a concise guide to ebook marketing: 1. write a "good" book!
TRANSCRIPT
1. Write a “good” book!
A Concise Guide to Independent eBook Marketing
This aspect of eBook marketing affects all parts of your potential audience.
This aspect of eBook marketing affects all parts of your potential audience.
Base
This aspect of eBook marketing affects all parts of your potential audience.
Base
Interested
This aspect of eBook marketing affects all parts of your potential audience.
Base
Interested
Genre
This aspect of eBook marketing affects all parts of your potential audience.
Base
Interested
Genre
Niche
This aspect of eBook marketing affects all parts of your potential audience.
Base
Interested
Genre
Niche
For more information on these audience parts, read the “Introduction”presentation in this series.
If you are an aspiring independent author looking into digital publishing,
If you are an aspiring independent author looking into digital publishing,
one of your goals, most likely, is to make a little money by selling your book.
You probably also have a line somewhere in your head that sounds something like this:
You probably also have a line somewhere in your head that sounds something like this:
“I don’t do it for money. I do it because I love writing.”
You probably also have a line somewhere in your head that sounds something like this:
“I don’t do it for money. I do it because I love writing.”
But let’s be honest.
You probably also have a line somewhere in your head that sounds something like this:
“I don’t do it for money. I do it because I love writing.”
But let’s be honest.
If you can’t bring in at least some money, it’s hard to justify the time and the work
you put into writing.
So how do you make money as an independent author?
So how do you make money as an independent author?
By writing a good book!
Okay…great.
Okay…great.
But what does that mean?
Okay…great.
But what does that mean?
Can you quantify “good”?
Okay…great.
But what does that mean?
Can you quantify “good”?
Or does it all come down to natural talent?
Obviously, natural talent is a necessary component in writing a book that will make money.
Obviously, natural talent is a necessary component in writing a book that will make money.
But it’s not the only component, and it may not even be the most important component.
Obviously, natural talent is a necessary component in writing a book that will make money.
But it’s not the only component, and it may not even be the most important component.
A good book must also be a marketable book – a book that you, as the author, can sell with confidence.
What makes a book marketable?
What makes a book marketable?
Mechanical Precision
What makes a book marketable?
Mechanical Precision
Attractive Construction
What makes a book marketable?
Mechanical Precision
Attractive Construction
Simple, Sound Storytelling
A book written by the most talented author in the world
A book written by the most talented author in the world
that does not have those three things
A book written by the most talented author in the world
that does not have those three things
would still sell poorly.
But a book written by an average independent author
But a book written by an average independent author
that DOES have those three things
But a book written by an average independent author
that DOES have those three things
has more than a fighting chance at doing well and making the author money.
Mechanical Precision
Mechanical Precision
Nothing can sink an independent author faster
Mechanical Precision
Nothing can sink an independent author faster
than gaining a reputation as a writer
Mechanical Precision
Nothing can sink an independent author faster
than gaining a reputation as a writer
who doesn’t pay attention to the details of English grammar.
Mechanical Precision
Poor grammar makes even the best book nearly impossible to enjoy.
Mechanical Precision
Poor grammar makes even the best book nearly impossible to enjoy.
Every obvious mistake pulls the reader out of the world of the book
Mechanical Precision
Poor grammar makes even the best book nearly impossible to enjoy.
Every obvious mistake pulls the reader out of the world of the book
and reduces the credibility of the author.
Mechanical Precision
There are plenty of books and websites out there that can serve as references when you have simple questions:
Mechanical Precision
There are plenty of books and websites out there that can serve as references when you have simple questions:
(A few of my favorites…)
Mechanical Precision
There are plenty of books and websites out there that can serve as references when you have simple questions:
(A few of my favorites…)
The Chicago Manual of Style
Mechanical Precision
There are plenty of books and websites out there that can serve as references when you have simple questions:
(A few of my favorites…)
The Chicago Manual of Style
The Elements of Style
Mechanical Precision
There are plenty of books and websites out there that can serve as references when you have simple questions:
(A few of my favorites…)
The Chicago Manual of Style
The Elements of Style
Grammar Girl
Mechanical Precision
There are plenty of books and websites out there that can serve as references when you have simple questions:
(A few of my favorites…)
The Chicago Manual of Style
The Elements of Style
Grammar Girl
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Mechanical Precision
But if you are writing a book, then chances are that you also read books.
Mechanical Precision
But if you are writing a book, then chances are that you also read books.
If you don’t, or don’t often, then you should.
Mechanical Precision
But if you are writing a book, then chances are that you also read books.
If you don’t, or don’t often, then you should.
Reading is by far the best way to absorb the vagaries of English grammar.
Mechanical Precision
But if you are writing a book, then chances are that you also read books.
If you don’t, or don’t often, then you should.
Reading is by far the best way to absorb the vagaries of English grammar.
You will learn through repetition what is right and what is wrong and learn
how good grammar “feels.”
Mechanical Precision
But all of this begs the question:
Mechanical Precision
But all of this begs the question:
Can anyone ever truly be an adequate self-editor?
Mechanical Precision
But all of this begs the question:
Can anyone ever truly be an adequate self-editor?
Or is a second set of eyes always necessary?
Mechanical Precision
The short answer is that every author should have their work looked at
Mechanical Precision
The short answer is that every author should have their work looked at
by an experienced professional
Mechanical Precision
The short answer is that every author should have their work looked at
by an experienced professional
before they publish it.
Mechanical Precision
The long answer is that every author’s situation is different.
Mechanical Precision
The long answer is that every author’s situation is different.
Maybe you can afford to hire a professional editor.
Mechanical Precision
The long answer is that every author’s situation is different.
Maybe you can afford to hire a professional editor.
But maybe you can’t.
Mechanical Precision
A good editor will always provide a solid return on investment (ROI),
Mechanical Precision
A good editor will always provide a solid return on investment (ROI),
so you should pay for whatever you can afford
Mechanical Precision
A good editor will always provide a solid return on investment (ROI),
so you should pay for whatever you can afford
and know that it is not wasted money.
Mechanical Precision
If you can’t afford much,
Mechanical Precision
If you can’t afford much,
there are plenty of budget proofreading and basic editing services
Mechanical Precision
If you can’t afford much,
there are plenty of budget proofreading and basic editing services
that charge as little as $1 per page.
Mechanical Precision
If you can’t afford anything at all,
Mechanical Precision
If you can’t afford anything at all,
then find a friend or family member with a solid English background
Mechanical Precision
If you can’t afford anything at all,
then find a friend or family member with a solid English background
who might be willing to help for free.
Mechanical Precision
Whatever you do,
Mechanical Precision
Whatever you do,
don’t publish a book that no one else has read.
Mechanical Precision
Whatever you do,
don’t publish a book that no one else has read.
No author is self-sufficient. We all need help.
Attractive Construction
Attractive Construction
When putting together an eBook,
Attractive Construction
When putting together an eBook,
there are two main things you need to worry about regarding construction.
Attractive Construction
When putting together an eBook,
there are two main things you need to worry about regarding construction.
Proper Formatting
Attractive Construction
When putting together an eBook,
there are two main things you need to worry about regarding construction.
Proper Formatting
Eye-Catching Cover Art
Attractive Construction
Proper Formatting is easy enough to do on your own.
Attractive Construction
Proper Formatting is easy enough to do on your own.
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing program, the author side of the largest eBook platform in the
world (55%+ of eBook sales),
Attractive Construction
Proper Formatting is easy enough to do on your own.
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing program, the author side of the largest eBook platform in the
world (55%+ of eBook sales),
provides simple formatting instructions for Microsoft Word and can convert your file for you.
Attractive Construction
Proper Formatting is easy enough to do on your own.
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing program, the author side of the largest eBook platform in the
world (55%+ of eBook sales),
provides simple formatting instructions for Microsoft Word and can convert your file for you.
Most other major eBook retailers have similar instructions and can also convert the file for you.
Attractive Construction
If you have complicated formatting issues
Attractive Construction
If you have complicated formatting issues
because of photos,
Attractive Construction
If you have complicated formatting issues
because of photos, bulleted lists,
Attractive Construction
If you have complicated formatting issues
because of photos, bulleted lists,
or specialized page layouts like in a cook book,
Attractive Construction
If you have complicated formatting issues
because of photos, bulleted lists,
or specialized page layouts like in a cook book,
you can find help relatively cheaply online.
Attractive Construction
If you have complicated formatting issues
because of photos, bulleted lists,
or specialized page layouts like in a cook book,
you can find help relatively cheaply online.
A quick search is all you need.
Attractive Construction
Many editors and editing services that specialize in eBooks are also familiar with eBook formatting guidelines
Attractive Construction
Many editors and editing services that specialize in eBooks are also familiar with eBook formatting guidelines
and may have lower rates for this service alone
Attractive Construction
Many editors and editing services that specialize in eBooks are also familiar with eBook formatting guidelines
and may have lower rates for this service alone
or package rates if you bundle with editing services.
Attractive Construction
No matter what route you take,
Attractive Construction
No matter what route you take,
adopt the mindset that nothing short of perfection is acceptable.
Attractive Construction
No matter what route you take,
adopt the mindset that nothing short of perfection is acceptable.
Seemingly small errors in formatting can make your book difficult to read.
Attractive Construction
If there is one place you should spend a little money,
Attractive Construction
If there is one place you should spend a little money,
it is on Eye-Catching Cover Art for your book.
Attractive Construction
If there is one place you should spend a little money,
it is on Eye-Catching Cover Art for your book.
Before a potential reader even sees your book summary or your reviews,
Attractive Construction
If there is one place you should spend a little money,
it is on Eye-Catching Cover Art for your book.
Before a potential reader even sees your book summary or your reviews,
they will see your cover as they scroll down a page.
Attractive Construction
If the cover gets them to click, then you’ve already won half the battle.
Attractive Construction
If the cover gets them to click, then you’ve already won half the battle.
As a new author without a reputation or word of mouth to drive sales,
Attractive Construction
If the cover gets them to click, then you’ve already won half the battle.
As a new author without a reputation or word of mouth to drive sales,
an eye-catching cover might just be the most important weapon in your marketing arsenal.
Attractive Construction
Because it is so important,
Attractive Construction
Because it is so important,
you will definitely want to consider hiring a professional to create your cover.
Attractive Construction
Because it is so important,
you will definitely want to consider hiring a professional to create your cover.
Costs will range from $50-$200+, but the expense will always be well worth it.
Attractive Construction
Unless you have a background in graphic design,
Attractive Construction
Unless you have a background in graphic design,
there is almost no way you’ll be able to create anything on your own that will be anywhere near as effective.
Attractive Construction
Unless you have a background in graphic design,
there is almost no way you’ll be able to create anything on your own that will be anywhere near as effective.
If you only have a small amount of money to spend on book construction,
Attractive Construction
Unless you have a background in graphic design,
there is almost no way you’ll be able to create anything on your own that will be anywhere near as effective.
If you only have a small amount of money to spend on book construction,
spend it on cover art and find a way to do the rest for free.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Telling a story that people will want to read is the hardest part of writing a book.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Telling a story that people will want to read is the hardest part of writing a book.
On some level, the ability to tell a compelling story is an inborn talent,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Telling a story that people will want to read is the hardest part of writing a book.
On some level, the ability to tell a compelling story is an inborn talent,
not something that can be taught.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
But there are at least two best practices that you should always follow.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
But there are at least two best practices that you should always follow.
1. Keep it simple.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
But there are at least two best practices that you should always follow.
1. Keep it simple.
2. Make it make sense.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep It Simple
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep It Simple
As a new writer, it will be easy to feel inadequate.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep It Simple
As a new writer, it will be easy to feel inadequate.
Everyone else’s books will look amazing to you,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep It Simple
As a new writer, it will be easy to feel inadequate.
Everyone else’s books will look amazing to you,
and yours will look like something from a high school creative writing class.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
You will be tempted to throw in a plot twist,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
You will be tempted to throw in a plot twist,
or a wild and crazy character,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
You will be tempted to throw in a plot twist,
or a wild and crazy character,
or a few jokes.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Inserting these things into your story as a new writer is a bit like trying to jump your bike off of a giant ramp
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Inserting these things into your story as a new writer is a bit like trying to jump your bike off of a giant ramp
the day after you take off your training wheels.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Inserting these things into your story as a new writer is a bit like trying to jump your bike off of a giant ramp
the day after you take off your training wheels.
The consequences could very well be disastrous.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep your first book simple.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep your first book simple.
Solid storytelling without bells and whistles
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep your first book simple.
Solid storytelling without bells and whistles
trumps jokes (which not everyone will find funny)
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep your first book simple.
Solid storytelling without bells and whistles
trumps jokes (which not everyone will find funny)
and crazy characters (that some readers will find annoying)
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Keep your first book simple.
Solid storytelling without bells and whistles
trumps jokes (which not everyone will find funny)
and crazy characters (that some readers will find annoying)
EVERY TIME!
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Make it make sense
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Make it make sense
It is absolutely essential that your book makes sense.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Make it make sense
It is absolutely essential that your book makes sense.
This is a bit of an extension of the “Keep It Simple” rule,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Make it make sense
It is absolutely essential that your book makes sense.
This is a bit of an extension of the “Keep It Simple” rule,
but it also goes deeper.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
When a reader gets to the end of your book,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
When a reader gets to the end of your book,
they should feel satisfied and not have many questions
Simple, Sound Storytelling
When a reader gets to the end of your book,
they should feel satisfied and not have many questions
(other than those caused by designed cliffhangers).
Simple, Sound Storytelling
There shouldn’t be any major plot holes.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
There shouldn’t be any major plot holes.
The conclusion of the book should be supported by everything leading up to it.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
There shouldn’t be any major plot holes.
The conclusion of the book should be supported by everything leading up to it.
Characters should have grown and changed relative to where they were at the beginning of the book.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Every book is a little different,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Every book is a little different,
but if at least some of these things don’t happen,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Every book is a little different,
but if at least some of these things don’t happen,
your readers will not be satisfied
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Every book is a little different,
but if at least some of these things don’t happen,
your readers will not be satisfied
and will not recommend you or look for future books from you.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
The great thing about this last step,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
The great thing about this last step,
is that anyone who reads can be a test subject,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
The great thing about this last step,
is that anyone who reads can be a test subject,
and you shouldn’t have to pay anyone anything to get some good feedback.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Recruit test readers from among friends and family
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Recruit test readers from among friends and family
or find a community online (a forum, a writing support group, etc.)
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Recruit test readers from among friends and family
or find a community online (a forum, a writing support group, etc.)
and find out what people think of your book.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Encourage your test readers to be honest and not to worry about saying something negative.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Encourage your test readers to be honest and not to worry about saying something negative.
Be prepared for some less than complimentary feedback,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Encourage your test readers to be honest and not to worry about saying something negative.
Be prepared for some less than complimentary feedback,
and keep the attitude that individual opinions aren’t overly important.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Look for trends in comments, and think critically about your work.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Look for trends in comments, and think critically about your work.
Don’t change something just for the sake of changing something.
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Look for trends in comments, and think critically about your work.
Don’t change something just for the sake of changing something.
Change things because you know, based on feedback or your own intuition,
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Look for trends in comments, and think critically about your work.
Don’t change something just for the sake of changing something.
Change things because you know, based on feedback or your own intuition,
that it will make your book better.
Wrap Up
Wrap Up
What is a “good” book?
Wrap Up
What is a “good” book?
In some ways, there is no answer to that question.
Wrap Up
What is a “good” book?
In some ways, there is no answer to that question.
A “good” book is each person’s subjective opinion.
Wrap Up
But every good book has, at least, three things:
Wrap Up
But every good book has, at least, three things:
Mechanical Soundness
Wrap Up
But every good book has, at least, three things:
Mechanical Soundness
Attractive Construction
Wrap Up
But every good book has, at least, three things:
Mechanical Soundness
Attractive Construction
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Wrap Up
But every good book has, at least, three things:
Mechanical Soundness
Attractive Construction
Simple, Sound Storytelling
Follow these three basic principles, and your book will always have a fighting chance.
Wrap Up
In the next presentation, I’ll explore
Wrap Up
In the next presentation, I’ll explore:
Best practices for distributing your eBook.
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