How to Write and Sell an Ebook

When I first started writing for profit, the idea of creating ebooks was very appealing to me. I just didn't really know how to do it. In this article, I'll show you one option you can take. It's not the only way to do things, but it's a way I know that's legitimate and helpful.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Desire to create and sell your own ebook.
• Microsoft Word
• An Internet connection

1. Obviously, you're going to need to have an idea or some existing material in mind to do this project. For me, I had some short stories on a site called Writing.com. Basically on that site, people could read my work for free. After I had written 14 short stories, I decided I wanted to combine them into a book and if possible, an ebook that could be instantly downloaded.

2. At this point, there are a lot of options out there available to you. After I did some research, I personally decided to look into a site called Lulu.com. Basically they're publishing on demand, meaning you don't have to put up money to be in their system and sell copies of your books and ebooks. Lulu and sites like it make money when something sells, and the percentage isn't bad considering many of the people who've bought my books I've never personally met (one even lived in Singapore!). My general recommendation however is be very careful when it comes to your money and finding a distribution source. There are scams out there, as well as good opportunities.

3. Lulu and similar sites like it have templates where you can upload a Microsoft Word copy of your work and have it formatted to an Adobe Reader download. I recommend this because it works with a lot of different electronic readers as well as most computers since the program itself is free.

4. If you do self-publish, keep in mind that your marketing is primarily in your own hands. This can actually be a good thing if you enjoy it. I personally keep my marketing very simple. I have a blog and just write in a lot of different areas to where there's at least some name recognition and hopefully the realization I put a lot into what I'm doing. You just have to be patient, and good things will happen for you if you're persistent.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you don't consider yourself a writer, there's a high demand for knowledge in a lot of different areas. Give it some thought because you may have something to offer that other people would like to know more about.
• Unless it's a copy of an actual print book, I'm learning to keep ebooks shorter due to people read them during shorter time spans.
• I've included some links to what I'm personally doing, not be be arrogant and say "Hey, look at me!" but to show you that I'm just a normal person. If I can do this, you can do it with your ideas as well. I think there's more than enough room for everybody when it comes to this field because we all have different gifts and interests.
• Don't assume that if you just write the book that people are going to flock to buy it. Writing the book is about 50% of the work and marketing is about the other 50% when it comes to making an income doing this.

Resources

• Writer's Reference Directory and Guide
• Web Writer Central--Has Other Ways of Making Income Through Writing
• How-to Article Central
• Patricia Gilliam's Author's Blog
• Patricia Gilliam's Twitter Page

[bandgard]

on 10/7/2009 Thanks for the advice. I am looking to writing an ebook or two. I will check out lulu.com. Thanks!

[AnneZ]

on 8/24/2009 Great info on writing and selling eBooks! 5*s

[LilacGirl]

on 9/15/2008 Very helpful and informative article.

[cplavoukos]

on 9/8/2008 Thank you for such great advice! Now I know what to do with all the things I've been writing over the past few years...great ideas for blogging as well. Thanks so much!

[bront3]

on 6/4/2008 I added to my faves as well...