I am nearing completion of my first ebook project and would like to share my experience to help make sense of a complicated process. Like any other new project, the first time is always a challenge. Looking back on the process, I can identify 10 clear steps I followed along the path. As the saying goes “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch; yard by yard, life is hard.” The same must apply to the “step-by-step” model.
So, here are the first five steps (I’ll post the next five tomorrow) of the 10-step ebook plan:
1. Brainstorm a viable/doable topic
Coming up with your ebook topic is no simple task. The first time around, the topic may be a no-brainer. If you have specific experience with something that others would pay to learn more about, that’s your golden egg.
But if you’re looking to develop a topic for the market, more research is involved. I would start with a tool like Google Trends. Do quick searches to find out what topics are hot on the internet. Even if your idea is already obvious, you’ll still want to think about how you will “spin” or market the ebook. Often, books and/or ebooks are already available on the subject. Like any business marketing plan, your job is to find your unique offering. In simple terms: what sets you apart? That’s your selling point.
2. Outline the book
I strongly recommend writing an outline for your book right away. Even though I don’t always advise my writing students use outlines, I believe they are absolutely essential for writing a book. This will likely be your first big writing project. You’re going to need a plan for getting from page 1 to page 100. Trust me, it’s too easy to get lost along the way.
Your outline doesn’t need to be too involved early on. Start with simple chapter titles followed by a handful of important points to be covered. Some will be fine with this kind of skeleton guide, while others will need more detail and supporting points. In my experience, the more the better. When your mental energy is low and you’re in the middle of a writing session, a detailed outline can be just the thing to put you back on track. I also enjoy having the option of jumping from chapter 2 on Tuesday to chapter 7 on Wednesday.
3. Write & edit each chapter, one at a time
When you start writing a chapter, don’t start until you finish at least a solid rough draft. Once that’s complete, move on to another chapter before beginning your editing process. It’s beneficial to allow for some time between writing and editing, at least 24 hours. Also, allow plenty of time for editing. When I teach writing courses, I always remind students that the best writers spend 50% of their total writing process time on revisions. Remember: you’ll only write words once, but you’ll edit them many times over before the work is complete.
4. Develop ancillary materials
While you’re writing the book, jot down ideas about how you’ll supplement the content with other materials. But don’t actually write these materials until you’re finished with the book – and I mean finished. The “Table of Contents” is one example of a document supplement you’ll want to create. If you try to throw the TOC together before you’re actually finished… well, you get the idea.
5. Create appropriate bonus items
Other supplements might include the crucial “bonus items” that act as the supporting actors to your ebook star. I believe ebook sales are greatly supported by the infamous “bonus items” awarded to online buyers. Throwing in an extra ebook on another subject is a classic approach to stuffing the sale. You might also throw in mentorship emails or other exclusive access to the author. The best bonus items will be those that sweeten the pot without distracting the buyer from the featured product.
In tomorrow’s post, I’ll look at the final five steps. Here’s a preview:
6. Format the book layout
7. Design a book cover
8. Setup a merchant account
9. Write and publish a sales page
10. Develop and execute a marketing plan
Click here to read Part 2 of this series.
Tags: ebooks | write ebooks | info products
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