The E-book is a type of digital publication, typically used for selling and distributing instructional or educational content. The contents of an E-book are typically text-based and can be delivered in a variety of ways such as online, tablet or smartphone. Though E-books can be as short or as long as one would like, they are typically between 10,000 – 20,000 words.
The reasons why someone would want to write an E-book are numerous. One of the most common is to create an easily accessible source of knowledge that can be used for reference. Another reason is to create a guide that can be used to teach others something one knows or learned about a subject matter.
The Need For Standards
While there are no strict rules when it comes to writing an E-book, there is often a need to adhere to certain standards. Different publishers and agents have varying requirements for what an E-book should include, so it is helpful to know what these are beforehand.
Generally, an E-book should be an accurate representation of the content contained within it. Inaccurate representation in some way (for example, using a different set of references than quoted) can result in legal action. Publishing houses sometimes will require the removal of certain content (such as recipes or how-to guides) if they feel that it is not an accurate portrayal of the actual content.
Getting Inspired
In order to write something that is both interesting and instructive, one must be able to relate to the topic at hand. To put it another way, the topic of the book needs to be able to inspire someone to write it. This might mean getting inspired by something unrelated to the topic at hand, but it also means being able to relate to the subject matter.
For example, if you are writing a book about architecture, you will need to be able to relate to the topic somehow. Even if you are not personally interested in architecture, you can still write about it if you feel that it is an important part of someones’ everyday life – perhaps they are interested in architecture and are your source of inspiration.
Planning And Research
Before you can start writing, you will need to do some research on the topic. There are plenty of places where one can find information online, but it is always a good idea to seek out books as well. It is also a good idea to visit museums and other places where history is kept – something that can easily be found online but may not be so easily accessed when one is stuck in front of a computer screen.
Once you have begun researching the topic, it is a good idea to continue researching it. Learning new things often leads to new ideas and opportunities for content. As you continue to learn, you can begin to consider what kind of narrative you will use to tell your story.
Getting The Right Equipment
Depending on what you will include in your book, you will need to consider what equipment you will need to get the job done. If you are writing an E-book for Apple devices, then you will need to get an Apple ID and download the relevant apps from the App Store – including Apple Books and Apple Writing Apps. If you are writing for other platforms, then you will need to research the requirements for those platforms and purchase the relevant software or download it for free from the internet.
Knowing How To Structure It
After you have begun writing, you will need to consider how you will structure it. The way in which you structure your book will depend on what you intend to do with it. If you are distributing it as a digital publication, then you will want to consider the requirements of your digital distributor – whether that be a website or an app. In order to make your book useful to as many people as possible, you will need to consider various platforms and audiences when planning your book’s structure.
Editing And Proofreading
Once you have finished writing your book, you will need to edit it. Depending on how many times you have edited the text, you will need to edit it a fourth, fifth or even sixth time (or more) before it is ready for publication. After you have edited your book and gotten it beta-read (edits made by a group of people other than the author, typically friends, family members or coworkers), you can publish it and begin to distribute it to others.
Publishing It
When you publish an E-book, you are publishing it for a digital audience – typically, people who are interested in the topic of the book. Though it is possible to find physical copies of most E-books, these days, most people who buy an E-book wish to read it on a device, such as a tablet or laptop computer. If you want to find out more about publishing an E-book, visit www.smashwords.com. This website will give you all the information you need, including how to get started for free and how to get published.