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Step 1
Define a concept. To do this, ask yourself who the bulk of your clients are. “But,” you may be thinking, “I write for a lot of different clients.” That may be true, but if you go through your list with a fine-toothed comb, you will most likely start to see some patterns.
For example, let’s say you have 17 steady clients. They range from web designers to traditional book publishers. But, when you look through your project list, you see that the bulk of your work is editing content. It can be press releases or articles for websites, but the bulk of your projects are editing work. In this case, a perfect ebook to create and give away to clients would be, “How the Right Editor Can Increase Your Profits by 15-25%.” -
Step 2
Write an outline. Once you’ve defined a concept and know what you’re going to write about, create an outline. It doesn’t have to be official, just get down the major ideas you want to cover.
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Step 3
Hire a writer. The reason you want to create an outline is so you can give it to a writer. The reason I advise hiring a writer to write your ebook is because most freelance writers have tons of ideas for ebooks, but they never get around to writing them. This is especially true when they are to be used as free giveaways. Hiring a writer will (i) get the ebook done, and (ii) bring a fresh perspective to the material.
A lot of the time, when freelance writers write their own stuff, they’re too close to it and may overlook salient points.
When you hire the writer be sure to tell them that it is a promotional tool for your business, and the type of clients you deal with (ie, most of my clients are book publishers). That way, they can slant the language toward that target market. -
Step 4
Edit the copy. When you hire the aforementioned writer, give them a deadline to get the completed copy back to you. Be sure that whomever you hire includes at least one round of edits in their price.
You will more than likely have edits and you shouldn’t have to pay an additional fee for this.
NOTE: When you hire a writer to produce the ebook to promote your freelance writing business, try to find someone who has written ebooks before. They will be more familiar with what you’re looking for. -
Step 5
Convert to a PDF file. To prevent whomever you forward the ebook to from having any problems accessing it, convert it into a PDF file. This way Mac and PC users will be able to access it with no trouble.
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Step 6
Upload it to your freelance writing website. The home page is ideal because you want everyone to easily access a copy. Make it a free download.
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Step 7
Create a newsletter and other distribution. If you produce a newsletter, be sure to promote it here and in any other marketing you do.
When you use an ebook to promote your freelance writing business, you set yourself up as an authority in your industry. This alone sets you apart from the competition.
