So you want to know how to make money with eBooks? First of all, if you like to write and you have knowledge about different topics, now it's time to benefit from this. The popularity of e-readers (Kindle or iPad onyone?) makes it so much easier to become a self-published author. This way, you can also create long-term residual income with a an automated “set and forget” system.
First of all, you should decide whether to write fiction or non-fiction. If you like to write fiction (how many times have you heard, "my life is a novel"?), this is your chance. You can fulfill all your literary dreams! Children's books, romance, fantasy, thrillers, dystopian, sci-fi, even fanfics - they are some of the most popular genres. And if you like to draw, I heard that colouring books for adults are the latest trend!
If you are good at doing something, you could write an informational ebook or a tutorial. If you like to go fishing, teach others how to catch the same enormous fish that you catch each and every time! If you are the best cook in the universe, you could publish a recipe book... and that's how you can launch an empire of eBooks! You start with one ebook, and then branch out, branding yourself as the go-to person for that demographic’s needs.
You don’t write just one definitive guide to wedding planning- you write one about picking the perfect wedding gown, another on wedding flowers, one on honeymoons, and so on. Each smaller niche idea that you drill down into gives you more selling opportunities.
You don’t have to be a professional writer in order to make money with ebooks. But, the most important thing is to write a good ebook. That's why you should ask for other people's feedback about the quality of your writing, without fearing critic. It's a good idea to join a writers group and take part in the discussions, too.
It's easier to write for an online audience – imagine how you'd talk to your friends or how you'd write an email. The tone should be pleasant, so as to make it an easy read. When you're finished, make sure to proofread your book! You could also get a freelance editor to take a look at your writing, in case you're not so sure about it.
After writing your ebook, you should format it correctly. If you know how to use HTML and Word, that's great, but if you don't, head over to fiverr.com and get someone to do it for you, for as low as 5 dollars.
Of course, in real life "you shouldn't judge a book by its cover", but when you want to make money selling ebooks, you do need a good cover, because in the Internet searches your ebook will appear with a thumbnail of its cover. Again, Fiverr.com can help you!
And now, that your ebook is written, proofread, formatted and it has a great cover, it's time to upload it. You can upload it to Amazon or to Smashwords, which in turn distributes it to iBooks, Barnes & Noble, OverDrive, Scribd, Flipkart, Oyster, Kobo and more. By the way, the pages that I've linked above are pages with instructions on how to publish your ebook.
Of course, don't forget to choose a price for your ebook. For Kindle, the royalties are 70% for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99. If the price is above or below that, the royalty rate is 35%. As regards books published with Smashwords, you can earn 60% of the list price from the ebook retailers and 85% net at Smashwords.com. You should also be aware that sometimes the major ebook retailes discount ebooks, and then Amazon matches the discounted price, so you get lower rates.
And finally you have to publicize your ebooks, otherwise people won't know about it. You can do this by using your blog, your website, your newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, or by allowing other blog owners to publish excerpts from your book on their blogs. Also, you could comment on blogs and forums and add your ebook in your signature (make sure to make them thoughtful comments, not spam). You can also publicize it on The Book Bazaar section of Kboards.com.
I know that you want to make money selling ebooks, but it's a good idea to first offer your book for free, in order to get reviews for it. You just have to be patient for a couple of weeks. You could also offer the first part of the ebook for free, then charge for those who want to read it in its entirety.
For people who purchase your ebook, you could offer coupons for discounts on your next ebooks. Or you could offer them freebies: free updates for the ebook, free newsletter subscription, free consultation.
No, you won't get rich quick with selling ebooks. It will also be tough to earn your living with them. In the beginning, they might bring you some additional income. It all depends on the quality of your writing. Also, don't just publish one ebook and leave it at it. Keep writing and publishing, and when you make a name for yourself, your readers will impatiently await for your new endeavour!
Making money selling ebooks isn’t a business opportunity that requires a large investment of money, but you do need to commit some time to ensure it’s properly launched in a way that bolsters your reputation in the community.