There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to writing an ebook, but there are some tried and tested techniques that can guide you toward bigger sales and happier readers. One of the best-selling ebook series of all time is the bestselling How to Become a Travel Agent series by Richard Aspets. It’s currently available in 12 editions, has been translated into a number of languages, and continues to sell well into the future.
Though written more than a decade ago, and updated many times since then, the core information in this series is as valuable today as it was the first time around. In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of writing an ebook from the very beginning all the way to the finishing touches. By the end, you’ll have a top-notch ebook that you can sell to generate income and build your business.
Step One: Identify The Main Idea
The first step in any literary enterprise is to identify the main idea. The whole purpose of this step is to strip away all of the clutter in your head and condense your thoughts into a single idea. That way, you can better focus on building the story and making it as exciting as possible without getting confused by all the details that come along with it. It’s a bit like taking the time to put your thoughts into words instead of just thinking them. This step also enables you to create a single vision for the project, making it much easier to stick with when writing and editing the rest of the book.
If you’re not entirely sure what the main idea behind your book is, take some time out of your day to really think about it. Brainstorm with a friend or colleague, or ask the creator of the book you’re writing – what is it that they want the reader to understand or feel? Sometimes, we get so involved in the details that we lose sight of the big picture. This is why it’s good to take a step back once in a while to get a fresh view of things. If you can, set aside some time at a quiet place that’s just for you and your idea. You can jot down some notes, or start a new idea on a piece of paper, and then bring that idea back to the manuscript later.
Step Two: Create A Great Hook
Now that you have an idea of what your book will be about, you can start to think about creating a unique hook. A hook is a term used in book publishing to describe the promise (usually veiled) that will draw the reader into the book. It’s a way of subtly enticing the reader into reading your book. For example, if you’re writing about luxury travel, you might want to imply (but never outright say) that the reader will learn something new about the history of travel or gain some valuable insight into what it means to travel luxuriously. In addition to being a subtle form of persuasion, the hook can also be used as a selling tool. If you’re using a fictional protagonist, you can promise the reader a riveting tale with just enough action to keep them interested. Finally, a hook that’s tied to an amazing plot can make or break your book. If your hook doesn’t draw the reader in, they may never get to the amazing story you’re trying to tell. Think of a book you’ve read recently that had a great hook and you’ll see what we mean.
The hook should be something that will make the reader stop and think, “Now this is a book I’ll want to read.” It should be concise, yet fill in all the necessary blanks to make the reader want more. Don’t worry about how you’ll market your book once you have a finished product. There are plenty of ways to market a book, and the best one for you will emerge as you write. Think of the great works of literature you know and love, and now think of a way you could combine the best of what you’ve read and created a book that’s uniquely your own. This is your story, and it’s the most important story you’ll ever tell. So take your time with it and make sure it’s something that will stay with the reader long after they’ve finished your book.
Step Three: Flesh Out The Structure
The next step in the process of creating an ebook is to flesh out the structure. You’ll want to take some time to think about the overall arc of the story, and then use that information to help you organize the material you have. The structure of your book determines its form and the order in which you will present the material. It can also affect the flow of the narrative, and the reader’s perception of time. Once you have a clear picture of the overall story arc, you can start to map out the structure and lay out the major themes and plots that will run through your book. This requires a lot of thinking and organizing, so take your time with it.
Step Four: Make Sure Everything Is In Order
The order in which you present the material affects the flow of the narrative as well as the reader’s perception of time. When you write an ebook, you’ll want everything to flow smoothly and organically from one concept to the next. This requires a good amount of planning and forethought. To create cohesion within your story, you can use a structure like the thematic or chronological outline you created in Step Three. This is also the perfect time to go back and edit your outline, adding or removing material as needed to ensure everything fits perfectly within the allotted book space. Though it can be a slow process, taking your time with this step will result in a much stronger book. Additionally, once you have everything in order, you can flesh out the other parts of your story, such as character development, setting, and theme.
Step Five: Organize Key Facts
The structure you created in Step Four will guide you in your quest for historical accuracy. Before you begin to write your book, you’ll want to do some research, including reading books by respected experts in the field. Additionally, it’s a good idea to contact the organizations that maintain the historic sites or museums that you’ll mention in your book. If there are any anachronisms (language or events that don’t fit the context of the time period you chose) that you find while researching, it’s best to fix them at the end of your book rather than leave them there for the reader to find and complain about. The more you know, the more you can write, and the more you write, the more you’ll know.
Step Six: Summarize Your Research
The next step is to summarize your research. Though you did a lot of research in your quest for historical accuracy, now it’s time to put it down on paper. This step is invaluable because it forces you to look at the big picture and see everything you’ve learned in a clear, concise manner. As you write, you’ll notice a lot of material that comes to you quickly and easily, yet there are other items that you have to go back and reread in order to understand them fully. Once again, take your time with this step and ensure that everything is perfect before moving on.
Step Seven: Edit, Revise, And Repeat
Finally, it’s time to edit, revise, and repeat. After you’ve put all you know into the manuscript, it’s a good idea to go through it again and make sure everything is where it should be. Remember, you’re writing for a general audience here, so you want everything to be concise yet comprehensive enough for the average reader. Additionally, when you edit your book, look for ways you can make it more interesting, exciting, or even poignant. Though this is the final step in the process of writing an ebook, it’s by no means the end. This is just the beginning. Now you have a book, it’s time to get it published.