If you are looking into writing an ebook, then it’s likely that you have considered the benefits that this particular form offers. Not only does it allow you to write and publish the content yourself, but you also retain full ownership of the material. As such, you are free to make any changes that you may deem fit without having to seek permission from anyone else.
If you are interested in writing an ebook, then let’s have a look at how you can go about achieving this goal, shall we?
The Need For Self-Publishing
As mentioned, you retain full ownership of the ebook that you author. This means that you can revise the content as many times as you like, without needing to seek the author’s approval. As a result, you can be certain that the content is of the highest quality and that you are not limiting your creative potential by following any sort of set formula.
While this may be appealing to the author and may even encourage more ambitious and innovative writing, it can also be quite frustrating for those who are just looking to get the content out there as quickly as possible. For these people, the traditional publication model may be more accessible, as they can be certain that the content was reviewed by a professional and that things will still be there when they go live.
The Traditional Publication Process
If you follow the traditional publishing route, then you will be working with an editor who will help you bring your book to life. While this may sound like an arduous process, it should be noted that most editors are freelance professionals who are accustomed to these sorts of collaborations and regularly work with established authors.
As mentioned, the traditional route is often slow and cumbersome, particularly if you want to get your ebook out there and be credited for the work that you do. In most cases, you will have to settle for less creative control and will need to deal with the delays that come with traditional publishing. While this may be fine for those who are looking to build a brand and a following, those who are simply looking to get their content out there as soon as possible may find that the slow process is not worth it.
The Ebook Revolution
With the explosion of self-publishing and ebook platforms in recent years, the traditional route to publication has seen a shift. Gone are the days when only a select few could publish a book, and instead, anyone with a computer and an internet connection can put their thoughts to digital form and be seen by an audience.
This accessibility has resulted in a new kind of author–one who is not traditionally ‘good’ enough to be accepted by a traditional publisher but instead, is looking to find a home for their work among the independent community. As a result, the ebook landscape has changed, and traditional categories such as ‘how-to’ and ‘guide’ no longer apply.
The Challenges Of Self-Publishing
With all of this talk about the joys of self-publishing, it is only fair that we discuss the drawbacks. While the above-mentioned benefits of writing and publishing an ebook are numerous, so too are the challenges. Chief among these challenges is that of distribution. If you want to ensure that your ebook is read by the largest audience, then you will need to pursue traditional publication. However, if you really want to see your work reach its full potential, then you should consider self-publishing.
As a self-published author, you will need to undertake all aspects of distribution yourself. From creating a look that is appealing to readers to handling preorders and fulfilling them, you will need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of time promoting your work.
The Rewards Of Self-Publishing
Perhaps one of the biggest draws of self-publishing is that you are no longer restricted to only pursuing traditional publication. Instead, you can take your work in any direction that you choose and be that little ‘ol you who publishes a book and becomes a famous author. While this may sound like a pipe dream, it is not outside of the realm of possibility for those who are dedicated enough and who work hard enough.
Just remember that this is a lot of work, and it takes a good amount of time to find your readers. With lots of research and lots of networking, you can find the right audience for your work and start building a brand and a following. This is all part of the joy of discovering how to write an ebook. Now, you can be that author who writes on their own terms, not those imposed upon them by society, the media, or the establishment!