google Docs to store and format your ebook, using whatever computer you can, whenever you can.

Choose a Subject

Choose a subject that you are passionate about. If you are an excellent painter, you could write an ebook about one aspect of painting. "How to Prime Various Painting Surfaces" could be one title.

Choose a narrow focus on your ebook. If you choose a subject that is too broad you will get bogged down before you begin. Keep it Simple.

Outline Your Steps

Create a basic outline of the steps needed to accomplish the task you are teaching about. Start at the very beginning and take care not to leave a single step out, no matter how elementary it may seem.

Use Active Phrasing

Start your steps with action words like "Go here" or "Do this." This will help to keep your reader engaged.

Include Tips and Warnings

Provide value by offering any tips and warnings that you are aware of.

Use Images and Links

Images and links provide added value to your work. Photographs offering step-by-step details and links to pages that provide additional information will make your ebook stand out from the pack and help keep the reader engaged.

Create Your Cover

Create your cover using an image or design emblazoned with your name and the title of your work. Keep it simple but make it stand out. If you have a friend with an artistic bent, ask them for assistance.

Upload your Ebook

Upload your ebook to a publishing service like Lulu to enable readers to locate and purchase your book.

Promote your Ebook

Give all of your friends and family a link to your ebook page. Post it on MySpace and Facebook. Add a link to your blog or website if you have one. Every person you meet is a potential customer, and they can't buy your book if they don't know about it.

Repeat

Once you get your first ebook completed, why not start another? Every ebook you release has the potential to make you money over and over again, like fishing hooks in the water. The more hooks you put out, the greater your chances of earning money.

Source:

"How to Write and Sell an Ebook"