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Tips to Writing an eBook That Leads to Sales … Hire a Freelance/Ghost Writer

September 14, 2011 By 2 Comments
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Every writer begins a book or eBook differently. Sometimes, I start at the beginning or end and then write the middle. If you want an eBook, it’s best to begin at the end. Why? This is a good way to figure out the goal of your eBook is. When you know what he end will be, the beginning and middle can be written.

Answer the following questions:

  • What do I hope to accomplish by having an eBook?
  • Who is the target audience?
  • What problem(s) need solving?
  • What will readers get from reading the eBook?
  • Why should readers give their name, email addresses and other pertinent information in order to receive the eBook?
  • How does my eBook differ from the countless ones already available online?
  • What is the log-line (two to three sentences) for the eBook? This clearly defines what it is.
  • What kind of staying power will my eBook have?

Most eBooks are 5,000 words or less. Writing a lengthy eBook could work against you because your target audience may not have the time to read it. Most people want to get in and get out because they lead busy lives. Also, make sure you avoid long sentences and jargon because your eBook could get lost in translation. Include graphs, charts and other media if it will enhance your eBook.

Tip #1: Mind your words. In other words, “Say what you want to say and say it.” Avoid using fifty-cent and dollar words because simpler terms work best; unless, of course, you’re writing an eBook for linguists.

Tip #2: Hiring a freelance or ghostwriter is how you’ll avoid writer’s block. You get to sit back and relax while the writer writes her little heart out.♥

Another important aspect of creating an eBook is the design and layout. Please use a fresh, clean design and layout. Your target audience may not appreciate a ‘lime green’ theme with bursts of florescent blues and yellows. Choose a tasteful design with a splash of color but not too much that it will scare your audience. You don’t want them using their sunglasses in order to read your eBook.

Tip #3: An eBook could be created in Word, Power Point, Adobe InDesign or some other multi-media program.

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to incorporate hyperlinks and call-to-actions within your eBook. Don’t overwhelm your audience with these — use them sporadically.

Tip #5: Use a creative, eye-catching title for your eBook. You can always use the same old, same old titles such as “How To and Tips and Tricks” or try something new and exciting that will stop readers in their tracks. Creating at least 10 different titles is a great way to find the right title for your eBook.

Editing and proofreading your eBook is a must. Not only can a freelance/ghost writer write your eBook, they can edit and proofread it. You’d be amazed by the amount of errors that appear in fiction, non-fiction and eBooks. Mistakes happen from time-to-time, but it’s best to present an error-free eBook.

Tip #6: Stay objective by hiring a freelance/ghost writer. The writer won’t have an emotional vested interest in your eBook like you would. You may be too close to your eBook’s subject to write it.

Tip #7: Use a landing page to attract your target audience. Keep it clean and simple — think of your landing page like the front and back of a book cover. The title of your eBook should be clear. Give visitors a ‘snippet’ from your eBook, a first chapter or quote from an expert that was interviewed for the eBook. Incorporate social media icons and a call-to-action form that collects enough data for you to follow-up. Give readers a chance to read your eBook before you begin contacting them. Some readers may not read your eBook the same day they download it.

Tip #8: Market your eBook through social media sites such as Twitter, StumbleUpon, Facebook and others. Use email campaigns and create a ‘special’ newsletter. Also, use a press release. Your freelance writer could write this as well.

Tip #9: Analyze your eBook and ‘tweak’ anything that needs it. Perhaps, the design didn’t win readers over. Maybe, your marketing campaign needs to be revamped. Correct and learn from mistakes and move forward.

Tip #10: Use your eBook wisely. Revise certain chapters and post them as blog posts or articles. Perhaps, you could post some of the material on article marketing sites such as Ezine Articles. Be willing to ‘contribute’ to the work of others by allowing them to incorporate an ‘excerpt’ from your eBook. This is great way to generate ‘publicity’ for you and your eBook.

Once your eBook is complete, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Hire a freelance/ghost writer (for example, me) because communications is their business; writing is their passion. You may as well take advantage of their services so you can concentrate on marketing your eBook. Of course, a freelance writer could help with this too!

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7 Benefits of Hiring a Ghost Writer

August 29, 2011 By 3 Comments
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Let’s face it; some people don’t enjoy the art of writing as much as others do. Some find writing to be a tedious and time consuming process; they’d rather be golfing. Hiring a ghost writer could work for you because you hire a person who loves to write. Most writers (me) find writing to be second nature — it’s like breathing. If you have an idea for a book or eBook, consider hiring a ghost writer today. Tomorrow, you could be selling and earning income on Amazon.com

Benefits of hiring a ghost writer

1. The pressure if off of you to write and produce a book.

2. You’re able to spend time on other things such as setting up a website/blog, social media sites, email campaigns, etc. However, a ghost write that’s skilled in marketing and social media can assist you with these business endeavors.

3. You receive a well written book or eBook.

4. You take all the credit. However, some ghost writers are given credit because they’ve worked with a client numerous times. It’s important to work with a ghost write that’s checked their ‘ego’ at the door.

5. A ghost writer loves to write and will probably finish your book ahead of the scheduled deadline.

6. A ghost writer understands the importance of marketability and can give you objective feedback on your book’s subject matter.

7. Hiring a ghost writer means you don’t have to through the process alone. Perhaps you considered writing the book yourself but didn’t want to work alone; the writer’s life isn’t for you. However, working with a ghost writer may inspire you to co-author your next book. It could happen.

When you hire a ghost writer, it can feel as if a burden or weight has been lifted off of you. Your time can be spent on the business side, i.e., developing your web presence, scheduling interviews and speaking engagements, building a social media platform, connecting with the ‘right’ people, etc. You don’t have to worry about your book because it’s in good hands with your ghost writer. You can now breathe a ‘sigh’ of relief.

Rebecca

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Authors and Writers Get the Skinny on Purchasing and Using Photos

August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Question: This is a two-part question. First, I use photos to accompany or enhance my blog posts. Some clients expect me to incorporate photos into a blog post or article I write for them. Do I need to purchase extra licenses? As a freelance writer my business is writing, not photography. Second, what kind of license would I need if I wanted purchase an illustration or photo for a book I wrote? If I self-publish, am I better off using the self-publisher‘s graphic designer and or illustrator? Help!

Answer: These are excellent questions and a good sign you’re aware of copyright protection.

Photos for freelance writing clients

Most clients have their own stock photography; you shouldn’t be stressed about it. If you need to purchase or find photos from a stock photography site, a photo can be used once (at least this is my understanding) in a blog post or article. For example, if you purchase a photo from iStock, Bigstock Photos, Fotolia, etc. you’ll be able to use the photo one time for a specific client. You can’t reuse photos for all clients, unless, you purchase additional license agreements. Reading and interpreting license agreements can be a tricky. When in doubt, always ask questions before your purchase photos. Each stock photography company has different licensing terms. However, the goal is the same; to protect the copyright of artists.

The bottom line for you, the freelance writer, is selling your writing and not worrying about photos. Of course, if you’re interviewing someone and writing an article for a magazine or newspaper, you can take your own photos or have the publication’s photographer take photos.

Adding a photo is nothing more than an ‘enhancement’ to a blog post or article; your main focus is writing. If you’re a freelance writer who ‘dabbles’ in photography, feel free to sell clients your photos separately or as part of a writing package. To ease your anxiety about purchasing photos (if you have any), you may consider telling a client your focus freelance writing. They’ll have to purchase photos.

Artwork for book covers

You may consider using the services offered to you by a self-publisher or hiring a freelance graphic designer or illustrator. Traditional publishers also have graphic designers and illustrators. Again, it will behoove you to ask questions such as:

● Who owns the rights to the artwork?

● Is the artwork licensed to me, the author?

● Where did you purchase the artwork from?

● Can I reuse the artwork?

All of this may sound like paranoia, but it’s better to err on the side of caution. When I worked for a real estate and development corporation, we used to say, “CYA” which stands for ‘Cover Your A**”

BTW: Artists appreciate knowing how and where their photos are used. If you use ‘royalty free’ photos from Stock Exchange or some other site, send the artist an email and link to your writing.

As an author or writer, you want to understand copyright protection. The more you know and understand the better for you and your writing (freelance) career. There’s nothing wrong with investigating and making sure you dot the “I’s” and cross the “T’s.” Not only does it protect you, it protects your clients. Artists are also protected; all they want is credit and recognition. Isn’t this what we all want?

Rebecca

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Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

August 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Question: Rebecca, why did you become a freelance writer? What’s appealing about it? How difficult is it to think of blog post and or article topics? What is your writing process? Do you suffer from writer’s block? How do you stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market? I want the 411!

Answer: Thank you for asking. I became a freelance writer for many reasons. Read them below.

Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

1. I love to read and write; I’m grateful for my literacy. My favorite high school classes were art and history; English and literature; and marketing. Writing was natural for me. Completing writing assignments such as book reports, poems, and short stories was easy for me. I enjoy the creative process and creating in general.

2. I fell into freelance writing by applying for a marketing and writing opportunity with a travel company in Arizona. I was given a 2-week ‘trial’ period to see which position I was suited for. The writing position won hands down. The rest they say is history.

3. I enjoy freelance writing because of the variety it offers. I love variety and options! I have my favorite industries and writing specialties but the beauty of freelance writing is you get to decide what you want to write and who you want to write for.

4. It’s not difficult for me to think of a blog post or article topic. This goes hand-in-hand with writer’s block. I can write a blog post or article based on a phrase or word I hear or read. I read blogs, books, newspapers, and magazines. I brainstorm to discover different angles for ‘hot’ topics. I participate in the Creative Copy Challenge and play brainy and word games. I also pay attention to conversations. This may sound like voyeurism (Lol!), but I really listen to what people say. Believe it or not, there are many writing ideas within these conversations.  Finally, I used to believe in writer’s block but not anymore.

5. My writing process differs for each project. For example, if I’m working on YA, fiction, or non-fiction, I’ll create an outline. I never liked using outlines but it helps to keep me on track with my writing. I’ll write the synopsis and plot. I then move into character development; I use a character/action grid. I use this same process for screenwriting. The next step is to research.

Blog posts and articles are different. I research when it’s necessary, but I usually write directly in WordPress. I’ll journal ideas or keep a list in a Word document. Sometimes, I’ll keep ideas in WordPress. I review ideas and will delete the ones I know I won’t develop.

6. I stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market by realizing that which is mine can’t be taken away from me. I believe in the saying, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” I can’t force clients to work with me, nor would I want to. I like what Oprah says, “If you don’t want me, I don’t want you.” I also stay on my side of the road which means I don’t pay attention to what other freelance writers are doing or the accolades they may receive. If I constantly paid attention to what other freelance writers are doing, I would lose focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m all for ‘congratulating’ writers on their accomplishments, but I have writing to do.

7. Becoming a freelance writer is a business. Luckily, I have business degrees and am comfortable in business. Sales and marketing are a part of the freelance writer’s life. There’s no getting around it. I’m confident in my writing ability and talent. I keep my writing skills sharp by taking writing classes and workshops; I read books about writing. I love education and enjoy educating myself.

Rebecca

Bonus!

*I love researching and solving problems! I’m a stickler meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. First, I’m a natural problem solver and researcher. However, I can sit in front of my laptop and research for hours. I adhere to a ‘researching’ schedule. Second, I worked in accounting (real estate) and had to meet deadlines. Most of the time ‘corporate’ increased the closing deadline. I also had to solve problems like “Why is the marketing department over budget?” My controller would forget about the opening of a new property. Sometimes, we had to hire more temporary workers than anticipated. It happens!

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Self-Published Author Confesses to Editing Fetish

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment
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Question: As a self-published author, I edit and proofread everything I read. I read books, blogs, eBooks, magazines, and newspapers with an eagle eye. I can’t stand to read long-winded sentences. I want to shout, “Say what you want to say and say it!”

My issue is I spend countless hours editing and proofreading my work. Once I begin editing, I can’t stop. What can I do to release my editing fetish? It’s driving me crazy!

Answer: It’s good to edit your work but at some point, you must stop. Give yourself a deadline and stick to it. Another alternative is to hire an editor to edit and proofread your writing. An editor-for-hire can make suggestions on sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and point out overused words. An ‘objective’ eye and voice can strengthen your writing.

Many authors and writers are tempted to over edit their work because they want it to be absolutely perfect. If you do this, you may never get your book published. Writing mistakes happen, and they appear in books written by well known authors. The next time your favorite author publishes a book, scan it for spacing issues, typos, and other mistakes. Obviously, a few mistakes here and there haven’t hurt book sales of famous authors. They may receive an occasional email from fans informing them of mistakes, but that’s it.

How to overcome over editing your writing

1. Set a deadline for editing and proofreading your book and stick to it.

2. Hire an editor-for-hire and allow an ‘objective’ party review your writing and make necessary changes and or suggestions.

3. Realize that mistakes happen; it’s not the end of the world.

4. Join a writing group. If you’re already a part of a writers group, ask members to read your book and make editing suggestions.

5. Take a workshop on how to edit your book quickly and efficiently.

6. Attend writing conferences and speak to editors. Ask them questions about their editing practices such as: How do they edit quickly? How many hours do they spend editing? When do they know they’re finished editing a book? Ask these and other questions — get inside an editor’s mind. This will help you curb your over editing tendencies.

7. Hire a writing coach. A writing coach will help you become the best writer you can be. You’ll learn the reason ‘why’ you over edit and how you can ‘shift’ this habit. Procrastination could be the key or fear of rejection.

Rebecca

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