Once you understand the eBook economy, you may be wondering how to create an eBook yourself. Before you get started with writing and publishing your very own eBook, there are a few steps to consider and keep in mind along the way.
Identify your target audience
Before you begin writing your eBook, you will first need to identify and establish your target audience. Knowing how to identify and segment an audience can be helpful with everything, from choosing which topics to cover in your eBook to selecting the platforms that are ideal for marketing your eBook.
Consider the age range, gender, location, and even specific interests or hobbies of individuals you are interested in reaching while identifying your target audience. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What problem(s) does my eBook intend to address?
- Who am I going to help with the content of my eBook?
- How will I promote my eBook to the target audience and demographics I intend to reach?
- Why will my target audience find my eBook interesting and/or useful?
Asking yourself these questions before you begin writing can also help you to better frame your eBook so it is properly targeted towards the right audience.
Choose a topic
Choose the topic of your eBook and consider its significance as it relates to your own business and brand. How will the topic you are covering help the audience you intend to reach? Has the topic already been covered extensively? Can your business or brand bring a fresh and unique take to the topic you intend to cover?
Do your research
Conduct adequate research on the topic(s) you intend to cover to determine whether or not there is currently a viable market available for your eBook and to choose the right narrative for your book itself. When you are researching topics for a new eBook, keep the following tips in mind:
- Research specific keywords and phrases that are most relevant to the topic you intend to cover in your eBook. Use keyword research tools to check the trends surrounding the subject you plan to cover in your eBook.
- Compare existing printed books and eBooks that cover similar subjects and topics as your own eBook to determine if there is a viable market available to reach.
- Do a deep dive on the topic you intend to cover to know the ins and outs of the community that has a genuine interest in knowing more about the subject you intend to write about in your eBook.
- Determine if there is an authentic demand for your product, information, or content by conducting keyword and community research. Join groups, message boards, and online forums to learn more about what it is that the community surrounding your eBook's topic is looking for and needs.
Outline chapters
Once you have a basic idea for your eBook, you can begin outlining chapters to help create a guideline for the book itself. Starting a new book (eBook or printed) without a chapter outline can leave you feeling stuck or lost, especially if you are unsure of where to begin. Use a chapter outline to help guide the tone, narrative, and ultimately, the conclusion of the book you intend to publish.
Write each chapter
Begin writing each of your chapters once you have a basic outline in place. Use sources, statistics, and links to help back up each claim you make if you are publishing a non-fiction eBook. Do not worry about the flow or proofreading during this stage. Simply share as much information as possible in each of your designated chapters from your chapter outline.
Edit your eBook
After writing the first draft of your eBook, you will need to take the time to complete the editing process. Editing your eBook can be done on a chapter-by-chapter basis, preventing you from becoming overwhelmed at the prospect of re-reading and editing your entire book. You can also work with an editor locally or even remotely to help streamline and expedite the editing process.
Design your eBook
While the content of your eBook is one of the most important elements to consider while creating an eBook, the design and appearance of your book can also make a significant difference once your book is published and available for sale.
You only have one opportunity to make a positive and lasting first impression, especially when you are attempting to promote and sell an eBook in a popular, competitive, or even in a highly saturated market.The use of various professional creative assets can assist in developing a visually appealing and relevant eBook cover and design that is right for your business and brand. The more visually appealing and relevant a book appears, the more likely it is to receive clicks and, ultimately, sales.