As a regular blogger, writing an eBook probably seems easy enough. You are used to creating content on a regular basis and you already know all the essential rules and tools for good content creation. The problem is, eBooks aren’t the same as blogs and most bad eBooks are created by people who think they are the same thing. In fact, the only thing common between eBooks and blogs are good grammar and spelling, otherwise, eBooks are created and marketed completely differently. This is especially true for eBooks that are created as part of a content marketing strategy. Everything from writing style, to formatting and publishing changes. Writers usually make the following mistakes when they don’t understand the differences:
- Choosing Bad Topics
By bad topics, I don’t mean they are bad in general, but that they are bad FOR YOU. There are 4 major mistakes authors make while picking topics:
- Choosing topics based on what is popular in the industry. The problem with picking popular topics is that everyone else is also doing the same, so your chances of being heard are greatly reduced.
- Choosing a topic by looking at social media trends is a big mistake, especially when you don’t have enough expertise to offer. You have to keep in mind that the eBook you create must focus on providing valuable and insightful information that they can’t just get through Google.
- Choosing topics based on what you think your audience needs. You can never be sure of what your audience actually needs, and your perceptions about them could be misleading.
- Not thinking like a publisher, as in, you’re not thinking about the selling potential of an eBook at all. Just focusing on the content and not thinking how it will be received can fluff your eBooks’ appeal and thus, sales.
Solution:
To fix this problem, find out what your audience really wants you to talk about. You can do this through surveys, polls and Q&As. Once you’ve seen the results, you have to figure out if you can offer insights and commentary on the topic. If not, consider tweaking the topic or choosing another one. To avoid the publishing problem, write the sales pitch while drafting the eBook itself. Through this process, you can better understand what the book’s main selling point is and you can write accordingly.
- Writing Mistakes
This doesn’t refer just to grammar and spellings, but to the writing process itself.
- One of the worst things you could do as an author is to try and write it in sequential order. Doing this hinders your process as you try to brainstorm content for hours at a time with nothing to show for it.
- Another thing that hinders the process is editing while you’re writing. Writers who do this often end up just going back to edit all over again so it’s pretty much a waste of time. Moreover, it interrupts your flow.
- Waiting for motivation or writing only when you feel like it. This kind of thinking leads to nothing but procrastination. Publishers give deadlines for you to follow, if not met, they are likely to drop your project.
- After a few weeks or months of writing and not seeing desired results – authors tend to quit and start on a new project. Demotivation exists in all fields and quitting is never the answer.
Solution:
The best way to make the most of your time is to start filling in sections that are you already know about. You can go back to previous sections once you’ve done adequate research. Only start editing after the writing is completely finished.When it comes to motivation, you’ll never find enough. The key is to keep going, even when it gets really hard. If it was easy, everyone would be good at it.
- Editing Mistakes
Editing is probably harder than writing. It can be tempting to re-write and re-arrange sections over and over.
- Editing EVERY sentence. Other than grammar and typos, you don’t have to revisit every sentence.
- Not hiring an editor or professional proofreader. You can be your own worst enemy. Hiring cheap work is also a big NO.
- Bringing procrastination into the editing mix can be the worst mistake. If you set out to edit a section, do only a part of it and then come back hours later, the temptation to change what you had previously edited will increase.
Solution:
Hire professionals to do what they do best. Those who aren’t personally invested in the book are good critics and they can edit/ suggest edits accordingly. Proof-reading is also the same. Neither of them are quick processes and require a high level of concentration. If you can’t hire professionals, make sure to set an editing schedule and follow it without excuses. Try editing in different environments. It’s also recommended to take a small break between writing and editing, to clear out your mind and start editing afresh.
- Publishing Mistakes
You can do all the hard work and still end up setting your eBook up for failure.
- The title is the most important. Choosing a boring title will not bring in sales, leads or even views.
- The format of the eBook also matters. Assuming that you already know which format is best before consulting others can severely limit your publishing options.
- Not hiring professional designers for the cover page. Writers can’t do everything, and they will likely have a billion ideas for the front cover and the designs can be ever-changing.
- A lot of writers aren’t pros at social media and thus, fail to adequately market their eBook on social media. This hinders the eBooks reach and undercuts its credibility.
Solution:
Don’t choose titles that just describe the book, make them enticing and draw readers in. Also make sure to meet/ look into multiple publishing options before settling for one. Professionals know what works and can recommend accordingly, the same goes for designing. Social media is a must use marketing technique. Not only can you spread awareness but you can interact with readers and build trust among potential readers.
Writing and publishing an eBook can be a grueling process and it’s not meant for everyone. Your eBook has to be planned to the hilt including the publishing and marketing processes. The mistakes above are just the beginning, you still have to think about images, visuals, and links. If done right though, eBooks are one of the best marketing tools to grow your brand’s visibility, credibility and audience.
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