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

eBook printing experiments

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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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