How to Create and Distribute an E-book for Free

Self-publishing houses charge you to upload your book and cover.

You have an idea for a book but until it's written and published no one will be able to read it. One way to get your written word out into the world is to create and distribute an e-book for free. According to "The New York Times," the e-book represents about 5 percent of the book market. Authors are still coming to grasps with the new format and one way to take advantage of the new technology is to sell it entirely by yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Paper
• Pen
• Digital camera

Instructions

1. Write out an outline of your proposed book idea with your home computer or paper and pen. Non-fiction and fiction books should start with a solid outline. For non-fiction, you need an introduction, table of contents with chapter titles and a conclusion. Fiction books need a beginning, middle and end as a basic outline.

2. Write your book out using your outline as a guide. It does not have to be followed strictly, but the outline helps you see the overall shape of your book. After a first draft, edit it thoroughly to eliminate any typos. Ask a trusted friend or relative to also read a copy.

3. Design your own cover with a photograph or use free images. Edit them using your computer's design software. Create a cover that expresses what your book is about. Ask a friend or relative to take a photograph of you for your website and book with a digital camera.

4. Convert your completed book into an EXE or PDF file so it can be downloaded onto a reader's computer. The advantage of these formats is that you can add links within your book to your website and products, if your book is non-fiction. Most updated word processing software allows you to easily convert to PDF, but converting to EXE needs extra software from websites, such as Giveaway of the Day or Soft Interface (see Resources).

5. Create a free website using Blogger (blogger.com) or Word Press (wordpress.com) (see Resources). These blogging sites offer free blog-style websites with free templates. Set up your own website to distribute and sell your e-book. Write an introduction about yourself and a summary of your book. Upload pictures of your book's cover and your photograph. Be sure to include the link to your e-book on the website.

6. Set up a merchant account to receive payment for the book. Websites such as Click Bank (clickbank.com) or Google Checkout (google.checkout.com) are free ways to take orders from customers.

Tips & Warnings

• Advertise your book on other blogs, social networks and websites. Look for sites where you think potential readers may be found.

• Ask friends, professionals or relatives to read your book and write a review on your website.

• Set up a free social networking page about your book.

• Read over any contracts if you decide to work with a self-publishing book company.

References

• CNET; Self-publishing a book; 25 Things You Need to Know, David Carnoy, July 2010
• Web Source; How to Create, Sell and Distribute Your Own Ebook, Shelley Lowery
• "NY Times"; With Kindle, the Best Sellers Don't Need to Sell, Motoko Rich, January 2010
• Online Business Basics; 10 Quick Tips on How to Create, Distribute, and Profit from Free eBooks, Angela Wu

Resources

• Giveaway of the Day: Convert DOC to EXE
• Soft Interface: Convert File Programs
• Word Press: Home
• Blogger: Home
• Google Checkout: Home
• Click Bank: Home