You are an expert in something. Anyone who’s lived on the planet for a certain amount of time is. Whether it’s a business subject, a research topic, or informed opinions based on your experiences, I believe everyone has a book in them!
For a lot of people, though, it’s a daunting task. Sometimes I say “you have a book in you” to friends and eyes roll. The back peddling begins.
But consider the fact that an eBook might be an easier answer for you – easier to get done so your brilliance will get out there!
I’ve created four and downloaded a bunch more.
For lots of users – your audience – the instant gratification is very appealing!
Some advice:
• No matter what form your book takes, it needs to be your best work, well written and edited. It will represent your business and you, so think about hiring an editor to make you shine!
• eBooks tend to be shorter and punchier. Lots of white space, and a quick read. Once you’ve decided on your subject, do an outline and consider chapters or a “How to do X in 10 steps” format. A typical outline would be:
– Catchy looking cover with a great title and image (your logo, website, a few teaser lines about content)
– Title page (repeat the title and add other marketing information)
– Contents page
– About the author (why should the reader listen to YOU?)
– Introduction (set up what you’re about to tell them)
– Chapters or Steps (the meat of the book)
– Any other advice about your subject or templates for them to follow (I’ve given templates of press releases and forms, for example)
– Disclaimer (especially if you’re promising something will happen as a result of your eBook, this is important; there are lots of legal templates out there)
– Publishing information (publisher, copyright, credits, ISBN number)
– Back cover (another place for your website or other marketing information)
• Try to occasionally be witty, and absolutely be warm and familiar with the reader. Your helping the reader to do something. Also eBooks, because they’re short, are a good place to be charming, to the point, and helpful.
• Use pictures if you have them, especially if they illustrate what you’re teaching people or if they’re samples of work you’ve done. But pictures aren’t essential for eBooks.
• Once you have your manuscript, and I hope it’s been edited, it needs to be laid out (designed). You CAN just use Microsoft Word, or contact a professional designer for help. You want it to look good, but you also want to get it done.
• The resulting “thing” you need to produce is a pdf for you to upload to your store if you’re selling your eBook. If you’re not, just upload the pdf right to your website, create an “ad” for it on your home page, and then send an email blast to everyone you know – which you would do in either case. Then, there’s the press release that goes out and you mentioning it at any possible moment!
You’re providing instant gratification, but some people don’t “get” eBooks and you will have to explain that THEY print it out and pick up a notebook cover for it.
The most important thing here is the information, not the format.
Length? One of my eBooks is 24 pages. Another is 35. Another 40. Another 107 because it’s a historical biography. Just write what you want to say and don’t worry about the length!
And remember to enjoy the process. This will be an important business tool for you to use to show your expertise.
Enjoy, and keep me posted!
