How to Write an Ebook

How to Write an Ebook

Ebook 101

So I did something exciting a couple of days ago, I published my first-ever Ebook! I had wanted to write one for quite a while and the timing just lined up perfectly and I finally got it done.

An Ebook (in case you weren’t sure) is a book that you publish in the online world. I used Amazon Kindle publishing because it was the most recommended, easy, and free. You just can’t beat that.

Ebooks can be as long or short as you want them to be pretty much. The main thing you want to focus on is the quality of your writing. Whether it is fiction or nonfiction the quality is number one. Also, use quality images throughout your book. And if you’re planning on printing the book as well, you’ll want to aim for more pages.

 

Where to Type the Book

Ebooks can be typed into several different software programs. I stumbled upon a site (and I’m so glad I did) called Reedsy that was recommended so I checked it out and ended up using it to write my ebook on. I first typed my Ebook in Microsoft Word, then I copied and pasted my chapters into Reedsy.

Reedsy has the layouts and saves the files in the format that you need to publish the ebook. Once you have your table of contents, preface, chapters, and any other sections you want to add, you simply save your work. Then, export the file into Epub (for Amazon Kindle Publishing and many others) then it is saved and you can download your new book onto your computer.

 

How to Write the Book

If you are like I was a couple of days ago and have never written an ebook before-don’t stress! It’s actually a lot easier than I ever dreamed it could be. I think part of putting it off so long was because I just didn’t know what to do or how to do it.

When writing your ebook, start with your introduction. Outline everything the book is going to be about. Or you can do the intro last, it worked best for me starting with it. Then outline your chapters and their titles. Summarize each chapter and everything it’s about.

Then you simply go back and fill in all the blanks. You’ll be surprised how it all just comes together. I mention more detail further down, but if you use a site like Reedsy, it does all of the formatting and design work for you. Just insert your chapters and pictures and export them- viola!

 

Book Cover

Many people recommend Fiverr or other similar services where you have to pay someone to design your book cover. I love Canva and use them for everything so I made my ebook cover on their site. They offer free and paid plans and they are really worth checking out. I make Youtube thumbnails, Pinterest pins, and other blog designs on Canva.

I really expected it to be harder and take longer to design a cover for the ebook, but it only took a few minutes. I am very happy with my cover and I’m glad that I didn’t have to pay someone else to design it and have to wait even longer to have it completed.

 

Selling Your Ebook

My book was just published on Amazon a day and a half ago and I didn’t do any promoting for it so I have not sold any copies yet. I have however had people browsing it on Kindle Unlimited so that’s something! If you select KDP direct it lasts 90 days and you can’t list your ebook for sale anywhere else.

The pro to that is when people browse pages unlimited, you make money for it. And of course, you can make money when you sell copies of your book. There are other platforms out there (as well as your website) where you can list your book for sale if you didn’t choose KDP Direct or if you decide to go a route other than Kindle Publishing.

With Kindle Publishing you also have the option of selling your ebook in paperback form to your customers. I haven’t quite figured out the formatting for paperback just yet, so, for now, I am sticking to ebook. Tackling the paperback is my next goal for sure.

Lastly

If you’ve never written a book before, an ebook is a great way to go. Especially if you publish for free with Amazon Kindle Publishing, other print publishers tend to cost quite a bit. It’s a fairly simple process and if you use Reedsy or another similar site it’s even easier. You don’t have to worry about all of the formatting and design, etcetera, and the stress and frustrations that can come with it.

For me that is best, I can get in my typing groove and just go with it. And uploading everything on Kindle Publishing is quick and easy. My book went live within a couple of hours.

Don’t doubt yourself and your abilities. Have a friend read your work before you publish it. And promoting definitely wouldn’t hurt. Share with friends and family as well as online groups and your social media pages.

If you currently have an Ebook out there, I’d love to check it out! Drop me a link in the comments.

 

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  1. CA says:

    This is very interesting! I might write one later on. I just need to come up with a very good topic or story first.

  2. Kristyn says:

    Having this all written down makes it seem much less overwhelming. It makes it feel much more doable!

  3. chad says:

    These are amazing!!! My wife started writing her first book and is very interested in publishing it as an ebook. Great resources, thank you.

  4. This looks like an amazing idea. All I thought is writing an e-book has exclusivity. Thank you for sharing these tips. <3

  5. Anna Bruder says:

    No problem, it helps to get right to it 🙂

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