How to Write an eBook in Word

Writing an ebook is a great way to share your ideas online either for profit or as a way to promote another existing product or business.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Word

1. 
   Write an ebook - Page setup

   Open a new Word document. Click 'File' and 'Page Setup'. A pop up such as the one in the picture here will come up. This shows the settings I personally use.

2. 
   Write an ebook - Heading 1 tag circled

   'Pre-load' your document with your chapter titles. Use the 'Header 1' tag in the font style drop down list. Center your titles.

3. 
   Write an ebook - Page break circled

   Hit enter key after typing in each chapter title. Now, insert page break. Click 'Insert', choose 'break' and then select 'page break' in the pop up window and click 'okay'. This ensures each chapter begins on a new page and helps you stay in order.

4. 
   Write an ebook - Heading 2 style

   Go back to each chapter page and insert your sub-chapters using the 'heading 2' font style selection. You can adjust the font size, color, etc if you like. Word will remember this choice in the list for next time. I bold and make them one font size larger than the regular text. Centering or leaving to the left is personal preference.

5. Repeat step 4 with Heading 3 styles if you have further major points in your outline.

6. Go back through your book and insert the information (text) you wish to write in your new ebook.

7. Be sure to have the spell check on. Word will check your spelling and grammar. Make use of this feature! Improper spelling will be underlined in red. Poor grammar will be underlined in green. Right click to be able to choose one of Word's suggested corrections.

8. 
   Write an ebook - table of contents 1

   If you'd like to have a table of contents, go to either the beginning or the end of your document and click 'Insert' then 'References' then 'Index and Tables'.

9. 
   Write an ebook - table of contents 2

   Choose 'Table of Contents' in the window that pops up. Fill out the form to fit your preferences and click 'okay'. This will only work if you've used the header tags as suggested.

10. 
    Write an ebook - Insert Pictures

    Go through your ebook and add photos, graphics and screen captures if you like. Do make sure any photos and graphics you use are LEGAL for you to use in an ebook. Go to 'Insert' then 'Picture' then 'from file'. They must be images you have earlier saved to your computer. You can resize them by clicking once and then dragging in or out at the corners.

11. Save your file AGAIN. (you should be saving OFTEN as you go along)

Tips & Warnings

• Check terms of service on any photo or graphics site you wish to borrow images from. If it doesn't tell you, call or shoot off an email to ask the owner for permission. Keep this permission for your records. PRINT IT.
• Add bulleted and numbered lists when possible. ebook readers love them.
• Have a few different friends proof read it for you when you think it's finished.
• SAVE YOUR WORK OFTEN!!!!! Can't be stressed enough. After each step. After every 10 - 15 minutes of working on it... SAVE!

[veryirie]

on 8/3/2009 Very helpful, step by step info; thanks for such a well done article!

[essie2006]

on 7/27/2009 Thanks

[clintinvestment]

on 6/30/2009 thanks

[sharishops]

on 3/28/2009 This is a great step-by-step guide for writing an eBook! Adding to my favs!

[jdosjs]

on 2/23/2009 Good thorough information, thank you.