Great Reasons Why You Should Write an Book
Creating books is a great way to write about what you love and get your thoughts across to your readers. Financially there is no cost involved, especially if you're working during the day. There is no publishing house needed, all of the tools you require to create and edit your book can be found online.
You can use Amazon Kindle to sell your book, and social media to market it, and you'll soon reap the rewards of your hard work with an income.
Here are the 6 best reasons why you should write a book:
1. Pick a Subject and Become an Expert in that Field
Your subject could be work related, or something you enjoy doing in your free time. By sharing your knowledge you can help other people, while you build your reputation as an expert.
2. Once You've Written It, It's There for Keeps
Once your book is finished you can start marketing it on social media, and you'll be earning indefinitely. It may require tweaking every once in awhile, just to keep it up-to-date, but the hard work is done, so you can sit back and watch your passive income roll in.
3. Use It as a Sign Up Tool
Create a free eBook to offer your readers, as an incentive to sign up to your newsletter.
4. Creating and Publishing is the Easy Part
Marketing your eBook is where things get tough. Create your own author platform, and use it to market your book.
5. Ebooks Are Everywhere!
People of all ages have access to devices and computers. Ipads, mobile phones, and tablets are still as popular as ever, and eBooks are still selling strong.
6. It Will Increase Your Authority Online
The more exposure you have, the more trust you'll have with your reader's. Exposure builds credibility.
You can use Amazon Kindle to sell your book, and social media to market it, and you'll soon reap the rewards of your hard work with an income.
Here are the 6 best reasons why you should write a book:
1. Pick a Subject and Become an Expert in that Field
Your subject could be work related, or something you enjoy doing in your free time. By sharing your knowledge you can help other people, while you build your reputation as an expert.
2. Once You've Written It, It's There for Keeps
Once your book is finished you can start marketing it on social media, and you'll be earning indefinitely. It may require tweaking every once in awhile, just to keep it up-to-date, but the hard work is done, so you can sit back and watch your passive income roll in.
3. Use It as a Sign Up Tool
Create a free eBook to offer your readers, as an incentive to sign up to your newsletter.
4. Creating and Publishing is the Easy Part
Marketing your eBook is where things get tough. Create your own author platform, and use it to market your book.
5. Ebooks Are Everywhere!
People of all ages have access to devices and computers. Ipads, mobile phones, and tablets are still as popular as ever, and eBooks are still selling strong.
6. It Will Increase Your Authority Online
The more exposure you have, the more trust you'll have with your reader's. Exposure builds credibility.
6 Step to Publishing Success
Step 1 - Preparation and Forming Ideas
Forming ideas and making notes are half the battle when it comes to writing a book.
Here are some tips to kick-start your brain:
Pick a Topic and Start Researching It
A good place to start is choosing the topic your going to write about. You could try looking through books, magazines and articles on your chosen subject. The internet has a wealth of information for you to tap into. Life experience is another resource to tap into.
Writing Preparation
Buy a notepad something you can easily slip into a bag or pocket and carry it around with you, while you're out and about. Ideas can come at the strangest times during the day. At night keep a notepad by your bedside cabinet. Many writer's find ideas can come when they're asleep.
Timing
Be careful with your time, and spend it wisely. Alongside writing your book, start thinking about creating your own author platform, and developing a marketing strategy.
Keep all distractions to a minimum, mobile phones, iPads etc., things with social media that will take you away from writing your book, and will cost you time. Switch them off. You'll be amazed at how much you can write in a couple of hours.
It may help you to have a finishing date for your book manuscript, you could put this on a calendar and in your diary. So that you know that your goal is to have your book finished by a certain time. This could also coincide with the launch of your blog.
Step 2 - The Writing and Editing Part
Create an Outline
Start by writing an outline on your chosen subject, this will help you get your thoughts in order. Jot down your chapter headings, you can always rearrange them later.
Write from the perspective of your target audience, and determine who it is you're writing for. Use this to make writing a regular habit in your life, and develop it. This is your opportunity to pass on your own insight and talk about something you're really passionate about.
Once you've started writing your book, remember to create a backup and save as you go. This will save you a lot of upset if you end up losing your work.
Write in draft form, keep it simple and stay away from formatting your document. You can do that later on when your book is close to completion.
Dealing With Writer's Block
Every writer's worst nightmare is 'writer's block', when you go to write something and your mind has gone totally blank. Don't be overwhelmed by this, try doing it in bite sized chunks.
The same goes for editing, wait until the end, your main aim is to have a draft copy of your book, you'll have plenty of time later to make it pretty.
Edit and Name Your eBook
At this point a small celebration is in order, you've written your draft, done your research and the end is in sight.
Once you've started writing your book, remember to create a backup and save as you go. This will save you a lot of upset if you end up losing your work.
Write in draft form, keep it simple and stay away from formatting your document. You can do that later on when your book is close to completion.
Dealing With Writer's Block
Every writer's worst nightmare is 'writer's block', when you go to write something and your mind has gone totally blank. Don't be overwhelmed by this, try doing it in bite sized chunks.
The same goes for editing, wait until the end, your main aim is to have a draft copy of your book, you'll have plenty of time later to make it pretty.
Edit and Name Your eBook
At this point a small celebration is in order, you've written your draft, done your research and the end is in sight.
I use Google Docs to type out my manuscript it's simple and easy to use. Images and photos can easily be uploaded.
Your book will be read on a variety of devices including mobile phones, Nooks, PCs, Kindles, laptops and tablets. The page and font size will vary to the original document so keep it simple and clean.
Simple Formatting Tips
Your book will be read on a variety of devices including mobile phones, Nooks, PCs, Kindles, laptops and tablets. The page and font size will vary to the original document so keep it simple and clean.
Simple Formatting Tips
- Page numbers (some devices allocate page numbers based on the preference of the owner, eBook files don't have a universal page number).
-
- Advertising and promotion - Don't promote other competitors if your publishing with other websites. Use your website/blog, social media to promote yourself.
- Background images, and colours along with borders aren't recommended. Text will look feint on a grey scale e reading device.
- Drop caps at the beginning of each chapter.
- Stick to a single column layout.
- Text boxes - If a large font size is being used, the text box may run onto the next page.
- Your page size is irrelevant - letter or A4 is fine. Use standard settings for your margins.
- Don't use multiple spaces or tabs
- Use a single paragraph break, not double paragraph breaks
- Separate sections and subsections with a central break
- Separate chapters with a page break, don't use multiple returns to move to the next page
- Choose Arial, Georgia and Times New Roman for the main body of text
- 10, 11 or 12 pt is great for the main body of text
- Use block text
- Use single line spacing
- Use bold, italics and ALL CAPS to make things stand out
- Use Images
Quick Tips to Add Images in Your Book
- Some e readers don't display colour, but only display greyscale.
- Insert images into your manuscript as separate files (GIF, TIFF, PDF, PNG and JPG) are all fine to use.
- Don't float images left or right of text. Keep them in their own line instead.
Use hyperlinking and bookmarking to link from one place in the manuscript to another
Step 3 - Creating the Front and Back Matter for Your Book
The key factors in any self published book or eBook is the front and back matter. This can make your book look professional, and a quality product.
Checkk these simple tip to create the perfect front and back matter for your book.
1. Copyright Page
Depending upon the publisher or authors, this page can vary.
See below for the template with the information required:
Copyright © 2017 by ........... ...........
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is pretty self explanatory, many authors choose to put this in the back of their eBook. Keep it short and sweet and make sure you include your website URL.
3. List of Current Book Titles Published
List all of the books you currently have published.
4. Title - Page 1
Your title and author name. Place them in the centre of the page in a large clear font.
5. ISBN
If you're self publishing through Amazon Kindle you'll be given an ISBN for free, otherwise you'll need to purchase one through a company such as:
6. Dedication Page
You can make this detailed or as simple as you feel e.g. For Jane, and a reason why. You could include quotes from other authors that are relevant to your subject.
Remember to centre your dedication.
7. Order of Page Numbers
Page 1: Praise (or About the Author)
Page 2: Blank
Page 3: Also by Author name
Page 4: Credits Page (input information)
Page 5: Title Page
Page 6: Blank
Page 7: Dedication
Page 8: Blank
Page 9: Blank
Remember to start your first page on an odd number.
The Back of Your Book
You can include a lot of things in the back of your eBook.
Here are some popular things:
● Authors note
● Acknowledgements
● Adverts or upcoming titles
● Sample excerpts from upcoming titles
● Call to connect with you on your website or social media platforms
● Call to sign up to your newsletter
There is no correct order for any of the above. Be as creative as you feel. The Acknowledgements page generally comes after the end of your story or non-fiction content.
If your eBook is non-fiction it will need a TOC (table of contents) in the front of the eBook.
Step 4 - Creating Your Book Cover
If you're not the artistic type, but enjoy a good challenge. Creating your own book cover can be quite enjoyable. With very little skill and experience you can create a book cover for free.
I'm going to show you my chosen method:
Amazon Cover Creator
For first time author's , and a way of saving money, use Kindle's own cover creator to create your book cover. You have a choice of images and book cover styles to choose from, all at your fingertips in your Kindle Publishing account.
How to Create Your Book Cover Image on Kindle Publishing
Once you've written and edited your book, you need to find somewhere to publish it. The most accessible platform is Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Publishing sounds so complicated and baffling. The reality is Kindle is one of the easiest platforms on the internet to publish on. I've published all my books through Kindle Publishing, and don't have the headache of paying someone to do it for me.
I want to share with you some of the tips I've learnt and help you to publish your own book on Kindle.
Quick Fact:
Amazon holds the lion’s share of self-published eBook sales, holding 80- 85% of the current book market. With a share as high as 85% Amazon is still the biggest in the market by a long shot. With a platform that is easy-to-use, Kindle is still the best option for most authors (especially unknown authors starting out).
How to Publish Your Book on KDP
1. Sign up with KDP.
Click Add a title:
1. Add your book title.
2. Book description (you can write up to 4,000 characters - use this to sell your book to your reader). 3. Book contributors (put your own name if you're the author).
4. Categories (the subject/genre you're writing in).
5. Keywords (you can add up to 7 keywords in your genre, don't duplicate categories). You can leave these items blank:
Digital Rights Management
You're publishing your own work, so you have copyright. This means you need to verify This is not a public domain work and I hold the necessary publishing right.
Kindle Format Conversion accepts these document formats: .doc or .Docx, Html, Mobi, ePub,Adobe PDF.
2. Add Book Cover Image
See step 4 for creating your book cover image, you could also create a book cover using Fotor. I've been using Fotor for a while now to create all of my book covers, and they have a variety of covers to choose from.
Cover Photo Size
You can use your own photo or artwork, or download one from an image library. The easier and cheaper option is to use your own. Kindle eBook image size 1563 x 2500 pixels. Its advisable to make your cover in colour, even though Kindle only displays in black and white.
Step 6 - Build Your Author Platform
There is no correct order for any of the above. Be as creative as you feel. The Acknowledgements page generally comes after the end of your story or non-fiction content.
If your eBook is non-fiction it will need a TOC (table of contents) in the front of the eBook.
Step 4 - Creating Your Book Cover
If you're not the artistic type, but enjoy a good challenge. Creating your own book cover can be quite enjoyable. With very little skill and experience you can create a book cover for free.
I'm going to show you my chosen method:
Amazon Cover Creator
For first time author's , and a way of saving money, use Kindle's own cover creator to create your book cover. You have a choice of images and book cover styles to choose from, all at your fingertips in your Kindle Publishing account.
How to Create Your Book Cover Image on Kindle Publishing
- Image select. (Choose a design) - Amazon provides you with its own royalty free images, or you can use your own. Text designs are just as easy to use.
- Enter the title, and subtitle if you have one. Style and edit is where you choose the design layout of your book cover. Choose your colours: You can customise your colours or choose from a selection of 27 professionally defined colour schemes.
- Pick a layout: Choose from eight cover selection designs.
- Choose your font: You can adjust your font type and size, colour and positioning. (Choosing from 12 pre-selected font options).
- Preview: Preview your book cover, and see how your book cover looks before you publish.
Once you've written and edited your book, you need to find somewhere to publish it. The most accessible platform is Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Publishing sounds so complicated and baffling. The reality is Kindle is one of the easiest platforms on the internet to publish on. I've published all my books through Kindle Publishing, and don't have the headache of paying someone to do it for me.
I want to share with you some of the tips I've learnt and help you to publish your own book on Kindle.
Quick Fact:
Amazon holds the lion’s share of self-published eBook sales, holding 80- 85% of the current book market. With a share as high as 85% Amazon is still the biggest in the market by a long shot. With a platform that is easy-to-use, Kindle is still the best option for most authors (especially unknown authors starting out).
How to Publish Your Book on KDP
1. Sign up with KDP.
Click Add a title:
1. Add your book title.
2. Book description (you can write up to 4,000 characters - use this to sell your book to your reader). 3. Book contributors (put your own name if you're the author).
4. Categories (the subject/genre you're writing in).
5. Keywords (you can add up to 7 keywords in your genre, don't duplicate categories). You can leave these items blank:
Digital Rights Management
You're publishing your own work, so you have copyright. This means you need to verify This is not a public domain work and I hold the necessary publishing right.
Kindle Format Conversion accepts these document formats: .doc or .Docx, Html, Mobi, ePub,Adobe PDF.
2. Add Book Cover Image
See step 4 for creating your book cover image, you could also create a book cover using Fotor. I've been using Fotor for a while now to create all of my book covers, and they have a variety of covers to choose from.
Cover Photo Size
You can use your own photo or artwork, or download one from an image library. The easier and cheaper option is to use your own. Kindle eBook image size 1563 x 2500 pixels. Its advisable to make your cover in colour, even though Kindle only displays in black and white.
3. Your Rights and Pricing
- Confirm your Publishing Territories
- Click Worldwide Rights - all territories. Your book will show up on Amazon sites all around the world.
- Click expanded distribution.
- Set Your Price, choose $2.99 or more, and you'll receive a 70% royalty on each eBook purchased.
- Your price is set by the US price, which means you can customise your price in different territories.
- Click Save and publish.
Step 6 - Build Your Author Platform
Not every writer likes the idea of creating their own personal brand, it's understandable, especially if you don't like talking about yourself, or your achievements. But branding doesn't have to be daunting, or scary. After all you're showcasing your own ideas, stories, and expertise which over time will help build your audience.
Strengthening your author brand is a key element to your success in today's marketplace. Once you've built it, it's yours and no one can take that away from you.
Why You Need to Invest in Your Brand
You can see the contrast between time spent building a brand, and an author that hasn't bothered to invest in the necessary resources for developing their own personal online presence.
Think of it like this, your brand is like your business card, along with your book(s), your brand helps to build your credibility, and open doors to future projects.
If you're in it for the long haul, you need to commit to a branding strategy as soon as your first book is published.
Standing Out From the Crowd is Pivotal
You need to spend time and energy on your brand, in order for you to stand out from the crowd. By finding a niche, you can start separatin yourself from your competition, helping you to stand out, and make you different from any other author out there.
You are your biggest competition. You won't need to worry about your rivals, you can use that energy to build your brand instead. You have total control over your branding. Don't worry about how you'll be perceived in the market. Ask yourself is your brand compatible and true to you?
Use Social Media to Create Market Your Brand
In the current digital age you can take charge of your branding through social media using a myriad of tools. By focusing your effort, and assigning time carefully you can become an authority figure for many other writers and bloggers.
Branding Demonstrates Your Market Value
Both your book and brand can be the portal to other entrepreneurial pursuits, including other revenue streams and services you can offer. Help your audience understand who you are through your brand so they can make an informed buying decision.
Why You Need to Invest in Your Brand
You can see the contrast between time spent building a brand, and an author that hasn't bothered to invest in the necessary resources for developing their own personal online presence.
Think of it like this, your brand is like your business card, along with your book(s), your brand helps to build your credibility, and open doors to future projects.
If you're in it for the long haul, you need to commit to a branding strategy as soon as your first book is published.
Standing Out From the Crowd is Pivotal
You need to spend time and energy on your brand, in order for you to stand out from the crowd. By finding a niche, you can start separatin yourself from your competition, helping you to stand out, and make you different from any other author out there.
You are your biggest competition. You won't need to worry about your rivals, you can use that energy to build your brand instead. You have total control over your branding. Don't worry about how you'll be perceived in the market. Ask yourself is your brand compatible and true to you?
Use Social Media to Create Market Your Brand
In the current digital age you can take charge of your branding through social media using a myriad of tools. By focusing your effort, and assigning time carefully you can become an authority figure for many other writers and bloggers.
Branding Demonstrates Your Market Value
Both your book and brand can be the portal to other entrepreneurial pursuits, including other revenue streams and services you can offer. Help your audience understand who you are through your brand so they can make an informed buying decision.
Within hours your book will appear on Amazon all around the world. Where Next?
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