Self-publishing is one of the easiest ways to make money on the web. Of course, it requires skill, talent, along with marketing and sales ability.
Getting Started Self Publishing
Choose a hot topic. Select a topic that is sure to attract many readers or buyers. One many would like to learn. As an example for this article, we will use "Computer Tips." A very hot topic currently.
Now, collect the information to write the book about "Computer Safety Tips". A sure way to collect original tips is to use personal knowledge, contacts, friends, on-line associates, family members, even neighbors ideas.
The writer should contact all their personal friends who own a personal computer. Ask those friends to share their favorite computer tips with them. If the writer decides to use their tips they should include the tip givers name in the book. After the writer runs through their circle of friends and family they should have acquired a file full of solid information.
Collecting and Sorting Information
Now, it's time to start sorting the information and separating it into categories. For example beginner tips, hardware tips, software tips, on-line tips, troubleshooting tips. Place each category into it's own file. Each of these categories are the books chapters.
Next, begin composing the book on the computer. Don't panic! It's not that hard. Here's how. Write a brief intro. Write personal contact information, any copyright information, a brief disclaimer. Publishing date, publishing company/person.
Remember all those tips you collected. Select the best tips of the bunch. Now break those tips down into separate brief chapters.
Now end the book with a pertinent ending sentence or paragraph. Your name, contact information and a link back to your website. The book is ready to publish. Proof read everything and check for misspelled words or obvious grammar mistakes. Now the book is ready for the final production stages.
E-book Formats
Next, a e-book creator is necessary. The best form for an on-line e-book is in PDF format. Most computers are bundled with a PDF creator. If not, one is available for free download at sites like downloads for free. Or join Lulu the on-line publisher where the writer might easily upload their document in MS Word and Lulu will create and publish a PDF file for free. They will also host the new e-book creation and handle the sales for a small percentage fee. If the completed e-book is less than 10 pages the writer might decide to call it a report. More than 10 pages would classify as an e-book.
Making Sales
Let's sell that book and make a profit! Price the book about 20.00 to make a decent profit. Now for sales. One good idea is to call all the people who offered tips for the book. Offer all the contributors a discount on the new published e-book. About 50 percent discount. Everyone who contributes would certainly love to have a copy with their byline (name) included. This is big time ego stroking guaranteed to make sales up front.
Have a website? Offer the e-book to all your website visitors. Set up a sales page advertising the book along with ordering instructions. Also set up a shopping cart to handle sales. Or alternatively use a service like pay pal or lulu to handle sales to avoid all the sales troubles. Also, consider contacting ezine owners on-line. Offer them a free copy of the published e-book in exchange for advertising space in their publication.
It's amazingly easy to create a book on-line. There's no hidden secret to on-line publishing except dedication and hard work!
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