You’ve been dreaming of this day for as long as you can remember. You wake up one morning, decide it’s time to hit the ground running, and then BAM! There it is, your first book deal.
What will it be about? Will you write a love story or an adventure tale? A novel or a memoir? A graphic novel or a cookbook? Whatever your answer, you’re going to need a plan.
Whether you’ve been persuaded to write by a literary agent or an established author, or if you’re just keen to try your hand at fiction, you’ll need to consider a few things. This article will help get you started.
Choosing Your Platform
You might be bursting at the seams to tell the world about your book idea, but unless you happen to be a digital native, the odds are your words will only be read by a select few. eBooks aren’t bound by the limits of print.
For those looking to put a foot in the eBook world, here are some of the most popular platforms to consider.
Apple Books
Available on all Apple products (including iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks), Apple Books is a dedicated ebook reader from the company that brought you the iMac and the iPod. It was officially launched in the U.S. and Canada in January 2020.
Not only can you upload and store your own ebooks within Apple Books, but the platform also offers a curated collection of ‘bestsellers’ and popular fiction from various publishers. If you’re looking to get into the eBook world, this is a great place to start.
Kobo
Kobo is a global company that owns a number of e-book and print-on-demand platforms, including the popular Amazon Kindle rival. It was first founded in Canada in 2003 and is now available in over 200 countries.
With its simple and clean interface, beautiful typography, and minimalistic approach, the e-reader from the company that invented the e-reader is a popular choice among those seeking to dive into the world of writing. For those new to the eBook world, starting with a product from such a well-known brand might be a smart choice.
Google Play Books
One of the most popular places for eBook readers and listeners to congregate is Google Play. Similar to Apple Books, Google Play offers a curated collection of e-books and has a minimalistic interface that focuses on the content.
However, if you’re familiar with the Google Play store, you might prefer the experience it provides. With billions of books to choose from, finding what you want is easy. And if you do ever run into trouble, its digital assistant is always ready to help. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, Google Play Books is a perfect fit.
Barnes & Nobles, etc.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your e-book needs, consider checking out the Amazon Kindle store. Not only does it provide a vast array of popular and bestselling titles, but it also offers a safe and secure way to buy what you want without fear of malware or leaks. In addition, you can download titles to your Kindle device or Mac for offline reading whenever you want (and for as long as you want).
Barnes & Nobles, Nook, and other similar platforms continue to grow in popularity every year and remain a great choice for those seeking to enter the world of writing. If you’re trying to decide which one to go with, consider the size of your audience – will you be targeting readers or listeners more so than just seasoned ebook enthusiasts?
Audiobooks
For those who prefer listening to books rather than reading them, there are a variety of platforms designed for that purpose. While some of these offer traditional narration — with the audio playing on a background soundtrack — others allow you to listen to the book as you read along, in real time. Using a mobile device or a desktop computer, you can find both traditional and ‘live’ audiobooks, making this a truly customizable learning tool.
The best part is you can download them for free from numerous sources. So if you’re seeking to expand your knowledge on a particular subject or need some entertainment, consider trying out an audiobook.
The Merrier
For those seeking to write a comedy book, how does the team of comedians behind The Merrier Event Planner get paid? By speaking at major corporations around the world about how to increase productivity and efficiency by administering weekly comedy gigs. If you’re looking for a way to monetize your comedic writing, consider looking into the world of corporate speaking or comedy gig planning.
Deciding which platform to use for your book isn’t easy. There are a lot of pros and cons to consider. One of the biggest pluses is the sheer number of books available. No matter what you’re looking for, you can likely find the perfect option on the market.