Consider this more of a “do as I say, not as I did” kind of instructional manual. For, if I can say upfront, it’s a requisite of publishing an ebook to make mistakes, not know what you’re doing, get frustrated, bounce between different designers, programmers, programs, formats….oh, my! Enter this world and know this! And also be kind to yourself once ensconced. Everyone gets it wrong! No one knows what they’re doing! Just enter the fray and play, I say.
Image by Kimberly Ripley
It’s also a tricky topic to actually find information on. This saddens me: many folk are very guarded as to how they do their ebooks, presumably because they’re hesitant to share their secrets to their success. And it has astounded me how often Jo and I encounter people who try to get “inside info” from us in the most tricky, surreptitious ways…instead of just coming out and asking for help. I’m more than happy to share what I know, and my contacts…although, it’s still a working experiment for me. I’m still playing in the fray.
I’ve published two ebooks now:
And both entailed very different approaches. My next ebook will be done differently again.
But hopefully these tips will help you get started…
The first step
Decide whether you’re going to release your book just as a pdf (a document that you scroll down and can be read on a computer as well as on eReaders, but only as a pdf document). Lots of folk are happy with this option.
Or whether you’d also like to release it in the eReader formats (that is, readable as an ebook specifically designed and programed for the ipad, kindle, Nook etc). When you release in the eReader formats (called epub and mobi) they can also be uploaded and sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ibookstore etc.
One thing to bear in mind: the eReader formats are a lot more clunky than the pdf versions. With the latter you can insert video and a lot more widgets. With the former (eReader formats) the design and typography has to be a lot more simple and there are a lot of functions that are simply not possible. I’m sure this will change with time, but for now it all feels very 1999.
* Take the pdf route if you want to keep it simple. Fact is, most people still prefer reading the pdf – it’s prettier and more fun.
* Take the pdf + eReader route if you want to invest in taking it to a broader selling platform and keep eReader fanatics happy.
Writing the damn thing
Just a few points on this, because it’s kind of a big subject and I presume you already have something written. These are just some suggestions…
* It’s ok to take stuff from your blog and reformat into the book. Problogger taught me this. People don’t mind paying to have all the info in one area. Of course, it has to be packaged up with a helpful twist. And should really just use the blog content as a launch base.
* Short ebooks are good ebooks. If it’s an instructional book, then 50 pages is great, I think. Any longer and you have yourself a life manual.
* Write to a program (ie 35 days to a Better Blog or An 8-week Program for Quitting Sugar)
* Keep your tone consistent and write to topic headings so people know where they are in your book. When reading on a computer you can easily lose your place/flow, so KISS.
Have some extra ebook-y widgets
I like to value-add with my ebooks. That is, I like to give stuff you can’t get in a regular book. Like hyperlinks to extra information or “how-tos” or videos. Have a think about what you can link to to make the experience more interactive. This is quite fun to do.
With my second ebook, I went a bit overboard and actually invented (with the help of some developers in Italy) a recipe converter, an interactive shopping list, a device for printing out individual recipes and several more cleverisms. I go overboard with a lot of things. I probably could’ve backed off a little in this case, because it all entailed a nerdy clusterfuck of emails and logic separation and pain. But that said, I’m happy with the result and it makes me really comfortable putting the book on sale. I know my readers are getting very good value for money.
And there is great satisfaction in being the first to do something!
The pdf route
This is simply a guide that combines how I did it… with how I’d do it now.
* After you’ve written your book and it’s in a Word document and it’s COPY PERFECT (get this right so you don’t waste time and money doing corrections with the designer), employ a designer to create a beautiful layout. As you write, ensure you put in notes about where you’d like them to place breakout boxes, images, infographics etc.
* On my first book I got three young designers at Sea Thru Studio who used to read my blog, to do a design. They did a great job and learned a lot along the way. You could use any graphic designer if you like. But…
What I’d do differently now: I recommend using a designer who has experience in ebook design. This way they won’t make very innocent mistakes like design it without saving a Word version, and over-designing it in a way that makes it impossible to turn it into an eReader version. This is not a big deal if you’re only intending to release it as a pdf…but if you want to have the option to convert it to the eReader versions later, it can pose big problems. See below.
For my second ebook I used Lisa Valuyskaya. She responded to a Tweet-out (another tip: use your social media circles to find someone…this way you attract people interested in your content).
Lisa is based in Italy, which made timezone stuff tricky, but she was super experienced…and interested in the content. More on Lisa below. Suffice to say, I love the girl. She saved years on my life working on my ecookbook.
You could also consult elancer. They list a bunch of ebook designers there. Or consult eBookIt (see more below). I like these guys quite a lot, too.
The pdf + eReader route
If you decide to do the eReader versions later…
With my first ebook, I decided six months after onsale to release eReader versions. Since it had been designed in Indesign and hadn’t been saved as a word document this made my life hellish.
Tip: ensure you save as a word document.
There was a solution. I took it to eBookIt and they pretty much “undesigned” it and then re-did the whole thing in the emobi and ipub formats. It was a PAINFUL process for all of us. But they did an incredible job. Click here to get more information on how the whole process works (put your nerd brain on before embarking! You’ve been warned.) I have to say, I HIGHLY recommend these people. They can also design your ebook…and if you’re not used to designing things (my background as a magazine editor certainly made it possible for me), you might like to consider this. It probably won’t be very fancy, but it will be functional.
If you decide to do both versions from the start…
I did this with my second book. I had Lisa do both designs (the pdf and the emobi/ipub versions). This is smart. From the outset, we both knew where it was all going to head.
Lisa designed the pdf first, but bore in mind that we didn’t want the eReader versions to deviate tooooo much from the pdf. So we kept the design simple. It really is worth familiarising yourself with how the two versions work together and differently, so you can talk your designer’s language. Click here to get the rundown.
What to do with your eReader versions
You can decide to just sell them via your site or you can import them onto sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ibookstore etc. You can do this yourself. There are instructions on the net. It involves getting an ISBN number and sending the correct formats to the different outlets. Warning: it hurts the head. I gave it a crack, but gave up. I hate techy detail. I advise getting someone who does this for a living to do it – they’ll either charge a percentage commission or a flat fee. I got eBookIt to do my first one. Lisa did my second.
Have I mentioned how wonderful and clever Lisa is???
Some other things you need to know
* to sell the book, you have to use a program called ejunkie, which connects your site, the book, the buyer and Paypal.
* you also have to register with Paypal
* you might want to consider affiliates programs. To join mine, go here. This is coordinated via ejunkie.
Marketing and pushing your ebook
This is actually a really important part of the process. While your book is being designed etc I really recommend putting together a comprehensive plan for selling the thing. Some things to consider:
* I know this might not be something you can control too much, but having a solid, loyal audience is the best thing you can do for preparing yourself for ebook publishing. My books have sold well. But it’s taken 3 years of blogging for free to get the parochial audience open to, and trusting of, my work. I have people approach me saying they want to publish ebooks…and they don’t have a blog yet. I don’t know what to say. I smile encouragingly…
* giveaways are great. It’s a win-win for brands who want to align with my product, me (who doesn’t want to do too many advertiser/promo things, but can see the value of using them to generate sales), and my readers (who get something relevant for nothing). My personal approach: I only ever take on advertisers and promotions with products I personally use. That’s just my personal line in the sand.
* loyal reader programs work. Rewarding subscribers or members with a discount is nice. Early bird discounts are great too.
* I’m currently trialling the idea of competitions (where readers of the book who cook one of my recipes and then share the results on their blog can win 3 ebooks to give away to their readers).
* affiliate programs also work. They reward fellow bloggers who spread the word for you.
Remember the online world should be about supporting + rewarding each other’s good work
* Social media promotion is mandatory. But not too much. Instagram and pinterest have worked really well for me. Facebook now has some great devices for selling products on Pages. I’ve invested in some of North Social’s widgets for this.
Selling an ebook entails stoking the social media fires
* Finally, and I can highly recommend this,
buy Shayne Tilley’s Blogger’s Guide to Online Marketing.
It will walk you through all the stages of marketing your product, from setting up affiliate programs to knowing how much to discount your product. Don’t enter the ebook universe without it!
In the spirit of helping each other out…got any ebook tips you want to share with everyone?? A designer you love?? Speak now!
Most of my eBook tips are around the earlier writing stages. Set out a schedule on Excel or on a sheet of paper of all the content you wish to write then track daily how much you get written and try to set milestones along the way and a final target. For my first eBook I found having a holiday deadline coming up (I was flying to Brazil) meant I just go on with things instead of letting the eBook process just drag on.
E-junkie is a great service so that gets a thumbs up from me too!
Biggest tip: Hire someone to design your eBook cover. When you don’t have a ton of money it’s easy to just think “oh, I can do that in photoshop” but giving your eBook that pro-edge when people don’t have much to go on to know if it’s any good is huge.
Finally: Tease people in the run up to launch. Give little hints of what’s coming. Bits of the eBook and perhaps even do a giveaway of a few copies before it launches to get the anticipation up of something that people can’t yet have.
On my launch day I’m going to be giving away a product (hopefully a $1500 bike!) and asking people to enter the competition by buying a copy and leaving a comment about why they got a copy (Social proof woo!)
Good luck with your launches guys!
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This post was so helpful! I have just started writing my ebook and I’ve found it difficult to know where to begin, what to do/not to do. Thanks for the great advice!
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Sarah – such generosity with your knowledge. Thank you so much for this post!
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Such a wonderful helpful post! Thanks so much Sarah! x
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Freaky timing!! Thanks, Sarah
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Love it Sarah! Thanks for sharing. I agree, more than enough to go around, so sharing tips and tricks doesn’t have to be a bad thing, I love it when we all help and support each other
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Thank you SO much Sarah.
Your right that info on how to do this is all a bit elusive.
Will definitely be putting these tips to practice!
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Thanks Sarah – some great tips in there.
I always wonder how much ROI you get on design – I mean, does the difference between good and great cover and layout designs have much impact on how much you can slel rhe ebook for?
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June 13th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
It does, to an extent with price, but more importantly in relation to conversion rates.
Professional packaging (covers) create a sense of professional writing, giving it credibility and validity. It can suggests tone, mood, emotion – all which have an ability to influence purchase decisions.
It’s slightly different to how you design covers for bookstores, but it is still important.
Layout: It’s about about using layouts to enhance the user experience so they get more out of the book. Then designing it in a way that makes the whole experience enjoyable.
You make your book deliver value and enjoyment — watch the referrals and word of mouth magic happen.
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All such valid and helpful advice. It’s also great to get someone else to read it for you in the draft stage before you send to the graphic designer and then have to keep getting them to make changes. It’s wonderful to leave it for a week and go back to it with fresh eyes.
My lovely graphic designer is Fran Verbeek of The Happi Empire http://www.thehappiempire.com
I remember that I had read mine so many times I couldn’t see straight and it becomes impossible after a while to read any of it objectively.
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YAY! love this thanks!
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Thanks for your generosity Sarah!
Love how your transparency and ability to cut through the crap. As you said, “It has astounded me how often Jo and I encounter people who try to get “inside info” from us in the most tricky, surreptitious ways…instead of just coming out and asking for help”
Every post inspires and informs, keep it up!
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Sarah, thank you. This is invaluable. I’m half way through producing my ebook and this couldn’t have come at a better time.
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Thanks for this, Sarah. I emailed you a while ago asking about ebooks, so this answers all my questions.
However, the ball is well and truly rolling on turning my published ‘real’ book, Men Are Like a Box of Chocolates, which came out in October last year, into an e-book I can sell on Amazon.com. I mean, we’re a week or two away from launching it. Exciting!
I found someone to do it for me but I probably shouldn’t promote them until I’m happy with the work and we’re live. I’m sure I will be, though. This person has been great so far.
By the way, how do those commenters above upload a photo of themselves to accompany their comments? Grr! Clearly, I have no technical know-how.
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Thanks Sarah, My dear friend Klaudia alerted me to your blog. I have just authored my first book Kids or No Kids, I learnt so much and how differently I would do my next book. Reading your experience, time lines and TIPS was refreshing and inspiring. With gratitude Zoe
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Love it. Such great tips Sarah! I haven’t started putting together my ebook yet, but it’s definitely in the pipeline. I have bookmarked this post to refer to and will buy Shayne Tilley’s ebook. Much helpfulness
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Sarah, you are simply the best.
Truth:I instantaneously adore Lisa. Couldn’t stop reading her blog last night. Thanks a 1000 times. Hope I can afford to hire her. At least we share the same European time.
You will receive twice as much of what you give to us here.
Generosity attracts generosity!
Thanks.
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Thanks for such a detailed post, really great to share what you have learnt along the way. And by the way, your IQS cookbook is excellent.
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Thanks so much Sarah! I have a e cookbook that is in the making but I honestly didn’t know where to start, I want to do a hard copy and a e book. You have taught me so much! Thankyou again it makes it easier when bloggers share info!
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Thank you so much Sarah, wish I could give you something back but am new to the ebook world…just about to produce my first ebook on mindfulness meditation following a wonderful one month meditation campaign that raised $25,000 for charity water. Happy travels. If you ever come to Melbourne I’d love to take you out for lunch!
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[...] How to Publish An E-Book – Sarah Wilson [...]
It’s a shame that you deleted my comment and fixed the errors I mentioned without any email to me, or note about the fact that you changed it. Really lowers my opinion of you.
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I love that you love to share. Many thanks.
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Thank you Sarah! this is so helpful and brilliant information. I’m hoping to do a bilingual English and Chinese e-book one day for the Shanghai/China market.
Appreciate you sharing your experiences, may we all continue to spread health, wellness and nutrition information….
Warm regards,
Kimberly
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Thanks for sharing your e-book experiences Sarah, I will be printing this out for future reference… Cheers to health, happiness and e-book’s
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Brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing. I will be back.
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[...] allowing for stories to reach their audience faster and cheaper. In Sarah Wilson’s guide to publishing, she also suggests collaborating with people in your social media circles – another great way [...]
Hi Sarah, thanks so much for this post it’s one of the most helpful I have found. I am looking to do sugar plan for young city girls in a light hearted tone but I am very early days so at the moment I just want to build the loyal following and know there are some people out there who might want my help.
Incredible inspiration, thanks
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G’day Sarah and what an interesting “down to earth” read, TRUE!
I have a project in mind calender related and am toying with the idea of making it interactive, but had no where to start or anyone I could really ask, so thank you!
Cheers! Joanne
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Thank you Sarah! This was so helpful!
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Hi Sarah,
I am going nuts trying to put my ebook together, this blog is really helpful. I have put a lot of time into ibook author, however I am having tec problems mainly with the table of content not linking properly to each chapter. After reading this blog I may try epub and maybe bet some outside help.
Thanks
Mel
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