LOL, I just made up a new word, "aftertalk." Okay, moving forward, I presented the How to Create an Ebook and What Your Can Do With It last night, and if I say so myself, it offered a great deal of information. But, since we went past the hour and I still didn't get everything in, I'm writing this post.
First I want to thank
Elysabeth Eldering for moderating and copying the workshop chat for me. And, I'd like to thank all the attendees who took the time to join in.
For those who registered to attend, whether in attendance or not, if you'd like the transcript of the workshop please email me at: karencioffi(AT)ymail - (DOT) - com and put "Workshop transcript" in the subject box.
After Workshop PackageAlso, as soon as I can prepare it, there will be a "After Workshop Package" for anyone who is interested in purchasing it. The package will include the ebook How to Create an Ebook and What You Can Do With It, the transcript of the workshop which has A LOT MORE information not included in the ebook, and if I get around to it, a podcast of information from the ebook and the transcript.
Now on to some of the information in the workshop and additional information on publishing your own ebook.What is the purpose of creating an ebook?• To provide a solution to a person’s problem, need, or want.
• To create a free gift, ethical bribe, to entice readers to subscribe to your newsletter.
• To offer for free and allow reprinting (passed on), letting it go viral. This increases your visibility and expert status.
• To offer for sale on your site or through sites such as Kindle and Smashwords, and/or to sell through services like Amazon’s CreateSpace as a physical book.
What Qualifies You to Write an Ebook? Are You an Expert?• Have you studied a particular subject for 10,000 hours? This is the generally accepted criteria for a ‘real’ certified expert.
• But in the online world, if you’ve read 5 books on a particular topic, you are considered an authority and know more about that topic than at least 90% of other people; this gives you expert status.
• While there may be those who know much more about your topic than you, you are the authority to the majority of people who know less than you!
• Having knowledge in a specific area and being able to teach it to others gives you authority.
Is it worth it to create ebooks?• Amazon now sells more ebooks than physical books!
• You should be taking advantage of this opportunity to create visibility and money
Places to publish and/or promote your ebooks (most for free)https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=printpublisher&continue=https://books.google.com/partner/gaiaauth&hl=en_US<mpl=books(Promote your books on Google for FREE)
Kindle:
https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/signinhttp://smashwords.comhttp://lulu.com
In the most recent marketing teleclasses I've attended, one of the messages conveyed is that unless you're a major author with tremendous sales, you will not get rich from writing books. You may not even be able to make a living.
So, how does an author create a living out of writing?
Well, whether you're in the process of writing a book, in the process of having a book published, or your book is already available for sale, there are a few strategies writers can use to supplement their income or create a living from writing:
1. Create ebooks and offer them for sale. If you're a fiction writer, write about elements of writing, the process, the pit falls, the publishing process, your marketing strategies, and so on. Write what you know.
2. If you have interests other than the fiction you write, capitalize on them also. If you're a great cook, write about cooking. If you have an interest in health, do the research and write about it.
In steps 1 and 2, it's easy to create a pfd with images and a cover. You can offer them on your site, or through services such as Lulu.com.
If you're willing to invest in a clickbank account or another of these types of services, you can find affiliates to help you sell your ebooks.
3. Don't forget this ONE essential strategy that all writers need to utilize: Write articles, research appropriate magazines and submit, submit, submit - if you don't submit your work, you will not get published...or earn an income from your writing. And, being published does matter; it opens up doors and opportunities that may not otherwise be open.
4. If you're writing nonfiction, think spin-offs. You can create journals, and even videos for sale.
5. Look into selling through catalogues.
6. If you’re writing nonfiction, seek out corporations or businesses that may be interested in your topic. For example: I wrote a bed time story and a great writing coach, Suzanne Lieurance, suggested I look into children's stores (furniture, clothing, etc.) to see if they'd be interested in buying in bulk and offering your book to their clients for sale or as giveaways.
7. If you're published, offer teleclasses or coaching. This is one of those opportunities that will work better if you're published.
8. Promote, Promote, Promote!
These are a few of the strategies you can use to generate income from writing.
Tip: Remember to be focused and research your target market.
Here are two additional posts that might be of interest (just click on the titles):
Private Label Rights - Time Saving Strategy
The Self-Publisher's Guide, 2nd Edition
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
I remember some years ago, when I didn't understand the popularity of eBooks and was pretty sure I would never purchase one. Meanwhile, some years later I've purchased a ton of eBooks and released one myself. Good info!
Hi WriteOnePub,
It's so true, ebooks are the future, whether we like it or not!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Karen, thanks for teaching the workshop!
Susanne, glad to have you there!