In yesterday’s post, I gave an overview of the first five of ten steps towards creating an ebook. I am getting closer each day to launching my first publication (stay tuned) and want to show you how I did it in 10 easy steps.
To view the first 5 steps from yesterday’s post, click here.
Before we get started with step six, here’s an overview of the five steps covered in the previous post:
1. Brainstorm a topic
2. Outline the book
3. Write & edit each chapter, one at a time
4. Develop ancillary materials
5. Create appropriate bonus items
And now, the next five steps:
6. Format the book layout
Although you’re writing an ebook, readers will still want their book to resemble a traditional text as much as possible. Choose consistent font styles and sizes to give a “print published” look to the downloaded file. I advise selecting a readable font such as Arial, Trebuchet, Calisto, or Lucida instead of the standard Times New Roman. Also, modify margins for easy reading. I use 1” top and bottom margins and 1.25” left and right margins.
You can add other finishing touches for that professional look. Use headings and footers on each page just as you find in the typical paperback. I simply include the book title at the top of each content page and copyright information in the footer. You want readers to know they’re reading a book and not just a computer file.
7. Design a book cover
There are several options for designing an ebook cover:
- Hire a professional graphic artist with ebook experience.
- Price: $100-$500+
- Buy software to create your own ebook cover.
- Price: $25-$75+
- Create your own cover with templates.
- Price: your time and patience
Many ebook authors swear by the cover. I have yet to personally experience this part of the sales process. For now, I will launch my ebook with a cover I designed myself. I am not a graphic designer. I simply used my basic knowledge of a Mac graphic design program to make alterations to an ebook template. In the future, I may invest the $60 to purchase a program from Logo Creator.
8. Setup a merchant account
To sell your book, you’re going to need a payment processing method. Unless you’re tech savvy enough to create your own, chances are you’ll want to sign up for one of the online merchant programs. Here are three services to consider:
- Clickbank
- It’s about $50 to start a Clickbank account (one-time fee). From there, Clickbank takes 7% of each sale. A trusted merchant solutions service, many ebooks are sold through Clickbank because of its reputation and general success. When I launch my product, I’ll be using Clickbank for processing credit card transactions.
- PayPal
- Most of us have heard of Paypal. (Many of us have accounts!) With Paypal, sellers can process credit cards and accept direct deposits from another Paypal account. The major downside of Paypal is the need for an account. The major upside: low processing fees.
- Marketer’s Choice
- If you’re looking for complete account servicing, Marketer’s Choice may be the way to go. With many payment plan options (ranging from $30-$80/month), MC will enable autoresponse email, payment processing, digital delivery and a range of other offerings. The digital delivery function is especially popular with new sellers. MC completely enables product upload and downloads for quick customer access.
For those just getting started, Paypal is a good choice to keep costs low. Clickbank is an excellent way to pay slightly more but increase your overall sales potential. Marketer’s Choice may be reserved for the internet beginner and/or the sales pro.
9. Write and publish a sales page
When marketing your ebook, you’ll want to send customers directly to your sales page. This should consist of an independent website that immediately opens with a lengthy sales letter. Many argue that your sales page is the determining factor in the success of your ebook. If you have a strong page with great copy, you’re more likely to approach the 1-2% conversion rate goal. You might choose to write this page yourself or hire a professional copywriter.
10. Develop and execute a marketing plan
Once all of the product pieces are in place, it’s time to spread the word. In my upcoming ebook promotion, I will be using Google AdWords to advertise my sales page. I have a current plan that will drive a goal number of visitors to my site each day. I then hope to turn a small percentage of these shoppers into buyers.
Any good marketing method needs a plan. You will want to measure the ongoing success (or failure) of your marketing. By tracking the development of your results, you can keep your finger on the pulse of your ebook sales. Remember to think outside of the box, too! You might find cheaper, more effective ways of getting attention (for example, writing online articles or creating a blog).
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There you have it! The complete “10 Steps to Writing an Ebook.” Sure, there are many other side points along the way, but following each of the 10 steps will help guide you in the right direction. Your first time around will be a learning process. Once you’ve mastered the system, you’re well on your way to making a living as an ebook author!
Just rinse and repeat….
Tags: ebooks | write ebooks | info products
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