Why Haven't You Written an eBook Yet?
by Antone Roundy | 2 Comments | Blogging, eBooks
Here's something I stumbled across today from the "ain't it the truth" department. If you've never written an eBook, read what Ali Luke wrote:
So what's stopping you? I think I know ...
Maybe you think you don't know how. Sure, you're comfortable with writing blog posts, but an ebook is a totally different animal.
Or is it?
To make a long story short (I recommend clicking through and reading the not so long story too) it's not all that different. If you can blog, and your blog isn't utter garbage, you can write an eBook.
Easily.
Here's how:
- Download OpenOffice
- Go through your blog and copy several of your favorite posts that are thematically related.
- Paste them into an OpenOffice Writer document.
- Tweak and add more as desired.
- Add title, about the author, and any other pages you wish.
- Make sure you've got a link to your website in there somewhere (this is why I recommend OpenOffice vs. a "print to PDF" tool -- OpenOffice preserves links when you export).
- Export it as a PDF.
Writing an eBook is one of those "sounds hard until you try it" things. As soon as you've tried it once, you'll realize how easy it is.
September 5th, 2011 at 7:34 am
The process you outlines above is easy, but there is always the 'problem' with fitting this into your calendar. If you run your site as a side business, your spare time is limited because of obligations towards the family (OK, you could write an ebook about this, too).
eBook production is not just copy/pasting existing content into a new format, but also requires design (ebook cover) and salesletter (even for a free giveaway), setup of payment process etc.
In once started a freebook in the way you describe above and really had difficulties with the promotional part. On the other hand, your way is good for quick and dirty bonuses.
December 13th, 2011 at 3:02 am
You do make it sound easy, but I think the main reason people still never get their ebook written is largely psychological. It's about overcoming procrastination and changing the 'inner voices' that are telling them why they can't do it. It's why people find writing so difficult. And no matter how simple you try to make it you can't get around the fact that it needs to get written.
Thanks for the outline though.