My first ebook. Critique it!!

Cool. Let me know it you need any help

Boring? No I don't think that it's boring. I finished it just now (not word by word but a quick fast reading to get the whole idea).

I think the book is well written and a good attempt. However, I feel that not many people now install the wordpress using the manual method. Using Fantastico script (which is installed in almost every Cpanel), Wordpress can be installed in just a few clicks. I am quite proficient in installing wordpress by using the manual method. Still, I prefer to install it using the fantastico way.

So I think you should also include the Fantastico Wordpress installation method in your ebook. The second method of manual installation should be included for those who want to know the installation procedure in detail.

Second thing which I noted is the lack of screenshots at many important places. I think you must use screenshots while explaining the Themes and plugin installations. If possible, make your screenshot more interactive using Snagit.

Thirdly, it would be better if you recommend some more plugins in the book. There are many 'must have' plugins which you have not mentioned.

Finally, as 'the11' has pointed out, a step-by-step video will be the best solution for this kind of tutorials.

Good point. Maybe build a pack with a video included? A book is still good because you don't have to keep up and you can move at your own peace...

Others?

Very nice! Clear, easy to read and well organized e-book, but I agree that more screenshots could make it better. With small additions, an excellent e-book!

What about the screenshots? They aren't clear ? Or what? I don't get this?

Thanks

The tone of your writing is definitely warm and it's obvious that you want to help the reader.

Please take the following as my personal opinion. You're welcome to take any good part that you find below.

I believe a lot of words can be removed from the eBook. A setup guide should be short and straight to the point.
For instance:
instead of
- to download, go to WordPress.org.
I would say:
- to download, go to WordPress.org/download.
If I go to the main page, and click the "Download" link, I would do an extra step.

I somehow get the feeling that you believe in lengthy eBooks. More exactly, you fear that a short eBook will not be considered valuable. Nowadays, everybody's in a hurry. If you can make my life simpler, I appreciate it. I don't have time to read novels.

This is an WordPress setup guide, it's not a homework, where to explain what is Internet, what is FTP, cPanel and so forth. These can be subjects to separate (short) eBooks. The reader wants to know how to install WordPress.

The eBook has 19 pages, yet the WordPress installation takes no more than 5 minutes. I'm afraid it takes longer to read the eBook than to install WordPress.

I would definitely make a list with the most 10 common issues when installing.
For instance, how to be sure that the database you use for installing WordPress does not already have wp_ tables.
Let me tell you what drove me crazy when I used simple FTP transfer : it took way too long. It's much easier to make a zip archive, to upload it then to unzip it ON THE SERVER.
Have you seen any eBook that explains that?

I would love to see a chapter dedicated to upgrades vs. fresh install.

It's a good idea that you edited the config.php before uploading, but why "Save As" instead of "rename the sample file"?

I would like some screenshots for installing a theme and a plugin.
I would also mention a theme directory and a list, with links, of "Must Have" plugins.

As an WordPress fan, I would like to see "WordPress" instead of "wordpress".

On page 2 you say,
"For more info, please contact Peter Jacob". I always feel comfortable when I can contact the author.
Could you add, please, a link, so when I click Peter Jacob I see the eMail address? Maybe it's somewhere in the document, but I would like to see it when you mention this feature.

I would put "A Little About Me" at the end, because this is not your resume, it's an WordPress installation guide.

Some screenshots are hard to read. For instance, the one on page 13.

It looks to me that in some screenshots you are using WinRar. I like that program too, but it's not free of charge. Because WordPress is free of charge, I would recommend a free of charge program, like 7-zip.

The links that are clickable in the document (like the ones from the header) should look like a link (blue and underlined). This will entice readers to click on them.

I never understood this kind of license, which states contradictory terms:
"This is a free ebook and you may give it away as it is."
"No part of this ebook may be reproduced in any form."

The largest part of an ebook is the ebook itself. If I distribute it, I violate the "don't distribute parts" statement, yet I'm allowed to do by this the first statement. Which one is correct?

You care about the license and that's a good thing. How about writing about other usual uses, at well? Something along this lines:
[YES] Can be added to Paid Membership Sites.
[YES] Can be packaged as a Bonus Product.
[YES] Can be bundled into a Paid Package.
[YES] Can be sold on Auction Sites.
[YES] Can be sold in Dime Sales.
[YES] Can be sold without Resell Rights.
[YES] Can be sold with Resell Rights.
[NO] Can sell the Master Resell Rights.
[NO] Can sell the Private Label Rights.
[NO] Can give away the Product or Rights.
[NO] Can be Retitled, Rewrote or Redited.
[NO] Can add your name as the Author.
[NO] Can be rebranded with your Links.
[YES] Does include a prewritten Sales Letter.
[YES] Does include the Product Cover.
[YES] Does include a Thank You download page.
[YES] Does include a PDF copy of the report.
[YES] You're responsible for Customer Service.
[YES] You must use your own Download Location.
[YES] You can edit/change the Sales Letter or eCover if you don't make any false/misleading claims.

Dont get me wrong.. cant you just do a quick install setup using Fantastico, plus any relavant upgrade? it takes maximum 2 minutes to do ..Doesnt all major hosting support this?

sorry, just asking as i dont know how it is with all the other hosting..

I'll add fantastico too. Just that I'm not using it (I had some hard times with it in the past).

First conclusions, after all the replies here:

- screenshots need to be changed with better ones
- I should add a part for fantastico
- some rearranging inside is needed
- i should create(&embed) videos for both situations (fantastico + regular install)

Thanks for your inputs!