Should You Write an Ebook?
October 1, 2008 by Deb Ng
Filed under Freelance Writing
by Deborah Ng
I’ve been meaning to write an ebook for several years now. I started a few, but never had the time to finish. Now I’m writing one I’m determined to finish, and I think the topic is a good one.
For me there are several reasons to write an ebook:
- Extra Income – By selling my ebook at this blog and other places, I’m hoping to earn a decent passive income through my writing. Rather than look for other freelance opportunities to supplement my full time work, I’m trying to put more effort into my own projects.
- Further Establish Myself as an Authority – I’m considered an authority on several topics. Why not take that expertise to a whole new level. Ebooks today, print books tomorrow.
- No Pressure - I’m not doing this project for anyone other than myself. It’s amazing how free I can write when there’s no pressure, no deadlines and no editors.
- A Good Topic - Nope, I’m not sharing yet. But I think I touched on a good topic that will interest many. I’m hoping they’ll be interested enough to buy the ebook. The few who know what I’m writing about feel I’m on to something.
- It’s a Career Boost – Now I can be Deborah Ng writer, blogger and author.
As I mentioned above, I’ve had several projects in the works from time to time but I didn’t act on them. I feel I have something to talk about now and it’s the right time for me. What are some other reasons you can think of for authoring an ebook?
I wrote an ebook called “Dieting Basics” to accompany my blog, The Office Diet, partly in the hopes of generating an extra income but also because I wanted to work on finishing something complete and cohesive! Blogging is great, but it’s hard to “structure” a blog in the way you structure a book (and I’d argue you don’t really want to).
If anyone’s interested in seeing how I put the ebook together, compared to the blog, there’s a free sample of the ebook available – http://www.theofficediet.com/downloads/DietingBasicsSample.pdf
And the full ebook is a bargain $5 for the rest of today (Weds 1st Oct) if anyone’s after 88 pages of great healthy living advice
Ali
Thank you for writing this. I’ve been passively working on ebook ideas for a while now, but haven’t really gone for it because I haven’t been able to decide if it would be worth the time and effort.
BTW I love this site…I check it every day, and I have gotten several jobs as a result.
I think writing an ebook is an excellent idea. I started brainstorming ideas about a month ago, and I’m seriously considering putting my plans into action before the end of the year. Ultimately, I want to be a regular magazine writer and book author. And I think self-publishing and marketing an ebook can help me achieve this goal.
Without giving away personal info, I was wondering if Deb or anyone else here could discuss the actual (not theoretical) return of an e-book in terms of time and income (percentages, like pays 10 less than magazine work or 10 percent more) would protect privacy while letting us know how attractive a venture like this might be.
Thanks
Hi Phil,
Since this is my first ebook, I’m not qualified to answer your questions yet.
I know many who have authored ebooks which much success however, especially those with an already successful blog or brand.
Let’s see if we can get a successful ebook author in for a guest post.
Deb
I’ve started several ebooks but then left them gathering virtual dust and never finished them. Since I also work as a life coach, they would be an excellent addition to both my writing and coaching incomes. It is very timely that you should post this Deb since just yesterday I pulled out my ebooks files to think about finishing one I have started.
I am preparing a new group coaching program to start in the new year and an ebook would be an excellent companion to this.
Deb – I can probably recommend a few if you need any. I know a woman who does teleclasses on preparing an ebook. She gears it towards coaches but much of it can be applied to anyone writing an ebook.
I have written ebooks, but for clients. There is also a market for shorter versions, like a special report dealing with one issue or concern. People are so busy these days that if you can present them with a solution to a problem they have, in a format that is convenient for them, you can make money.
The thought of writing my own ebook has crossed my mind, but I haven’t taken the time to put a lot of thought into it. It’s on my list of “someday” projects.
With the arrival of my second child a few months ago (who’s a major handful right now), I’ve been scoping out passive income opportunities. Ebook writing is on my list of things to do.
Deb, that’d be great if you could get a guest blogger on this subject. And I’m eager to know what your ebook is about. I hope it comes out soon!
Hmm. You know I haven’t really looked into the ebook thing. Is it more for the informative how-to’s or do people write literary books as well?
I haven’t written an ebook (yet), but I think another good reason is just the satisfaction of helping people find information. I love to help other people, and I know I have strong research skills (people like to ask me to look stuff up!).
So just helping people out is another great reason!
@Terreece – Quite a few authors write ebooks starting out. I used to review them at one time, but reading a fiction book on the computer is not as popular because you really can’t take it with you to appointments, errands, etc.
I think it is Penguin that has been reissuing classics in an ebook format for the past two months. Let’s see if I can find the publicity email that I got about the latest…
“THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT” IS THE TWELFTH STEINBECK WORK TO BE PUBLISHED AS A PENGUIN EBOOK
This past June eleven of John Steinbeck’s titles were published for the first time as eBooks under the Penguin Classic imprint. THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT will be the twelfth title by the iconic American writer to be published in eBook format. It will be released simultaneously as a new Penguin Classic, with an introduction and notes by Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw. Both the eBook and paperback will be priced at $15. THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT will also be a VP Book Club selection as well as the featured title for Amazon.com’s Book Club Destination which will re-launch in October.
I also recently put together an ebook for my husband. He has a series of interviews with horror movie actresses on his website and I put a collection of them together as an ebook for him to use as a bonus when selling his novel.
Great article! I’ve been working on an eBook myself which has migrated to the back burner. You’ve convinced me to finish it!
Also, could anyone give me any advice as to where to find good literature out there about the actual (self) publishing and marketing of an eBook? I’ve written many eBooks for clients, so when it comes down to the actual publishing process, I haven’t been able to see how that process is done.
Alik: Jenn from AllFreelanceWriting.com had a good series on e-books, from writing to marketing. She occasionally posts about e-book products and publishing as well.
http://allfreelancewriting.com/2008/01/17/e-books/14-day-e-book-writing-challenge-starts-tomorrow/
That link is to the first post in her e-book challenge series. You can also use the category links on the right side of her pages to get to posts tagged as e-book related.
This is definitely something I’m looking into. I’m working on a free report to give away to clients on my website right now. Good luck, Deb!
I wrote an ebook about 2 years ago. When I was marketing it – which I didn’t do much of honestly – it sold decently. I’m toying with working on another one right now that would be more to propel my political writing career. The only hesitation I have is that I haven’t yet bought into wanting to read everything on screen. It’s one of the reasons I’d hesitate to write a fiction ebook, though I know there are more ficton ebook pubs out there right now.
I have an idea (actually more than one) and purchased software to make it all the more easier. Now, all I need to do is add another eight hours to my day.
I have the outline for an ebook finished, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten. I really need to finish it! I think I’m just afraid it would turn out really bad and no one would buy it:{
I have one non-fiction EBook under my belt (held for the Christmas season) and one in the works. They are short…6000 words is the target for the current project. I use them to provide more in-depth information and give exercises, resource listings, and greater depth in material than what goes on the site. They also make valuable “giveaways.”
Just a note…the Sony Reader uses .rtf and .pdf files in addition to others. I understand the “electronic paper” screen is easy on the eyes; like the Kindle, it is portable in places a laptop would not be. Proper formatting of your ebook for Sony or Kindle would give you a built-in market, I think.