Woman sits with her laptop and ponders how to write an ebook

How to Write (and Sell) an eBook

By: Lidia Hartle

Writing and selling an ebook can be a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with a wide audience while also earning money. But we’re the first to admit: getting started can be daunting. To help, we’ve outlined nine steps to help get your creative juices flowing, your pages filled with amazing content, and your bank account cha-ching-ing with extra income. Here’s how.

  1. Choose your topic and niche.
    Decide what you want to write about and who your target audience will be. It’s important to choose a topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about, and that there is demand for in the market. What are you an expert in, or what information do you have to share that no one else can?
  2. Conduct research.
    Look into your topic and see what other similar ebooks are available on the market. This will help you to identify gaps in the market and opportunities for your own unique content. Think about your own early experience with the topic. What questions did you have? What information could you not find? Those are great starting points for writing an ebook that can really resonate with your audience.
  3. Create an outline.
    Develop an outline for your ebook, including chapter headings and subheadings. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your content flows logically.
  4. Write the content.
    Easier said than done, no? By completing the steps above, you’ll know exactly what to write, so it’s time to put pen to paper. Don’t get trapped or disheartened by writer’s block. Just start writing! You can always edit later. Write in a clear, concise, and engaging way that will resonate with your target audience. Use examples and case studies where appropriate to illustrate your points.
  5. Edit and proofread.
    Once you have finished writing your ebook, it’s important to edit and proofread it thoroughly. Read it over carefully, checking for errors, typos, and inconsistencies. You might even ask a close friend or professional proofreader to give your work a review, too. If they have questions or are confused about something, there’s a good chance the wider audience will feel the same. Take critical feedback to heart, and don’t be disappointed if your proofreader suggests ways to improve the work.
  6. Design the ebook.
    Make your ebook visually appealing by designing an attractive cover and formatting the content in a way that’s easy to read. You can hire a professional designer or use online tools to create a professional-looking ebook.
  7. Choose a platform to sell your ebook.
    There are many platforms available for selling ebooks, including Amazon, Apple, and Google Play. Choose the platform that is most appropriate for your target audience and make sure you know all the fees and costs involved. Price your book accordingly, so that it reflects your hard work but is also seen as a value to your target audience.
  8. Promote your ebook.
    Once your ebook is published, you need to promote it to attract readers. Use social media, email marketing, and other channels to spread the word and encourage people to buy your book. Consider reaching out to other influencers and thought leaders in your industry to see if they’ll consider recommending the book to their audience or giving the book a review.
  9. Engage with your readers.
    Respond to feedback and reviews, and engage with your readers on social media and other channels. This will help you build a loyal following and increase sales of future ebooks. The more people reading, chatting about, recommending, and sharing your work, the better!

Writing and selling an ebook can be a great way to share your expertise and earn some extra money. By following these nine steps, you can create a high-quality ebook that resonates with your target audience and attracts readers. With the right promotion and engagement, you can turn your ebook into a successful and profitable venture.

Want some help getting started? Propel has the writers and editors on hand to help you draft, review, or even ghostwrite your ebook. Our designers can also help with the book cover and layout, while our digital markets can help spread the word. We’re your one-stop-shop for writing and selling a profitable ebook!