Writing your first ebook may seem like a daunting task. But like many projects, it won’t seem so bad if broken down into manageable chunks. Not all projects are successful, so don’t be too disappointed if your first ebook isn’t a bestseller. Whatever the outcome of your first e-book, you can at least say “You did it.”
Like many things in life, what often seems impossible can be accomplished with the right attitude and the right equipment. It could be a marathon run, climbing a mountain, or finding a place to park at the grocery store.
If you want to play golf, you will need clubs, balls, and some practice. There is no guarantee that he will become another Tiger Woods, but he will become a golfer.
If you want to write an eBook, you will need a computer, software and some instructions. Assuming you have a computer and software or access to them, here are some instructions.
State your reasons
His reasons for wanting to write an ebook will have a major impact on your success. It can be for financial gain, promoting a business, advancing your career, education, personal satisfaction, or something else entirely. Whatever your reasons, write them down. It will help you motivate yourself if the going gets tough.
Choose your theme
There are countless topics you can write about. It is advisable to choose something that has an interest or knowledge. It is worth spending time on this. The more you know about your subject, the easier it is to write about it.
Choose your title
Once you have chosen your theme, you’ll need a title for the ebook. It is worth noting some different before deciding which one will use. This will help you keep your focus and may give you some other ideas. The title should give a clear indication of the content of your book. An attractive title can help sell it, but remember to balance this clearly to keep it in context. I have written two examples. Feel free to use if you have sense of humor.
A Clubbers paradise – Golf in Ibiza
20 minutes late: the future of trains
Choose your audience
The theme and style of your writing will determine your audience. Decide who your desired audience will be. Age, gender, culture, social background, and education are factors you may want to consider. What you write should be aimed at the desired audience.
Write your thesis statement
Although it is possible to write your e-book without a ‘thesis statement’, it is not recommended. If you are not familiar with this term, there are many sources available that will provide all the details you need. Unfortunately, there are some differences of opinion that can cause confusion.
The ‘thesis statement’ deserves a separate article, but for now I have written a general definition of a thesis statement for e-books. This may leave the door open for criticism, but it is a small price to pay if it eliminates some of the confusion. More importantly, it will give you a basis on which to start. Use it only as a guide. If you want a more specific definition, Google is a good place to start your search.
A thesis statement is a sentence or two written to clearly show the reason (s) for your e-book and what you hope to write about.
Although I have referred to this as a general definition, keep in mind that your actual statement should be as specific as possible.
Think of it as the foundation of your e-book. It should contain the following:
1) Your topic
2) Your opinion on the subject
3) A supporting reason for your opinion
4) The meaning of 1), 2) and 3)
Create your document
Now that you have the foundation, you can start writing.
A standard application like MS Word is a good option.
While writing your paper, you can review your thesis statement at any time until it is published. This provides a good degree of flexibility.
Choose the format and layout of your document, including chapters, titles, and introductions. Depending on your topic, you may want to add photos, anecdotes, or testimonials that hold the reader’s attention.
Since an e-book is usually read from a screen, you may want to break up the text more than a printed book. Experiment with a few different sources and look in other e-books for ideas you can use. Check the spelling and save your document regularly. MS Word has an automatic recovery function. This is useful if you don’t save your document regularly and then experience a system crash. Always backup documents. As a precaution, you should also keep a copy on another media such as a CD.
Choose the format of your e-book
This is a personal decision. You can decide to create an executable file (.exe) or a portable document format file (.pdf). It is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some points to consider before choosing.
EXE files are compiled using a compiler eBook
EXE files can offer features not available with PDF files
EXE files can only be read on a PC
EXE files do not require any other software to be read
EXE files are easy to open, easy to identify, and good viral marketing tools.
EXE files can be susceptible to viruses, although some compilers offer virus protection
You can find more information about the best compilers at
http://www.ebook-site.com/ebook-compilers.html
PDF files can be created with Adobe Acrobat
PDF files can be created with other third party applications
PDF files are an industry standard
PDF files can be read on both PC and MAC
PDF files require reading Adobe Reader
PDF files are highly unlikely to get infected
More information about PDF files can be found on the website of Adobe
Create your e-book
Create your e-book in your chosen format.
Congratulations, there is already an author.