- 1). Make a list of the topics you are most knowledgeable about that you would like to write a book about, then narrow it down to just two. From these, decide which one you have the most authoritative information about and experience with.
- 2). Plan the structure of your book. Introduction, chapter outlines, and a list of resources for the reader who wants to know more about the subject. Gather any articles that you have already written about this subject and begin to redraft them into chapter material. Take care to ensure that the layout flows in a way that is easily readable. Reading from a screen is more difficult than reading from a page, so you want to make the written material as easily accessible to the reader as possible.
- 3). Cut out any excessive discussion. Self-help, instructional and information books can sometimes be about 50 pages long, or about 25,000 - 35,000 words, because readers prefer to take in the information in a few short sittings. If you are writing a non-fiction book and have a lot to say on the subject, you can "bait" your readers with a follow-on book. Have your text proof-read and edited by at least three people -- these can be friends or family, or you can hire someone from an online freelancing website to do this for you. This step is important, as it is difficult to be your own proofreader and editor and to ruthlessly cut any material that bogs down the book.
- 1). Format your written material on its current document. Make sure that the page layout, spacing, paragraphs beginnings, and page numbers, table of contents, and index, have all been given a professional finish. Check it with someone who has written an e-book before, or even hire it out to a freelance graphic designer with experience in book page layouts to make sure that your book is laid out properly. Formatting the content will really show off the content -- sloppy formatting will put your reader off. Use the properly laid out document in a PDF converter program or other e-book converter file -- if not readily available, one can be found with an online search -- to save your written material into an online book format (a PDF, for example).
- 2). Hire a graphic designer or illustrator to design a book cover for you if you are not confident enough to do one for yourself. A photographer can also supply images that could be used for a cover. People also specialize in book cover design; you may wish to search for such a person or send all the material you've gathered from the other sources to such a person to compose the elements well. You can search for someone on a freelancing website, where prices tend to be competitive. Alternatively, do a search to find websites that provide e-book cover templates and designs. Spend the needed time to do this well; the cover is the first impression that a reader will get of your work.
- 3). Check that the book appears as you want it to. Ensure all text and any images are present, including bullet points, paragraph layout, table of contents, and additional information such as resources. With the cover finished and added onto the PDF document, your e-book is now complete and needs to be tested by some volunteer readers. Ask them to be honest in their feedback -- now is your time to make those changes that can be made before the book goes public, and will boost your sales.
- 4). Decide on which online e-book publisher you want to use. Smashwords circulates e-books to retailers such as Apple, Sony, and Barnes and Noble. If you use Clickbank, they help you to market your e-book through affliliate advertising. One of the benefits of using publishers such as these, is that they tailor the formatting of your book to accommodate the iPad and Kindle.
- 5). Set up a sales page on your website, with a PayPal widget that enables customers to buy the book directly from you. Market the book using social networking sites and affiliate advertising by product manufacturers who have an interest in your field. For example, if you publish an e-book on how to conquer anxiety, market it to related brands such as over-the-counter anti-anxiety products.