Writing How to eBooks – The Difference Between Writing Books & Writing eBooks

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In the last few weeks, I’ve run into an issue three times. Now writing isn’t a big subject, so I probably shouldn’t have been surprised. But I was. You see writing also isn’t a subject that evokes passion in people — especially professionals. Or maybe I should say excessive emotions rather than passion. You see writers tend to put their emotions onto the paper, not into their real lives. Maybe that’s one reason writers are such a laid back bunch — we expend the noisy emotions on paper and keep the quiet ones for real life.

In any case, two of these cases involved people claiming that eBooks weren’t real books. And that only printed books were worthy of serious consideration. I must be honest; one of them admitted that digital books — meaning real printed books copied to a digital format — were still valid.

At the same time, I was predicting the effect of the arrival of traditional publishers on the eBook scene.

This got me to thinking since I write both types of books. What is the difference between writing an eBook and writing a traditional book?

It didn’t take me long to realize that I needed to determine what I meant by a book and an eBook. You see eBooks have developed a bad reputation. One that’s deserved. That of being poor quality and being typically a tempest in a teapot. A very tiny teapot.

So I had to put some limits around the terms.

Far too often eBooks are actually just reports with an over-inflated sense of self-importance. They’re really just white papers and extended report length pieces. They’re far too short to be honestly considered as a book or eBook. At most they might fit the definition of monograph. An essay or thesis to be more precise.

And second they are often poorly written and poorly edited. But that’s not a factor of the medium. That’s a factor of the expense and recognition of quality.

But both of these are a vanishing breed. They may last for a short time but the market is going to kill them soon.

On the other hand I also looked at books. And realized that books ran from novelty and executive length all the way up to tomes. So comparing writing different length books was going to be a problem.

The only way to be fair was to compare the same fruit of the writing tree… equal length books of the same type.

So what’s the difference between writing a very long eBook of a hundred pages and an executive length book of a hundred pages?

Does an eBook take less time? Nope.

Does an eBook take less effort? Nope.

Does an eBook take fewer steps? Nope.

Does an eBook take different steps? Not for the writing parts.

So what is the difference?

The publishing step. When writing an eBook you need to format the book in the form it will be sold in. When publishing using a traditional process the publisher does that.

But arguably that’s a publisher’s problem not the writer. And it’s really a function of the use of traditional publishers versus self publishing.

So the answer is… there is no difference. Writing an eBook is exactly the same as writing a traditional book.

Do you want to learn how to write a book in 24 hours? Take my brand new free course here: http://www.learningcreators.com

Do you want to read more free information like this? Go to my blog: http://www.learningcreators.com/blog/

Glen Ford is an accomplished consultant, trainer and writer. He has far too many years experience as a trainer and facilitator to willingly admit.

Author: Glen Ford
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Mainstream Math Plus Indie Publishing Equals Success

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Mainstream publishing companies (MPCs) use methods that make perfect sense to me.

Then again, it doesn’t make sense.

Let me explain: MPCs bet conservatively. They don’t wager against the odds for success. MPCs think you, as a new author, will take the opportunity they lay on the table rather than walk away. All those playing card terms simply mean this: MPCs are in the driver’s seat. That sucks for the new, unpublished author. It’s not fair, but what’s fair isn’t necessarily equal.

To even the playing field, you need leverage on your side, but I’ll get to that.

MPCs are not evil empires. They do hold the power. With that degree of swag, it doesn’t matter if you have the next bestseller in your hand. Someone has to give you a chance first.

You get that chance through a literary agent who negotiates with MPCs on your behalf for the low, low average price of 15% of your domestic sales (25% international). Agents can increase your odds for success, but they are as selective as MPCs. Getting an agent is like asking out a popular girl in high school – you are often turned down without a clear explanation. She (the agent) might say:

  • “I’m not looking.” (I’m not accepting new client submissions at this time).
  • “You’re not my type.” (I don’t represent your genre).
  • “I’m just not that into you.” (Your work is not what we’re looking for.)
  • “Umm…” (I don’t have the time to crush you because you can’t edit or spell.)

Enter independent publishing, of which I am a BIG advocate. As you are a small business, all of the costs involved in independent publishing are completely tax deductible to you (of course, you are involved in everything, which can be a good or BAD thing).

Want to stay out of the process? Self-publish. But do your homework. (The Fine Print of Self-Publishing by Mark Levine; The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Tom and Marilyn Ross).

Either way can get you a little leverage if you decide to go to a MPC one day. Selling a decent amount (around 2,000) of books shows that you have the skills and drive to supplement what the MPC will do for you. You’ll have an established audience and some knowledge of the process. Plus, you may be able to negotiate a better royalty rate in the end.

Of course, if you believe you can sell 100,000 copies of your book starting out as a new author (the exception, NOT the rule), 6% of a $15 novel X 100,000 is $90,000 before taxes. If you can pull down close to 50% of that $15, you’d only have to sell about 15,000 books to make $90,000 and you can deduct the remaining from your taxes as expenses. I want to sell 100,000 copies, but in the meantime, in-between time, I like getting 50% or more per book.

Witness indie publisher Amanda Hocking, who writes young adult vampire lit (which is WHITE HOT right now). Because of her electronic sales (in one month, she sold 450,000 copies of her books electronically), a bidding war ignited over her. Eventually, she came out of it with a $3.2 million contract. How did she do that? Leverage. She sold almost a half-million books without a MPC. The odds are in her favor that she could do it again without them.

Now, Hocking is the exception, not the rule. There’s no golden formula to replicate that kind of success. It’s is a matter of skill, timing, and chance.

MPCs are trickier because the production time can take so long. With independent or self-publishing, like Hocking, you can get it done more quickly. Right now, the young adult set is eating up (excuse the pun) vampire and zombie novels. Will the market dry up a year or two from now? Maybe, maybe not. But Hocking has established a wide audience already, so it won’t matter as much for her.

What about you?

Let’s assume you’re on a budget.

1. Finish your work.

2. Find a professional editor (try Elance.com). I would not use anyone who doesn’t do it professionally. Poorly-edited work leaves a bad taste in the mouths of your readers. Think of it as a bad meal at a restaurant: you’re less likely to visit again even if you have a discount.

3. Get a reading group together who will be honest with you. I use people who I know won’t lie to me if it sucks. Trust me; you’d rather know that your work is terrible before it hits a shelf than after.

4. Go digital. Here are three sites you need to bookmark RIGHT NOW: Pubit.barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com, and Smashwords.com. You need all three.

Smashwords formats in mobi (for Kindle) and e-pub (for Nook) and posts to iTunes. While Amazon uses only mobi, your audience members will go to Amazon LONG before they go to Smashwords. And PubIt! does the e-pub format exclusively, but if someone looks for your book at a brick and mortar B&N store, they’ll find it. You can post your book at all three sites for NOTHING and you get 70%-80% of the sales. Not bad, huh?

5. Go on a Blog Tour to coincide with your release. Hocking used these to great effect. A blog tour, in essence, is when bloggers review your book and post it on their blog. In many instances, they’ll also do it anywhere your book is sold and people can post reviews. (I recommend Tywebbin.com; Tyora you rock!)

Now, what are you waiting for? Get started!

Author Brian L. Thompson is the president of Great Nation Publishing and author of the Christian fiction thriller The Lost Testament, and The Revelation Gate, due for release on June 7, 2011. You can read more about Brian by visiting his author site, [http://BrianLThompson.co]

Author: B L Thompson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Advantages of Digital Publishing

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Digital publishing or electronic publishing has gained popularity in the scientific journal community, as well as, other literary genres. In traditional publishing, when an article is submitted for publication it may take months or even years for the article to be accepted into a journal. Since the traditional publication cycle is longer than digital publishing, journalists have sought alternative means to bring their publications to the public faster. Self publishing companies allow the journalists to have complete control over their literary works, as well as, editorial control and other production decisions.

The financial responsibility lies solely on the author, if the author self publishes. However, if the author uses digital publishing or publishes an eBook, the author saves on print and binding costs of traditional publishing. The author can produce books and journals more frequently, because the author does not have to budget for print and binding costs.

Self publishing sites are especially important to authors because they will allow authors to publish for free. The company will handle royalties and sales, leaving the author free to write and produce. This is service is helpful to authors because authors no longer have to provide a significant investment to publish their works. If the author is particularly good at marketing and sales, they can drive enough traffic to the hosted content to earn a significant income. Therefore, the author no longer has to send works to publishers and wait months and even years to be published or earn money from a publication.

Fiction authors also enjoy digital publishing. In some instances, some fiction authors may not have a niche that a traditional publisher can market. However, if the author has an audience that the traditional publisher does not cater to, the author can use this to his or her advantage and capitalize on that particular niche through their online network.

Another important feature of digital publishing is that publications can reach a wider audience. This is possible because millions of individuals can gain access to the World Wide Web. Marketing through social networking venues can reach an audience that the reader would not in a traditional bookstore.

Digital publishing is also eco-friendly and new technology, such as the Kindle and other eBook readers are enabling individuals to download print faster than ever before. The prices of eBooks are generally less than print books, so the avid reader on a budget can purchase more eBooks than traditional print. Additionally, it’s convenient. Downloading an eBook is instant; whereas, purchasing a printed publication requires either a visit to a bookstore or waiting for an online purchase to arrive in the mail.

Additionally, the reader can transport hundreds to thousands of publications on trips when he or she purchases eBooks; whereas, the traditional printed publication weighs more and has significantly more space requirements.

Martin Alan enjoys writing on subjects such as literature, digital publishing, digital magazines, publishing software, file sharing sites and self publishing. He also enjoys keeping up-to-date with the latest developments and innovations in technology and online marketing.

For more information on online publishing click here; http://www.yudu.com

Author: Martin Alan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Writing How to eBooks – The Difference Between Writing Books & Writing eBooks

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In the last few weeks, I’ve run into an issue three times. Now writing isn’t a big subject, so I probably shouldn’t have been surprised. But I was. You see writing also isn’t a subject that evokes passion in people — especially professionals. Or maybe I should say excessive emotions rather than passion. You see writers tend to put their emotions onto the paper, not into their real lives. Maybe that’s one reason writers are such a laid back bunch — we expend the noisy emotions on paper and keep the quiet ones for real life.

In any case, two of these cases involved people claiming that eBooks weren’t real books. And that only printed books were worthy of serious consideration. I must be honest; one of them admitted that digital books — meaning real printed books copied to a digital format — were still valid.

At the same time, I was predicting the effect of the arrival of traditional publishers on the eBook scene.

This got me to thinking since I write both types of books. What is the difference between writing an eBook and writing a traditional book?

It didn’t take me long to realize that I needed to determine what I meant by a book and an eBook. You see eBooks have developed a bad reputation. One that’s deserved. That of being poor quality and being typically a tempest in a teapot. A very tiny teapot.

So I had to put some limits around the terms.

Far too often eBooks are actually just reports with an over-inflated sense of self-importance. They’re really just white papers and extended report length pieces. They’re far too short to be honestly considered as a book or eBook. At most they might fit the definition of monograph. An essay or thesis to be more precise.

And second they are often poorly written and poorly edited. But that’s not a factor of the medium. That’s a factor of the expense and recognition of quality.

But both of these are a vanishing breed. They may last for a short time but the market is going to kill them soon.

On the other hand I also looked at books. And realized that books ran from novelty and executive length all the way up to tomes. So comparing writing different length books was going to be a problem.

The only way to be fair was to compare the same fruit of the writing tree… equal length books of the same type.

So what’s the difference between writing a very long eBook of a hundred pages and an executive length book of a hundred pages?

Does an eBook take less time? Nope.

Does an eBook take less effort? Nope.

Does an eBook take fewer steps? Nope.

Does an eBook take different steps? Not for the writing parts.

So what is the difference?

The publishing step. When writing an eBook you need to format the book in the form it will be sold in. When publishing using a traditional process the publisher does that.

But arguably that’s a publisher’s problem not the writer. And it’s really a function of the use of traditional publishers versus self publishing.

So the answer is… there is no difference. Writing an eBook is exactly the same as writing a traditional book.

Do you want to learn how to write a book in 24 hours? Take my brand new free course here: http://www.learningcreators.com

Do you want to read more free information like this? Go to my blog: http://www.learningcreators.com/blog/

Glen Ford is an accomplished consultant, trainer and writer. He has far too many years experience as a trainer and facilitator to willingly admit.

Author: Glen Ford
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Choosing the Most Effective Book Marketing Services

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Ninety percent of all book sales are from less than ten percent of all books published in a year. Of the hundreds of thousands of books published annually, how do you make sure your book is one of those received by the market as certified hits? The answer is a well-planned and brilliantly executed marketing plan.

In light of this fact, many book marketing services have mushroomed over the years, all promising the best marketing schemes to take your book on top of that bestseller list. But how do you choose which book marketing service is most effective? Read further to find out.

The top book marketing service employ the most effective book-selling strategies known traditionally and innovate new marketing schemes that go with the tide of change the world has seen over the years. They offer a broad array of marketing services ranging from the writing of press releases announcing your book to creating customized flyers to setting up book signing events. Some book marketing services even have specialized teams to take care of public relations to further publicize your book. Others provide a list of popular book contests you can enter your book in, to earn more recognition and boost the good reputation of your book. Some have links with groups organizing book shows where you can exhibit your work and still others arrange for speaking engagements so you can personally promote your book.

In choosing the most effective book marketing service, take note that they include not only the above mentioned options but also take advantage of the flourishing technology your potential readers frequently access. You must have noticed how pages in social networking sites such as Facebook can spread information like wildfire; or how websites that feature your book can infinitely multiply the number of people who are informed about it. This is the age when people first turn to their computers for the answers to their needs before taking on the streets to scour for them. Therefore, look for a book marketing service that include optimizing your book’s website for better visibility online, posting articles or parts of your book on relevant webpages for more audience, or assisting you in creating e-book or audiobook versions if you wish.

Amidst all these options, you as the author are the best decision-maker as to which strategies will most catch the attention of your target readers. Therefore, the best book marketing service is those that offer a wide variety of marketing strategies, teach you the basics of each, offer professional consultation services, and allow you to tailor your own marketing plan according to your budget and needs. No two books are absolutely the same but getting readers to buy your book instead of another with the same topic can be tricky. The content of your book is only half of what can take it to the top. For it to be massively influencing, you need the best book marketing services by your side.

Are you looking for more information regarding book marketing services? Visit http://www.trinitylivingtoday.com/Book-Publishing-Home-Study-Course.html today!

Author: Anthony Obey
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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