How to Create Your Own Ebook

Create Your Own Ebook Without Ever Writing One Word!

Chapter 1 -- How to select a great topic
Chapter 2 -- Where to find great writers
Chapter 3 -- How to choose the best writer for your project
Chapter 4 -- Where to find an artist to develop great cover art
Chapter 5 -- How to sell your book on the web
Chapter 6 -- Where to find good, online ebook information

Chapter 5

--How to sell your book on the web--

Luckily you don't have to convince Barnes and Noble to put your book on a prominent shelf. You have the Internet at your disposal, and the Internet is the place where ebooks are purchased 99 percent of the time. The remainder of ebooks are sold at conferences and the like by CD-ROM (which incidentally should be packaged with great cover art and delivered in a shiny crystal case).

Get a presence on the web

First things first. You'll need some web space for your book. You can either pay a host or you can get free hosting service. I recommend you pay (for an inexpensive web host at least), and I'll tell you why.

There are many providers of free web pages, and a quick Google on "free web hosting" will illustrate that to the tune of page after page of providers. However, some of the services are unreliable, have annoying popups or other advertising, or have strict requirements on what you can and can't sell.

If you want something for nothing though, a good starting point is your own Internet Service Provider (ISP). Some ISPs, such as AOL, MSN, EarthLink, or RoadRunner may provide free web space as part of your monthly subscription. What they do not provide free is a domain name for your web site, such as www.youexpert.com.

Likewise, other free web hosting services do not allow you to use your own domain name. Besides the annoying ads and rules, the domain name issue is a huge reason not to use free hosts. If you want to be professional and maximize sales, you will need your own domain, and not www.somecompany.com/withdistractingadvertising/yougetwhatyoupayfor.

Tip: Even with the big ISPs, free hosting is not an ideal for you. It's just not that effective to have a site called www.personal/internetserviceprovider.com/home.html.

You can purchase a domain name to match the title of your ebook or the name of your business easily through any number of services. This should not cost you more than $20 per year, so don't pay more than that. Some fee-based web-site hosts will register your domain name for you as part of their pricing.

To get your own domain name to show up when you use your ISP or other free web host, you can purchase forwarding services which will redirect users to your free web host when the user types in your domain name. These can run $10 to $50 per year. Not worth it. You'll be paying for service, yet still getting the annoying advertising and rules from the free host provider. Not the best of either world.

I recommend paying for web hosting service. First of all, it's pretty cheap these days. You can get your own web page with tracking features for around $20 - $30 per month. You'll get enough space to store a library full of your own ebooks if you wish. And you can use your own domain name.
Rather than list all the possible web hosting services you might use, We highly recommend Host4Profit they cater to the internet marketing types and are $25 for you first account and then only $5 for an unlimited number of additional accountshttp://reviews.cnet.com/7026-6541-0.html?tag=comp CLICH HERE to see Host4Profit...

And if and when you add more ebooks to your library, then you should consider using forwarding services as necessary so that you can direct traffic to your best ebook-selling site.

Designing your page

Next, you'll want to get your page set up. You can hire this out - there are literally thousands of web designers out there - you'll pay $150 for help with a page or two and up to $5,000 for a complicated set of pages with storefront and graphics.

Finding a web designer online is much of the same old same old. Do an Internet search, or ask one of your technical friends for recommendations. Use the home-page designing software provided by your web host, or just pay the web host's fee-based designers.

What I recommend is that you tap into your ebook cover artist. Remember how I said you should develop a relationship? Once you get to that point, you can get some additional advice and help from them. Ask if they also do web page design or if they can refer you to someone good.

Note: Novice web designers use software such as MS Word or FrontPage. Experienced web designers may use Macromedia Fireworks with Dreamweaver or other package.

Definitely outsource your web page design, at least for your first ebook. This is worth the money, in the same way that hiring a ghostwriter and cover artist is worth the money. After you outsource your first web page, and some time down the road when you have more time on your hands, you could learn a bit about web design. Then you can copy the page you had designed professionally and use it as a template to self-design additional pages for new ebooks that you create.

Format your ebook

There are two common ebook formats, EXE and PDF. These formats refer to the type of electronic file your ebook will be. One type has .exe after the filename, and the other has .pdf after the filename.

If your ghostwriter already put your ebook into one of these formats, then you are all set. If your ebook was delivered in a word processing file, then you'll need to convert it to either EXE or PDF. You can buy software that will make an .exe file, or you can purchase or use free software to convert the text to a .pdf file.

I recommend the .pdf approach for several reasons. First, of the two options, .pdf results in a smaller file. This will allow buyers to have a faster download of your book. Secondly, .pdf files can be read easily with free software on either a PC or a Mac. Thirdly, .pdf conversion software is not terribly expensive and there are even free versions you can use. Most of the free versions work really well if all your ebook contains is text. However, the free converters tend to contain popup advertising.

One free, ad-free, basic converter is the create Adobe pdf online service directly from Adobe, the father of .pdf generators and readers. There are others you can find by web search.

For a modest fee in the $20 range, you can have advertising eliminated from some of the free .pdf conversion services and programs. To me, it's worth it. But if you don't mind one or two pop-ups each time you convert a file to .pdf, you can save a few bucks by using free services.

To be able to convert every bell and whistle in your ebook to .pdf, you can purchase Adobe's program to do so at a cost of over $200. This may be necessary if your ebook is unusual, containing animated film clips or other technically unusual features. Free or cheap converters will convert your text. Basically, your .pdf file will end up looking like what your printed pages would look like. Converters abound, and therefore you can use free or buy a converter that will only do what you need for a fraction of the $200 you would pay to get every bell and whistle.

Some ebook authors prefer the .exe file because it can provide additional flexibility, nice graphic conversion, and other features. Most .exe converters or services cost a bit, and honestly, you probably won't need those features. First of all, most ebook readers just want to read your book and are not terribly impressed with extraneous details that would not be presented in a paper book, with the exception of hyperlinks. Secondly, .exe files are only viewable on PC's, so right off the bat, you lose potential Mac customers.
You can, of course, put your ebook on the web as a MS Word file. This makes for a cumbersome download and then your customer will need to have a similar program to read your book. Some word processing files can be compressed for quicker downloads by using programs such as the free one at www.beowurks.com. But that still doesn't solve the problem of your readers needing MS Word or similar purchased software to read your book.
You can put your ebook on the web in .html format so that it can be read just like a web page. Some word processing programs have html converters that you can try. To me, this is going to extra trouble that you just don't need. Take the simpler road - .pdf.

Get ready to accept credit cards

By and large, your ebook buyers will want to pay by credit card. After all, the benefit of ebooks is that they are terribly easy to get. Just type in your credit card number and in a few moments you're reading through a great book!
You should also provide a mail box where visitors can send a check for your ebook, but this is only to show them that you have an address. It adds to your credibility, but don't expect many orders, if any, through this channel. In fact, if you only provide a postal mail box address and do not provide your customers with the ability to click and pay by credit card, you can expect to lose 95 percent of your buyers. However, put the address on the site, and do process orders that come in that way. Use a box that is not your personal residence for reasons of personal security.

Services abound that will accept credit card payments and send you the money. A common one is http://www.paypal.com. Paypal and most other services charge an upfront fee and percentage, but the charges are reasonable. Get set up immediately. You want your customers to buy immediately. A few other online credit card services are listed in the last chapter.

Upload your information to the web

You'll want to upload all relevant ebook information onto your web page, including your ebook cover art, the ebook itself, a link to order and pay for your ebook, and your sales letter.

To upload from your computer to the World Wide Web, you'll need an FTP program. Most web host services will provide you with the software required to do this and provide clear instructions. If your service doesn't provide you with FTP help, you can purchase or use a free FTP program such as the one at www.ipswitch.com. Software that web designers tend to use generally comes with FTP capability.

Create a great sales letter for your book

The web page for your ebook should contain a sales letter that is immediately visible. In fact, your web page really doesn't need to contain much else, unless you choose to use additional pages for other uses.

Here are the components of a great sales letter.

1. a catchy headline.
2. a list of amazing benefits for the reader. Tell visitors what problems your ebook solves or how it will improve their lives.
3. testimonials. Quotes from people who have read the book or from people who know you and are willing to write something great about you for your site.
4. a guarantee.
5. a link to a sample chapter.
6. a link to purchase the ebook.
7. the price. Going rates are $5.95 to $19.95.
8. about four pages in length.
9. a narrow page with wide margins for easy reading.
10. dark text on a white or light-colored background, for easy reading.

Tip: Get testimonials early in the game by offering your ebook free to those who will in exchange, give you a one or two sentence testimonial.

A sales letter template you can use right now

Here's an example sales letter. You can use this as a template for copy on your web page. Feel free to change the colors, fonts, and content (obviously use your own title and other information). Add your own cover art where the sample is, or put the cover art icon elsewhere close to the top of the page. Note in the example the use of quotation marks, capital letters, italic text, and colored text draws your attention. The very first line should be your ebook title. Also, notice that in the sample, the "click here to purchase" is repeated in different places.

"The BEST E-book Ever!"

Stop driving to a dull workplace day after day. Spend your days at home and work only a fraction of a 40-hour week!

"Discover how to make your living entirely on the Internet using free web hosts, free programs, and free marketing" This 80-page book available for immediate download will tell you how it's done! After you've read it, you may very well decide to quit your day job.

Click here to download a free chapter!ORClick HERE to order the entire book for $12.95

Dear Friend,

I used to work up to 60 hours a week at a well-paying white collar job. The money was good, my wife drove a nice SUV and my kids had the latest toys.

I was good at my job.

There was one problem. I was not happy.

So I decided to do something drastic. Instead of selling my services to my employer for a paycheck and dark circles under my eyes, I decided to sell my services to people over the Internet. I would be my own boss, work from home, and see if I could make a living.

What I discovered is that I could do more than just make a living. I could change my life entirely.

And I want to share my experience and secrets with you. So I've compiled the most important things you would need to know to do what I did into a short, readable, ebook.

This information will save you ... hundreds of dollars since I have included links to lots of free resources you can use to get started including the best free web host providers, the best free software programs, the best free marketing techniques, and the best places to get free help when you need it.

This book will save you ... hours and hours of time, since I've done the research. All you have to do is click and download the free tools, and you're set!

This book could ... change your life. Once you get your Internet business up and running, you'll have time to spend with your family, time to join the fishing club, time to make peace with yourself, time to laugh with friends, or time to start more Internet businesses!

And you'll still be able to pay your mortgage.

There is no miracle path to instant riches on the Internet, but if you get good advice, roll up your sleeves and give it a determined try, YOU can do this!
I guarantee it.

If you are not satisfied entirely, I will refund your money at any time ever, no questions asked.

This book is worth over $500, because that is the MINIMUM it will save you on the costs of starting your Internet business.

You need to know these secrets!

The price is only $12.95. I can do this because I sell a lot of these while running my other Internet business.

Click here to order. Once your credit card is accepted, the complete ebook will be emailed to the address of your choice. There is nothing more to buy. No hidden agendas. No links to affiliates. Just me sharing my knowledge with you.

What do you have to lose? There's a 100% guarantee or your money back!
Try it today. And when your life takes a major upswing, write me and tell me how the system's working for you!

Best regards,

You Expert
You Expert,
Former 9-to-5 employee,
now CEO of www.makingmoneyontheweb.com

P.S. Check out what readers are saying about this book!
=======================================
You, Thanks for your incredible Ebook. I plan to buy copies for all my friends for Christmas this year!

--Guy Abreans, Atlanta, Georgia

Wow, I was really skeptical, but with your book in hand I was able to navigate myself into a great, booming, Internet business for myself. Good-bye Monday morning traffic, hello mailbox money! I can't thank you enough!
--Jennifer Zuniga, Puerto Rico

To say I've been enlightened would be an understatement. I am no longer overwhelmed or intimidated by the Internet. I've tapped into the great free services you've recommended, and I now have a business presence on the web. I've got marketing strategies in the works, and I'm just about to quit my day job. It's been easy to overcome what I thought would be much more difficult hurdles. My appreciation for inspiring and teaching through your book on how to do this.

--Dr. Rodney Nhar, Sott Wells, California

You, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

--Peg Thomlinson, Alberta, Canada

Click here to download a free chapter!ORClick HERE to order the entire book for $12.95

Selling strategies

In addition, there are other techniques you can use to make money with your ebook. One thing you can do is give your ebook away free, and at the same time provide a link to a fee-based product or service in your ebook. The thing about free ebooks is that there are web sites where you can place free ebooks. It costs nothing or close to nothing to list your ebook, and because people always love to get something free, the sites generally have web traffic.

On your own web page, you could also offer your ebook as a free bonus when a visitor buys some other product, service, or ebook from your web site.

I'm not a fan of affiliate links, but if you have one or two you feel you want to include, then some have been known to make a buck or two this way. This is sometimes called viral marketing.

Get your ebook listed in online bookstores. The fee may be worth it to make many more potential readers aware of your book.

Here are a few more shameless promotion techniques you can use.
· Add a link to your ebook web site at the bottom of every email you send for any reason.

· Submit your ebook web page to the major search engines. Your hosting service may be able to help you with this, you can purchase Internet marketing software to automatically submit your information to a list of search engines, or you can go to each of your favorite search engines and submit the site yourself.

· Pay for clicks from pay-per-click search engines, so people will more readily see your ebook. In this way, you buy traffic to your site.
· Buy ad space in e-zines or newsletters that are reaching your target readers.
· Create a monthly newsletter, and tout your book in it every month.
· As you build your library, provide links to your other ebooks in each of your ebooks.
· Use your ebook as a business card. Send it to organizations or businesses where you'd like to be hired as a speaker or teacher.
Make online marketing work for you

Why worry so much about marketing? Well, mainly because you want customers to know your ebook 1) exists and 2) is worth their money and time. The long and short of it is that you want to understand the market for your ebook. You will know the general market when you choose the topic, especially if you chose a topic because of its target market discussed in Chapter 1 of this ebook.

If you spend time getting to know your market, then you will be even better poised to market your work. For example, you want to make sure you are targeting a group that has money to spend. You also want a group that browses the Internet and that likes to get current information, i.e. he wants to learn how something is affecting him today, not how someone did something in the 1980's. Ebooks offer this freshness.

Get to know your market by getting involved in online discussions, talking to people, and looking at demographics or statistics. Most services that provide information about how to reach people of certain income levels and such require subscriptions in a price range that is only affordable by large corporations. But you can freely access any of the U.S. government's public information. And you may want to do that.

At the bookstand, check out magazines and newspapers related to the topic to understand your market. Be sure to note who is advertising in the magazines. Some web sites offer information to their advertisers about readership and median incomes. Especially magazine's web sites. Marketing precisely to your target market is everything when it comes to selling ebooks.

Chapter 6