Top Ten Checklist For A
Professional, Best-Selling Ebook
©2002 Cathy Kessler
Have you ever noticed that some ebooks take the 'Net by storm and
others are destined to wash out before they even get started? Believe
it or not, there are certain, simple qualities that the best sellers
have in common. By making sure your next ebook measures up to the
top ten checklist below, you'll increase your chances of having
a hit!
1. Know your topic. This should go without
saying. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how many ebooks I've read
where it was painfully obvious that the author had little knowledge
of the topic. Before beginning to write any ebook, be sure you have
firsthand knowledge of your subject matter.
2. Select a unique topic or an unparalleled
point-of-view. One of the biggest calling cards for successful
ebooks is their uniqueness. Bringing attention to a topic that has
had limited previous coverage is an excellent way to gain attention
and make lots of sales. If you feel, however, that you need to write
an ebook on a subject that has already been well covered, choose
a unique point-of-view, some extraordinary features, or some exclusive
bonuses to draw attention to your project.
3. Back up your points. Regardless of
how well you know your topic, you'll have to prove yourself to your
readers. This may mean doing research to come up with statistics,
common viewpoints, or ideas that support the information you're
providing. It's well worth the effort!
4. Use the reader's perspective. The
most successful ebooks are written from the reader's perspective.
They take into account the reader's problems, joys, goals, and struggles.
By bringing your ebook down to the level of your reader, you make
a stronger connection. You also create a tighter bond that brings
about reader loyalty.
5. Be personal. Take a look back at a
few of the ebooks you've purchased in the past. Which do you consider
to truly be excellent? Are they personal? Most likely they are.
In the realm of ebooks, being personable is a must. "Textbook"
language is often considered too distant and stale. It is important
for you to relate to your readers to keep their interest and help
them progress through the ebook.
6. Make it easy-to-understand. Whatever
your topic - from sealing an envelope to quantum physics - bring
your information down to the most easily understood level. While
you may be a pro at what you do, others are not. This is precisely
why they have purchased your ebook. to learn. Don't talk above your
readers' heads.
7. Give examples. Almost everyone learns
better when they are given examples. If appropriate, include photo
or graphic examples in your book. But at the very least, provide
plenty of written examples.
8. Have it professionally proofread.
After you have worked on your ebook for weeks or months, your eyes
will no doubt begin to read what should be on the page, and not
necessarily what IS on the page. This is a primary reason to have
someone else - preferably a professional - proofread your ebook.
It is vital that the language, grammar, spelling, layout, punctuation,
format, and flow be perfect. No one likes to pay money for something
that is second-rate.
9. Make it viewable in PC and Mac. There
is virtually an unlimited list of ebook software programs available
on the Internet. But one thing to consider before you buy is readability.
Most of the ebook compilers are only compatible with PC, and not
Mac. Considering that there are millions of Mac users online who
may want to download your ebook, it is smart to use a program that
allows them to do just that. Be sure the program you use is Mac-compatible.
10. Keep the file size small. Even though
DSL and cable Internet users are fast increasing in number, the
majority of Internet users are still using dial-up. This means downloads
take longer. Be sure to keep your file size as small as possible.
If you find your ebook is 7 meg or over, consider zipping it for
speed's sake. Having long download times, or problems that occur
from large file sizes, is a sure way to put a bad taste in your
customer's mouth.
Regardless of your topic, regardless of your writing style, you
CAN create a popular, best-selling ebook. Just follow the simple
but vital tips above to ensure you - and your reader - get the most
from the experience.
Cathy Kessler is
a Certified Professional Virtual Assistant specializing
in proofreading, copyediting, and research. Do you have
books, ebooks, websites, articles, newsletters, or other
documents that need to be proofread or researched? Visit
http://www.kesslerva.com
today for additional information, or contact Cathy directly
at mailto:cathy@kesslerva.com
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