If you need the nudge to get started, we’ll show you how to write an ebook.
Writing a book isnt easy, but employing a good workflow can make it more manageable.
How to Write an Ebook: Read More First!
No matter how experienced you are, you’re free to always improve as a writer.
One of the best ways to learn as a writer is to read more books.
Read everything you could from fiction to nonfiction, even genres you generally arent fond of.
So, with that in mind, here’s our list ofthe best eReaders for reading digital books.
If not, its time to start brainstorming.
Assuming you do have an idea, that doesnt mean youre ready to start writing just yet.
Write something that is meaningful to you.
Ideally, youll have as much information as you could ready prior to beginning to write.
For fiction, this means compiling character notes, parameters, plot details, and other bits of lore.
For a nonfiction book, this would be your research and sources.
Assuming youre more digitally inclined, there are plenty of apps that can help you with this.
Try out several different tools until you find the one you like.
Some of these apps have built-in scanning functionality that can even help you organize your pen and paper notes.
Some people prefer to just start writing and see what comes out.
Others prefer to prepare and plan everything in advance so they know the structure before they start writing.
If you are a planner, there are a few tools it’s possible for you to use.
Microsoft Word has an Outline view that can make laying out the structure of your ebook easy.
Dedicated outlining apps likeOmniOutlinercan also help streamline your planning.
When it comes to writing your first draft, its all about what makes you comfortable.
If you prefer simplicity, you might use a simple text editor.
However, for writing from anywhere,Google Docsmay be considered a standard tool when writing an ebook.
(here’show to use Google Docs).
Some writers might want an even more powerful tool.
Thats where dedicated apps likeScrivenerenter the picture.
Editing: Revisiting and Revising Your Work
Your first draft is just that: a first draft.
To truly make your ebook shine, youll need to make one or more revisions.
This could range from some heavy edits to full rewrites.
When you think it couldnt possibly be any better, give it one more pass.
Get some other people to read your drafts too if you might.
Even better, hire a copy editor, line editor, or both.
Copy editors check your grammar and punctuation for errors.
Line editors read over the manuscript and check for overall larger issues affecting the story youre telling.
When it comes to working with editors, Google Docs may be considered the industry standard.
You cant count on a copy or line editor using whatever obscure format you wrote your manuscript in.
Dont worry if you dont have design skills.
it’s possible for you to use a site like99designsto find a designer for your cover.
Alternatively, you might hire a freelancer on a site likeFiverr.
There are also thesealternatives to Fiverrif youd rather use a different service.
If you do happen to have design skills, thats even better.
you’re free to use tools included in theAdobe Creative Cloud suitelike InDesign or Photoshop.
For something even easier, it’s possible for you to tryCanva.
Just remember to make your ebook cover look professional.
So its time to put it all together into your final ebook.
prior to beginning, there are a few things left to consider.
First, decide where youre going to sell or distribute your ebook.
Amazon is the king of ebook sales these days, but its not the only one.
Here are thefree ebook download sitesto get you started.
Youll use different formats depending on where you distribute.
PDF is a widely used format, while Amazon and its devices use its AZW proprietary format.
EPUB and MOBI are other popular formats, with MOBI also working on Kindle devices.
Scrivener can compile your manuscript into several different ebook formats.
All you’re gonna wanna do is add your author details and cover art.
If you want to distribute on Apple devices, it’s possible for you to useApple Pages.
So start writing your ebook now, and have fun!
