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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Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Indie Publisher?

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Are you considering becoming an indie author?
If you are a writer standing at the crossroad where the road to traditional publishing heads one direction and the road to indie-publishing (self-publishing) in another, you are not alone.

Access (the road) to traditional publishing is daunting. For decades, if not centuries, writers have had to kneel at the door of agents and publishers, pleading for admission to the club. “Please, kind sirs, would you look at my writing?” There are the stories of writers who literally tossed their manuscript ‘over the transom’, hoping theirs might be read and accepted.

The reading technology revolution over the past few years has dramatically changed the way books get into the hands (or e-books) of readers. Compared to the time traditional publishing ruled the process, the change happened in less than the blinking of an eye.

Bowker reported 25,102 new titles in 2002. By 2010 the number has grown to 47,392. That doesn’t include a non-traditional category which includes some print on demand titles. If we only consider the new title category alone over 4,000 new titles are being added each month. That’s 130 added per day. That means over 10 new titles were added in the past hour, and likely one added while you read this.

In the face of change, why would agents and traditional publishers take the time to read a submission from an unknown author? If they are finding it challenging to publish and market well-known authors, how could I expect a publisher to roll out a significant marketing budget for me? Ask yourself the same question.

Today’s publishing environment is a recipe for a “rejection cocktail” for yet-to-be-famous writers like me.

Rejection it the “R” word to writers. Agents and publishers tell about scores of queries they get every day. I have my share of rejection letters and emails. Each time one comes in I have to shake off the loser feeling and keep on going.

What is the alternative?

Actually, there is a good alternative – Indie Publishing. Once ridiculed, becoming a self or independent publisher is now a viable choice. The challenge is to do it right. If you do you will experience the joy of selling your first book. The joy increases with each new book you sell after that, each time you are reaching a new reader.

I say it again, the challenge is to do it right. There are thousands of examples of self-publishing-gone-wrong. We’ve all seen covers designed by an amateur, even if well-meaning. We’ve opened books that are littered with typos, misspelling and poor grammar. Some books manage all three miscues, what I call a trifecta of mistakes in a poorly self-published book.

Why not choose to become a professional indie (independent) publisher?
Writer’s Digest is a great source for authors choosing the indie publishing path. They offer the following indie publishing checklist:

– Pick a good title

– Have a marketing plan

– Have a realistic marketing schedule

– Have a good interior with professional editorial service

– Have a good cover design by someone who knows cover design

– Set a publication date

– Register a copyright

– Secure an ISBN

– Keep good records for accounting

That’s just the tip of the indie publishing iceberg. But following a checklist like that will lead to success. It will be time to hit the ground running, and running, and running. It isn’t easy, but it can be fun. The trick for making it fun is to be in control, to avoid twisting like a leaf in the wind when another surprise lands in your in-basket or email.

I have developed a plan that has six basic sections for a successful book launch and marking that includes close to 65 ingredients for managing a book-launch and consequent marketing details. These are all hard-learned lessons that I share with my clients.

When you’re ready to publish?
You’ve written you book, had it edited and have an excellent cover design. Now you are ready to go into print. There are excellent print-on-demand services for the indie publisher. You can check them on-line. Don’t’ just read their claims, it pays to read reviews of satisfied customers and the ones not satisfied. It pays to ask other writers. Join an association like the Association of Independent Authors (AIA). Their website is an excellent source of information and there are forums to ask questions.

My choice for printing my novels was Createspace, a division of Amazon. They offer packages of services and prices that offer help to the beginning indie publisher. As you become experienced in the process you can pick a-la-carte from the menu. They also provide excellent customer support.

Saving the best news for last
A larger share of the royalties can be your reward.

You may have figured out that the road to wealth as an emerging author is more like a leisurely drive in the country that a drive on a fast expressway. The way to sell a book is still one book at a time. The way to a successful marketing campaign is to have a plan for what you want to do after you sell to your family and friends.

Do some market research. Find out what the average number of books a new author can expect to sell. Don’t be discouraged, however and use that number as a goal to exceed.

If you make the choice to be an indie author you will have control of your book. You choose the title. You decide on the content. And you keep a larger piece of the royalty pie.

Why did you write the book in the first place?
I’ve met writers who have told me they write to be famous. I wish them well on that journey. Most of us write because there is a story in us that we want to tell, it’s that simple and it’s the reward. What follows in readership and fame is another reward altogether. After the sweaty part of the writing we just want readers to enjoy it. Would I like to become famous for my writing, absolutely? Until that happens my joy is make the author-reader connection, one reader at a time.

If you take on the challenge of becoming an indie-publisher you need to be prepared for the next step, becoming an indie marketer. But that’s the sequel to the story.

Good writing, my friends.

Chuck Waldron, Indie Publisher

As an independent author and publisher, I have learned some valuable lessons through trial and error. If you are considering self-publishing I hope you find the encouragement you need to take control of your publishing destiny. Welcome to the Indie Book Rebellion.

In addition to my own writing I am proud to be a partner at a new service for independent authors, a place where you can expect editorial, cover design, and support in developing your marketing strategy. Visit http://www.canamauthorservices.com

You are invited to visit my website at http://www.writebyme.ca or send an email to chuck@writebyme.ca

Chuck Waldron,
Kitchener, Ontario

Author: Chuck Waldron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Growth of Digital Publishing

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Electronic publishing has resulted in the gradual growth of digital libraries, containing research materials, online articles and literary works.

The growth of electronic publishing has introduced readers to new methods of accessing reading material. Once with the only option of reading on a computer screen, there now exists an emerging market for technology associated with digital publishing. For example, in its August 30, 2009 edition, Publisher’s Weekly reviewed a dozen devices specifically designed for reading electronic text. Although relatively new, this synthesis of technology and the written word has only begun.

Digital publishers offer a wide variety of materials to an even wider audience of readers. With an untold number of electronic publications, the impact of this industry is strong. Many epublishers, online merchants and individual authors have captured audiences in niche markets that would be difficult to reach through traditional the methods of publishing, as well as providing established readers with the convenience of purchasing digital publications online for immediate download.

In addition, a growing number of traditional publications, academic journals and other media outlets, too, have entered the world of digital publishing with profitable results. From statistics collected by the Association of American Publishers and the International Digital Publishing Forum, U.S. eBook sales have increased significantly over time. Sales of eBooks from 2002 totaled approximately $1.6 million, while 2008 sales reached over $37.5 million. The resulting sales figures demonstrate that ePublishing is not only an emergent force, but also an established industry poised to experience continued growth.

Not everyone is excited about this growth, however. Books in the Digital Age, a 2005 book by John B. Thompson, explores many of academia’s concerns about the standards of material published electronically. Critics state concerns that the ease of publishing and distributing materials online will result in lower standards of available work that can now avoid the many channels of scrutiny and review that hardcopy works face before being approved for publication.

Some groups have voiced their concerns that digital publishing devalues both books and reading. These opponents state that reading digitized words on a screen cannot replace the pleasure that comes from pouring over words and anticipating each turn of the page. Others are less concerned about the visceral act of reading, finding themselves more troubled by the challenges of technology. For example, some groups are worried that changing technology could result in digital libraries with outdated collections being abandoned online or that changes in digital formats could result in a host of inaccessible works.

With less overhead needed, fewer wasted resources and no concerns about storing surplus editions, digital publishing has proven to be an affordable alternative to issuing printed works. Consumers benefit from less expensive reading material that can be accessed at their own convenience. In all likelihood, digital publishing will not replace printed works, but its persistent growth is a continual balancing act. Digital publishing will continue to establish itself as the connection between the influence of technology and the power of the written word.

Martin Alan enjoys writing on subjects such as literature, digital publishing, online magazines 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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Get Free and Effective Online Book Marketing, Author Publicity and Brand Equity

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To sell books, authors use social media networks as marketing tools for building brand equity and getting free book publicity by sharing online conversations, posts, book excerpts, links, videos, photographs and text files with family, friends, fans and professionals.

Book and eBook authors are creating internet presence using social media and free internet publicity tools by marketing books and services using internet communities, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Digg. In addition, there are free opportunities to market books on Google and Yahoo through their search engine submission services, communities and blogs.

By having your book appear on all or some of these websites, you can begin to build brand equity, the perceived value assigned to your name, the name of your book and your services in the marketplace, which in this case, is the internet. As you build a target audience that has an interest in you, your name, book and services derive real commercial value to accompany your brand equity, causing your stock to rise, so to speak, and allowing you to cash in on your name and reputation.

Using a larger group of online fans on Facebook, for instance, you can further define smaller communities to build around you as an author, expert and public speaker, establishing yourself as an authority and giving this target audience a better chance to get to know you. Acquaintance with what you have to say could encourage an online fan or friend to consider hiring you to speak to their civic, social or professional group. which may lead to consulting contracts in your professional area.

Many authors write books as extensions of articles and in-depth investigatory projects that may have been part of their academic curriculum, research, literary collections or newspaper and magazine columns. With this professional background, authors can truthfully claim a specialty in particular professions and bill themselves as such. Other authors have written books about their hobbies, such as gardening, cooking, design, sewing, dance, boating, travel, photography. Get the picture? Don’t forget to take pictures and video to use in your online marketing or eBook production.

With all those text files, photographs and video, collected for your book or eBook, you can now generate scripts for a video production or a series of video projects for YouTube, adding to the amount of free book publicity available to you. Videos can give potential audiences a chance to see and hear a sample of your presentation. Try to make this presentation into a mini production and not just a talking head. Add graphics, photographs or other video clips over your voice to give the presentation interest and additional value. Videos can be made into book trailers, short author biographies and video business cards. You may need a bit of professional assistance to get your video project started. The more professional your video productions look, the more likely they are to be picked up by other video services, giving you even more exposure, free book publicity and brand equity.

Whatever your reason for writing a book, it doesn’t take a large number of internet fans, friends and followers to effect the momentum you need for success as an author, expert, public speaker and professional consultant. One online contact is all it takes to get the free book publicity sequence started. You tell the audience you are available for personal appearances, public speaking events, book signing engagements, consulting and coaching; and then direct them to your internet pages to read about you, your book and your professional specialty. Imagine, one contact responds to your message. There you go! But remember, no one can read your mind or between the lines. Spell out clearly what action you want your audience to take. Then give them step-by-step instructions on how they should take each action.

  • Buy your book?
  • Hire you to speak?
  • Contract with you as a consultant?
  • Employ you for staff coaching?

Social media networks can help you build relationships and establish or enhance your internet presence because, within social media networks, you can create interest groups with whom you may talk about appropriately selected topics. If you are an author, these topics should include your book, a point of interest for online and live audiences, as well. Most times the intrigue my audiences have with me as an author is the fact that I have done what many people in the audience either want to do or think they can do–write a book. Many questions center on the writing process. Don’t discourage their curiosity. Use whatever you have to capture interest. Then, show them a video and talk about your book, how you went about writing your book and how your book supports your consulting specialty.

  • The facts are these.
  • Technology allows us to tell our online friends, fans and followers about our books
  • Internet communities can be supportive of our books and events
  • Audiences must believe we are being informative rather than exploitive
  • You are not allowed to sell books and services in some online communities

BE SURE to read the fine print in the terms of use section before you check the box. As competition for membership in certain internet groups becomes more competitive, those groups are beginning to take the terms of use section more seriously. When you check the box and type in the code, you are signing a legally binding contract to abide by rules and to uphold standards of that particular online community, which may not allow a participant to sell on its website. Those sales compete with paid advertisers on the website. Don’t take for granted that all communities have the same policies about sales. They don’t.

Some websites that do not allow you to sell your book or services may still be a great place for branding your name and book. Beyond official policies, community members have their own ways to deal with those who deviate from accepted community conduct. Many members belong to several similar online groups and will be on the lookout for you and your tactics. They have the option of removing your posts from their pages where their friends may have seen your posts; or they can de-friend or un-follow you. Like in the community where you live, your un-neighborly reputation will follow you from community to community, where you will eventually find yourself friendless and alone with no book sales, speaking events or consulting contracts.

  • Be Subtle
  • Tell Your Story
  • Don’t Sell

Evolving social media marketing for free publicity and brand equity can lead to book and services sales and public speaking events. However, the use of social media can backfire! If members of your online communities believe you are trying to take advantage of them, they will reject your message. Remember, these are real people, not inanimate technology or extensions of search engines. Make sure what you are offering–how-to instructions, free sample products, gifts, coupons, discounts, invitations, advice, jokes or whatever–is something they can see as being useful in their lives or careers.

In your social media network or online professional community, treat people with respect. Speak to them as equals and communicate with them in the same way you would communicate with friends in other areas of your life. If you do not treat people with regard, you will alienate your potential target audience and you will not receive an abundance of book sales or invitations for public speaking events or consulting and services contracts.

ALL OF THIS may sound foreign and daunting, but effective book marketing through social media can be achieved easily by grouping friends and fans into categories to suit the conversations and discussions you intend to share with each online group. Conversations, discussions and posting can lead your target audience to read an excerpt from your book, an excerpt that you can upload in an online press release or article. Write your own promotional materials. You can do this! After all, you wrote a book!

My college journalism professor and advisor at Texas A&M University, the late Skip Leabo, told me, “If you can write, then you can write your own ticket to a good life.” Skip gave me that nugget before we arrived at the door of the World Wide Web. It took me a number of years to understand exactly what he meant. Now, I know. As the writer, I can assume an active role in my destiny.

  • Write my books using online tools
  • Use free technology to publicize my events
  • Shape public opinion about my books
  • Brand my name and my titles

As an author you will most likely want to join author groups online to increase your visibility among other authors, publishers and literary agents. Literary agents and publishers are attracted to author groups because these groups provide a large talent pool. Also, author groups give you unlimited possibilities for enhancing the standing of your book, while creating a community with whom you can share your book, press releases, articles and author biography.

Further, your membership in social media networks gives members a chance to share their books, articles and press releases, giving you the opportunity to comment on those pages. Comments on other writers’ pages can get you professional recognition, which will lead readers to your website or blog that contains your information and excerpts. On those pages, potential target audiences can get a taste of your creative side and a glimpse of who you are. Your social media community may read your author biography and book excerpt, and be inspired to invite you to speak in front of their group.

Once you get yourself comfortably in front of an audience at a public speaking event, you can deliver your message about your book, let people get to know you and, at the same time, persuade them that you are knowledgeable about writing, editing, marketing or other services you offer for a fee. In front of your audience, you can sell yourself, reserve further public speaking events, and attract lucrative consulting contracts. All of this can be accomplished using social media. Be sure not to use hard-selling tactics in public speaking events. The best way to sell anything–anything at all–is to sound not like a salesperson, but to sound like a friend.

To take full advantage of your social media network, you could invite your local social media community to an event you have arranged or one in which you have been invited to participate. At these events, you have the opportunity to place your book on the table at the back of the room. If you wrote an eBook, your sales will be handled exclusively through the internet, perfect for involving your social media network because the internet is the location of the community and also the location where they purchase the eBook.

LET’S HOPE you have written a book that excites people, a book they will share with their network and so on and so on. That makes your book excerpts nearly as important as the book itself. So, pay attention to what you post because the excerpt will either cause your community to attend an event or make them want to read more of your book and make the purchase. Your social media network can help you sell book and get public speaking events if you provide them with as many places as possible to read about you. Press release publishing websites will publish and distribute well-written press releases and articles, which will get you free book publicity. Check them out and pick a couple of websites to start.

Press releases accomplish a number of goals, including free book publicity and getting your biography and data files into the hands of folks who can hire you to speak to their groups. How Authors Use Social Media Networking to Sell Books will help you learn more about using the internet to promote your books and career.

Online press release services are not all the same. Write an article and upload it. Be prepared to wait a few days while some services review your article. If it is accepted and published, check your search engine ranking after a couple of days and see if the website is working for you. If not, move on to another one. In some cases, it is not the website, it your writing that is not working for the search engines. Be aware that writing for internet distribution and search engine optimization is a different type of writing.

As you write more for internet distribution you will need to learn about headline writing for search engines, text optimization and keyword strategies. Involve your social media network in getting you book sales and public speaking engagements by providing the network a means of purchasing your book or eBook. This can be done through your website, blog, press releases or articles, all posted online for the convenience of your network. The challenge in selling online is having a method of receiving payments.

There are numerous methods available. Do research and find one that suits your needs. When you secure a public speaking engagement, you have the opportunity to hand out printed materials that include a biography, book ordering information and other pertinent files that your audience may access on the internet. Other files may include the site addresses of internet press releases about your and your book, online articles and reviews about your book, and postings and reviews you have contributed on others’ writing blogs and websites.

SOCIAL MEDIA tactics such as those I have suggested will not work for you unless have an online presence. If you don’t have an online presence, get one. Your social media network will expect someone who professes to be an author, expert and public speaker to have a viable online presence. Here are suggestions to help you get started.

  • Post a Blog
  • Develop a Website
  • Write Internet Press Releases
  • Distribute Online Articles

To acquire public speaking engagements, online press releases about your book should have appropriate contact information. Some services have contact information categories in which you can include as little or as much as you like, from email only to physical address. Be careful about the amount and nature of the information you post. What you place on the internet is likely to stay on the internet. Use caution in what you put out there, including specific fee quotes. Because of the delicate nature of pricing, talk about fees on a project by project basis in proposal estimates. However, a list of services with corresponding costs is acceptable as long as you include a disclaimer about price changes. You might want to mention whether or not you are willing to travel and what your requirement are.

For those in the audience that may wish to contact you later, when they need your services, provide them with an easy way to do that. As mentioned before, in the handout, include your contact information. And please do not forget about the trusted old-fashioned business card and don’t rely on your audience to keep up with your business card. They have picked up several at your event that do not belong to you. Get their business cards, all of them so you can contact them for followup meetings, email addresses and social media relationships. In your online publicity and at public speaking events, be sure to offer helpful suggestions. Good suggestions will encourage your audience to accept your offers for social media relationships.

In your presentation, try to refer to your own book or your own work. If you are an author with your own book on the table at the back of the room, promote your book and your work in your speech and also in your handouts, prepared in advance. If your book has been honored, mention it in your online press releases and other publicity. Also in the audience handout include a statement about your writing honors or awards your book may have received to make yourself more attractive as a prospective public speaker and consulting contractor, friend and follower in social media networks.

At your speaking events, don’t forget to read a passage or two from your book, regardless of its genre. In the reading, showcase your writing style to acquaint the audience with the book you are asking them to buy. Don’t be too dry in your presentation, but try not to be overly dramatic. That can sound phony Be sincere. Sincerity counts in every word you write, every speech you make, everything comment you post, every book you sell, everything you do.

Sunny Nash is author of “Bigmama Didn’t Shop At Woolworth’s,” recognized by the Association of American University Presses for understanding race relations in America; and listed in Bibliographic Guide to Black Studies by the New York Schomburg Center and the Florida’s Miami-Dade Library System Native American collections. Her work is in African American National Biography by Harvard and Oxford; African American West, Reflections in Black, History of Black Photography; Ancestry; Companion to Southern Literature; Black Genesis: Resource Book for African-American Genealogy; African American Foodways; Southwestern American Literature; Source: a guidebook to American genealogy; Bibliographic Guide to Black Studies; Interdisciplinary Journal for Germanic Linguistics; Ebony; Southern Exposure; Hidden Sources and others. Nash won California writing fellowships in 2003 and 2010, won 2004 Charter Communications’ TV award and nominated for a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. http://sunnynash.blogspot.com/p/bigmama-didnt-shop-at-woolworths.html

Author: Sunny Nash
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Holiday Social Media Tips for Baby Boomers

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With the holiday season upon us, more and more people are looking for ways to connect with loved ones and old friends if they can’t be with them in person. Social media sites like Facebook have seen an influx of baby boomers in recent years and with the holiday season here, more and more of us are looking for ways to connect with loved ones and old friends if we can’t be with them in person.

While it’s wonderful to use social media to make connections, it can have a downside. Here are some holiday social media tips to keep you relatively safe:

1) Do not make public announcements about where you’re going. No one needs to know you’re leaving your home to go away to visit your children in another state. As a matter of fact, no one ever needs to know when you leave your home because that means it could be unattended and an open invitation to thieves.

2) Don’t tell people where you are. On Twitter, people are known to post where they are while they’re there. Once again, that’s an open invitation to burglars.

3) Don’t announce your shopping expenditures. Why brag that you’ve spent several hundred dollars on Christmas gifts this year? That’s a signal that you HAVE money and could become a target for a robbery—or something far worse.

4) Advise your children and grandchildren not to go public with your travel plans. While the family may be excited that you’re coming to visit, it isn’t necessary to put the information on their Facebook page or “tweet” about it. You don’t know who they’re connected to that might be interested in such information.

5) Finally, don’t click on links from people you don’t know. People may try to send you a holiday greeting in disguise—which could actually contain a nasty virus. You may be connected to the friend of a friend of a friend but if you don’t know they personally, don’t click on the link. Instead, just go their page and post a personal greeting and thank them for thinking of you. If they didn’t post the link, you’ll be doing them a huge favor.

By following these tips, baby boomers, their families and friends can enjoy the holidays and stay safe at the same time.

Veteran Journalist and Media Trainer Beverly Mahone offers more insightful media tips on her website: http://beverlymahone.com. She invites you to pick up a FREE copy of her How to Write an Effective Press Release, along with a partial list of press release sites where you can submit your release to once it’s completed at: http://beverlymahone.com/bammedia/

Author: Beverly Mahone
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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