The art of writing an Ebook

**learningtodowell** · 11-18-2007 10:06 PM

Hi there,

I'm Randall, nice to meet you all. I have been wanting to write an Ebook to sell-- is there anyway i can go about it? Its on a favourite topic of mine, gardening. Just assume i have nothing on my computer except a word processor(word 2003) and a modem. Would love ebook gurus here to share some with this student!

Thanks guys.

**richkid** · 11-18-2007 10:12 PM

Hi there, I have just finished my first ebook. It was only 19 pages but it taught me a lot about the process.

I first created a framework of what the main points would be for the ebook, and then just started writing and I found that it just flowed.

I would recommend that you add pictures to your ebook. As it breaks up all the text.

Word processor is fine, but there is a product that is free called primo PDF once you have finished writing make sure you convert it to pdf before you sell.

**LiveWise** · 11-18-2007 10:26 PM

There are a few other things to keep in mind. Just like publishing a regular book, an e-book needs to have have certain criteria met to stand apart from other books--especially if you are going to want people to pay money to get it.

You need to make sure it looks professional. Are the type fonts, graphics, and all other pertinent information where it needs to be and look how a professional would make it look. I can get tons of e-books for free. I won't spend anything on it if it doesn't look professional.

Second, what makes you an expert in that field? Have you got a degree? Have you worked in that field for 20 years? What makes you qualified and makes your information more valuable?

Third, Check out the demographics for your materials. Are the people that would benefit from your book likely to buy an e-book or a regular book? If the age you are targeting is above 50 years old, chances are, they won't buy an e-book.

Lastly, make sure your title and cover grabs the attention. I know a man that has written 14 New York Best Sellers. On his first novel, he stated how he had a cover that he really liked and put it with a couple of other covers. He then showed it to many people. He didn't go with the cover that he made because people responded better to a different one.

Just some thoughts. I wish you the best.

Natalie

**learningtodowell** · 11-20-2007 03:28 PM

Thanks, all very useful info! That takes care of the planning and pdf creation. So how do i go about selling them? I heard of something called Clickbank.

**Cognition** · 11-20-2007 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by learningtodowell

Thanks, all very useful info! That takes care of the planning and pdf creation. So how do i go about selling them? I heard of something called Clickbank.

Clickbank is a distribution network for selling and promoting [via an affiliate network] your ebook.

But make sure you have someone web savvy to develop the delivery of your information product to the customer, or you may be ripped off by guys stealing your content and reselling it on Ebay.

**learningtodowell** · 11-28-2007 08:08 PM

Thanks everybody for your help and advice. It is refreshing to have such helpful forum members. Here is a callout to successful ebook publishers: Post Your Success Stories Here!

**chaunna** · 11-30-2007 12:58 PM

I've used primo pdf to convert my word docs, but after converting my graphics are a lower quality (if anyone know how to fix that let me know...)

However, my husband uses open office to type his ebooks and then exports to pdf... through openoffice you can set extra secuirity settings... like password protecting the ability to copy and paste from the ebook

as far as expertise.. if the content is good you wont have an issue...I'd also give a good guarantee to your customers - which will show you stand behind ur product.

best of luck on ur book
chaunna

**tmcco** · 01-12-2008 02:12 PM

Randall:
I have just completed publication of my newest ebook entitled The Art of Writing an eBook, How to Use Your Experience and Knowledge to Enrich Yourself and Others.

This ebook is available as a downloadable PDF at: artofwritinganebook

Sincerely
H. Court Young
Geologist, author & publisher
Promoting awareness through the written word

*subscribe to my free ILLUME newsletter and get
my free How to Prepare for the Coming Energy Crisis 3-part mini-course
mailto:illume@getresponse.com*

**IuseDoba** · 01-30-2008 10:28 AM

I have done well with my ebook. I give it away on my website and sell it in other places. I just went to download.com and typed in "pdf converter" and d-loaded a free app. It lets you passwords protect/disable print/disable cut and paste if you want. I disabled cut and paste to keep folks from jackin' my content. My book is nothin' fancy or like any eye candy it's really simple and I get a ton of great feedback about it. Remember it's not what you sell it's how you sell it....