Top Ten Checklist For A Professional, Best-Selling Ebook
| Category: Checklists | Date: 2003-10-08 |
Have you ever noticed that some ebooks take the Net by storm and others are destined to wash out before they even get started? Believe it or not, there are certain, simple qualities that the best sellers have in common. By making sure your next ebook measures up to the top ten checklist below, youll increase your chances of having a hit!
1. Know your topic. This should go without saying. Unfortunately, I cant tell you how many ebooks Ive read where it was painfully obvious that the author had little knowledge of the topic. Before beginning to write any ebook, be sure you have firsthand knowledge of your subject matter.
2. Select a unique topic or an unparalleled point-of-view. One of the biggest calling cards for successful ebooks is their uniqueness. Bringing attention to a topic that has had limited previous coverage is an excellent way to gain attention and make lots of sales. If you feel, however, that you need to write an ebook on a subject that has already been well covered, choose a unique point-of-view, some extraordinary features, or some exclusive bonuses to draw attention to your project.
3. Back up your points. Regardless of how well you know your topic, youll have to prove yourself to your readers. This may mean doing research to come up with statistics, common viewpoints, or ideas that support the information youre providing. Its well worth the effort!
4. Use the readers perspective. The most successful ebooks are written from the readers perspective. They take into account the readers problems, joys, goals, and struggles. By bringing your ebook down to the level of your reader, you make a stronger connection. You also create a tighter bond that brings about reader loyalty.
5. Be personal. Take a look back at a few of the ebooks youve purchased in the past. Which do you consider to truly be excellent? Are they personal? Most likely they are. In the realm of ebooks, being personable is a must. "Textbook" language is often considered too distant and stale. It is important for you to relate to your readers to keep their interest and help them progress through the ebook.
6. Make it easy-to-understand. Whatever your topic - from sealing an envelope to quantum physics - bring your information down to the most easily understood level. While you may be a pro at what you do, others are not. This is precisely why they have purchased your ebook. to learn. Dont talk above your readers heads.
7. Give examples. Almost everyone learns better when they are given examples. If appropriate, include photo or graphic examples in your book. But at the very least, provide plenty of written examples.
8. Have it professionally proofread. After you have worked on your ebook for weeks or months, your eyes will no doubt begin to read what should be on the page, and not necessarily what IS on the page. This is a primary reason to have someone else - preferably a professional - proofread your ebook. It is vital that the language, grammar, spelling, layout, punctuation, format, and flow be perfect. No one likes to pay money for something that is second-rate.
9. Make it viewable in PC and Mac. There is virtually an unlimited list of ebook software programs available on the Internet. But one thing to consider before you buy is readability. Most of the ebook compilers are only compatible with PC, and not Mac. Considering that there are millions of Mac users online who may want to download your ebook, it is smart to use a program that allows them to do just that. Be sure the program you use is Mac-compatible.
10. Keep the file size small. Even though DSL and cableInternet users are fast increasing in number, the majority of Internet users are still using dial-up. This means downloads take longer. Be sure to keep your file size as small as possible. If you find your ebook is 7 meg or over, consider zipping it for speeds sake. Having long download times, or problems that occur from large file sizes, is a sure way to put a bad taste in your customers mouth.
Regardless of your topic, regardless of your writing style, you CAN create a popular, best-selling ebook. Just follow the simple but vital tips above to ensure you - and your reader - get the most from the experience.
Cathy Kessler © 2002
About the Author
Cathy Kessler is a Certified Professional Virtual Assistant and Proofreader who can free YOU up to make more money! Visit kesslerva.com today for additional information or contact Cathy directly
cathy@kesslerva.com
http://www.kesslerva.com
1. Know your topic. This should go without saying. Unfortunately, I cant tell you how many ebooks Ive read where it was painfully obvious that the author had little knowledge of the topic. Before beginning to write any ebook, be sure you have firsthand knowledge of your subject matter.
2. Select a unique topic or an unparalleled point-of-view. One of the biggest calling cards for successful ebooks is their uniqueness. Bringing attention to a topic that has had limited previous coverage is an excellent way to gain attention and make lots of sales. If you feel, however, that you need to write an ebook on a subject that has already been well covered, choose a unique point-of-view, some extraordinary features, or some exclusive bonuses to draw attention to your project.
3. Back up your points. Regardless of how well you know your topic, youll have to prove yourself to your readers. This may mean doing research to come up with statistics, common viewpoints, or ideas that support the information youre providing. Its well worth the effort!
4. Use the readers perspective. The most successful ebooks are written from the readers perspective. They take into account the readers problems, joys, goals, and struggles. By bringing your ebook down to the level of your reader, you make a stronger connection. You also create a tighter bond that brings about reader loyalty.
5. Be personal. Take a look back at a few of the ebooks youve purchased in the past. Which do you consider to truly be excellent? Are they personal? Most likely they are. In the realm of ebooks, being personable is a must. "Textbook" language is often considered too distant and stale. It is important for you to relate to your readers to keep their interest and help them progress through the ebook.
6. Make it easy-to-understand. Whatever your topic - from sealing an envelope to quantum physics - bring your information down to the most easily understood level. While you may be a pro at what you do, others are not. This is precisely why they have purchased your ebook. to learn. Dont talk above your readers heads.
7. Give examples. Almost everyone learns better when they are given examples. If appropriate, include photo or graphic examples in your book. But at the very least, provide plenty of written examples.
8. Have it professionally proofread. After you have worked on your ebook for weeks or months, your eyes will no doubt begin to read what should be on the page, and not necessarily what IS on the page. This is a primary reason to have someone else - preferably a professional - proofread your ebook. It is vital that the language, grammar, spelling, layout, punctuation, format, and flow be perfect. No one likes to pay money for something that is second-rate.
9. Make it viewable in PC and Mac. There is virtually an unlimited list of ebook software programs available on the Internet. But one thing to consider before you buy is readability. Most of the ebook compilers are only compatible with PC, and not Mac. Considering that there are millions of Mac users online who may want to download your ebook, it is smart to use a program that allows them to do just that. Be sure the program you use is Mac-compatible.
10. Keep the file size small. Even though DSL and cableInternet users are fast increasing in number, the majority of Internet users are still using dial-up. This means downloads take longer. Be sure to keep your file size as small as possible. If you find your ebook is 7 meg or over, consider zipping it for speeds sake. Having long download times, or problems that occur from large file sizes, is a sure way to put a bad taste in your customers mouth.
Regardless of your topic, regardless of your writing style, you CAN create a popular, best-selling ebook. Just follow the simple but vital tips above to ensure you - and your reader - get the most from the experience.
Cathy Kessler © 2002
About the Author
Cathy Kessler is a Certified Professional Virtual Assistant and Proofreader who can free YOU up to make more money! Visit kesslerva.com today for additional information or contact Cathy directly
cathy@kesslerva.com
http://www.kesslerva.com
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