Fantastic! You’ve decided to write your own ebook. Good move. Whether you’ve written one before or not we have some handy tips to help you write your own ebook and avoid making it a dud.
In terms of creating an ebook you’ve got three options:
- outsource it so someone else writes it for you based on your specs and outline
- buy a PLR ebook that someone else has written and edit it to suit your voice and market
- write it yourself
If you can write the ebook yourself then this is actually the preferred choice. It lets you retain full control over the outcome of the product and you provide some genuine insight and something truly new. Hiring a writer will usually result in an acceptable book that covers all the basics as will a PLR book, but if you have something truly special to say you really need to say it yourself.
Don’t be mistaken though – writing an eBook is hard. It takes time and a reasonable amount of effort. The following tips will help you.
Have a Structure
An ebook is maybe 7000-10000 words. When you’re writing that much you do need to have a reasonable idea of how you’re going to put it together. Draft up an outline and the topics you want to cover. Even a loose structure will give you a cohesive sense of direction. Better to take a little tie now than to end up writing from the hip and ending up with a garbled bunch of drivel that goes nowhere.
Read Other Books in Your Niche
Try not to let others books make you dejected. Read them to learn a few things yourself – how is their book structured, do they cover everything or did they leave something out? Is there a more logical way to write it? Is there a theme running through their book? What ideas can you take away in terms of structure and presentation and gaps to fill?
Write Every Day
If you know your topic well and don’t need to do much research and have a rough outline of how the book will be written then you could potentially write it in a day or two. For most of us though, writing that much content takes discipline. Follow the advice of experts and published writers who have gone before you. Write something every day – even if you only write a paragraph that’s better than writing nothing at all.
Include Images and Tables
If you’re not sure about your writing quality yet you want to add value to your eBook then adding images and tables is a great way to give your product more bang for the buck. Make sure they are relevant and add to the story you’re telling. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Help your reader to understand your content by enhancing it with tables and images. And DO make sure you have the rights to use any images!
Choose a Subject You Know
Writing about something you have no interest, knowledge or passion in is like walking through molasses with your feet tied. There’s little point in writing something you know nothing about. Pick a topic you’re an expert in or do some solid research so you build your knowledge and can expound upon it to others.
Choose a Subject You Enjoy
The more you like the subject you’re writing about the easier it will be to write. Simples. The words and ideas will flow. You’ll be more motivated and enthusiastic about getting the words down and that will reflect in your writing.
Pick a Small Niche
Unless you’re a recognised expert, writing a fitness book for example will mean going up against every other eBook author on the planet who has written on the topic with authority. Instead, select a niche that’s less saturated but with an audience seeking information.
Get it Proofread
Seriously. Just do it. The proofer doesn’t have to be an expert – your best friend will do to pick up basic flow, grammar and spelling. Before you produce your final draft though it’s worth it to get a pro on the job. They will be able to pick up things no friend will even think of.
Focus on the Value Proposition
What’s a value proposition? It’s the way your book is going to change the life of the reader. What’s the big thing they will get from reading your ebook? Will they become wealthier, stronger, smarter or more famous? Focus on communicating this and tie each point into that.
Say Something New
When I studied Theatre it became clear that there is nothing new under the sun – just new ways of putting things. Make sure to say something in a new way. Don’t just regurgitate others ideas. Come up with something that’s completely your own by say, the way you write, the format, the use of case studies or examples. Think about what will make it different.
Ebooks are a great digital product to have in your range of saleable items. The more you have the better. Sure this can be done by others but it’s far more personal and authentic if you write your own. Sit down for 20 minutes, jot down ideas for books then pick one and come up with 5 – 10 subjects to include. Then, start writing!