Self-publishing has made it simpler than ever for anyone to create and distribute their ebook. Publishing a book is an attractive option for those looking to make extra income or build their brand. But then there's the question of how to write an ebook and make money.
Like traditional publishing, there’s more to making money from ebooks than simply writing a draft and clicking publish. If you want to make money from writing, then read more about the benefits and how to get started.
The benefits of an ebook vs physical book
Demand for ebooks is on the rise. About 30% of Americans have reported reading ebooks. While print books remain very popular among readers, more adults are now consuming books across different formats.
That’s great news for those who want to write ebooks for money. There are several benefits to writing an ebook instead of a physical book.
The process is less costly
First, ebooks cost less to produce and distribute. You don't need to pay for printing, shipping, or storage. All you need is a computer and also an internet connection to publish your ebook and make it available to your readers.
It is more accessible
Ebooks are also highly accessible. They can be read on different devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones, making it easier for your audience to access your content.
For writers just starting out or for small businesses who want to expand their brand, ebooks can be a great way to build readers and make money on the side. So let's find out how to write an ebook and sell it online!
A guide on how to write an ebook and make money
If you're interested in knowing how to write an ebook and make money from it, you first need to understand your audience. Figure out whom you are writing for and why you are writing. Consider establishing a reader persona to make sure your ebook aligns with your target reader.
Although writing ebooks for money can seem like a daunting task, with the right approach it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Here are the steps you'll need to follow to discover how to write an ebook and sell it online:
1. Choose a topic
If you want to write ebooks for money, you need to first choose a topic. This should be something that you are passionate about and have expertise in.
Write about something you care about
You want your readers to see that you love what you are writing about. If you are just writing to make money and don’t care what you are writing about, readers will be able to tell.
However, it’s also worth looking to see if the topic you decide to write about is in demand, as this will help ensure that your ebook will have an audience.
Find out what people want to read
If you look on Amazon’s best-seller Kindle ebooks page, you’ll notice that many of the most popular books are fiction. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make money with ebooks in other niches.
It’s all about finding the type of book that does well with your target audience.
2. Create an outline
Once you have chosen your book topic, it's time to create an outline. Having an in-depth outline can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your ebook is structured and easy to follow.
Structure of an outline
Your outline should include the main topics you want to cover, subtopics, and any supporting material, such as images. You can also separate your content into different chapters or headings.
Just like a good blog post should have different heading topics, an ebook should have several chapters.
The outline is a huge part of how to write an ebook and make money. It will keep your story organized as you write.
3. Write your ebook
Once you have an outline, it's time to start writing. Try to write in a clear, concise, and engaging style. This will help keep your readers interested.
Take your time and don’t rush the writing process. Make sure to include plenty of examples and illustrations to help clarify your points.
You should also fact-check anything you write about, especially if you are writing nonfiction. You want to show readers that you are an expert on the topic but that you have done your research to back up any points you are making.
Repurpose blog posts as an ebook
Another option for writing an ebook is to repurpose your blog posts. This can be a simple way to make money from ebooks, as the content is already there.
Repurposing old content can be a great way to start writing an ebook, as you are not working with a blank page. And you already have an audience ready to read your ebook.
4. Edit your ebook
Once you have written your ebook, set it aside for a few days. Then pick it up again and start editing.
Ask yourself if the book flows, if the introduction is interesting, if there is a development from one topic to another, and if you have enough supporting materials.
Consider hiring an editor
Doing a thorough edit will help you catch any errors and improve the overall quality of your writing. You can also consider hiring a book editor to help ensure your work is polished and ready for publication.
In fact, getting the opinion of a professional editor is a smart way to begin writing ebooks for money, as they can make your book the very best it can be.
5. Create a title and cover
The final step before publishing and making money from ebooks is designing them. The title and cover of your ebook are the first things readers will see so it’s essential to make them as eye-catching as possible.
Be sure this adds to your content
Your title should be descriptive and interesting while giving readers a sense of what the ebook is about. Your cover should be visually appealing and professional-looking.
Don’t just use random stock photos. If your ebook uses a lot of visuals, ensure they are all in the same theme and tie the book together. Your images should add to the content, not be a distraction.
Don’t forget to include an info page, table of contents, and an about the author section.
6. Publish your ebook
Now comes the fun part – publishing your ebook. You can upload your book as an EPUB or Word document file on various platforms.
There are several platforms, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Smashwords where you can self-publish your ebook and start making money.
You'll need to upload your ebook file, add a description and keywords, and set your price. Your ebook will then be available for purchase on the platform. Keep in mind that the platform may charge a small fee for each book sold.
How to make money from an ebook
Now it’s time to start making money. Writing ebooks for money is one way to earn passive income, build your brand, and share your knowledge and expertise.
But if you want to start seeing results, you need to do a lot more than just put your book on a publishing site. Here are some ways you can start making money from ebooks:
Get your book on Amazon KDP
When you're learning how to write an ebook and make money one effective way is to put it on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Because it’s one of the largest self-publishing companies, it’s an easy way to get your ebook in front of a large audience.
With KDP, you can self-publish your ebook directly on Amazon and get it in front of readers quickly.
Showcase your book on social media
Social media is a powerful marketing tool. You can use it to promote your ebook and reach potential readers.
Set up a professional account on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok that is just focused on promoting your brand and ebook. Make sure to engage with your followers, use hashtags, and follow other writers in your niche.
Send out a dedicated newsletter
Another way to make money with ebooks is to use your mailing list to promote your self-published book. Create a dedicated newsletter highlighting your ebook and providing readers with information about its content, price, and availability.
You can even do a teaser series about your book and answer readers' questions. You’ll probably want to send out a few newsletters about your ebook but make sure not to spam your mailing list or people may unsubscribe.
Create a landing page on your website
Creating a landing page is a huge part of knowing how to write an ebook and sell it online. If you haven't already, create an author website and a landing page for your ebook.
A dedicated landing page for your ebook can help you promote it when readers go to your site. The landing page should include information about your ebook, a link to purchase it, as well as promotional materials, such as reviews.
Seek out media opportunities
Another way to promote your ebook and make money is to seek out media. Consider writing articles for online publications, participating in interviews, or hosting a book launch event.
Getting media opportunities can help expand your audience and get your name out there. You can even consider hiring a PR manager to help you land some press.
Start a blog
Starting a blog can be a smart way to promote your ebook and engage with potential readers. Share insights about your writing process, offer sneak peeks of your ebook, and answer questions from your audience.
Make sure to use SEO to help promote your blog posts and get more organic traffic (and more potential ebook buyers).
Try writing competitions
Entering your ebook into writing competitions can help you reach a wider audience, get recognition for your work, and increase your credibility. You’ve spent so much time on your book, so why not get a little bit of credit for it?
While writing competitions aren’t an easy way to make money from an ebook, getting an award can help you sell more ebooks over the long run. Look for writing competitions in your genre and submit your ebook for consideration.
Related articles on self-publishing
Did you enjoy this article on how to write and publish an ebook? Check out these related posts.
- 8 Book Promotion Ideas For How To Market A Book
- How To Get A Book Published: Self-Publishing Vs Traditional Publishing
- 13 Best Self Publishing Companies
- 10 Key Tips For Formatting A Book
Leverage these tips to make money with ebooks!
With the right strategy and a little hard work, you can earn passive income from your ebook and build your brand. It's a great way to become an author and get experience with writing and publishing!