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Any hope for new ebook writers in competition with professionals??

by Nattie
15 replies
Hi!

Have decided to write an ebook in the baby niche(not devaluing too much info obviously ) and have chosen a sub-niche that has good demand for info in this particular area.

Having done my research, I have come to realise that there are some writers who are obviously more qualified than myself, i.e, doctors etc.

Has anybody else come across this kind of stumbling block and did it put you off in any way?

Tips anyone?


Many thanks!

Nat x
#competition #ebook #hope #professionals #writers
  • Profile picture of the author TheInfoMarket
    I know what you mean. Unless you're the No.1 expert in a niche, there will be people more experienced than you. But one thing to remember is that there will be many many more people who don't know the subject as well as you, and they are your customers.

    It can also help if your eBook reflects your unique personality or approaches the topic from a different and interesting angle. You absolutely can compete with other authors out there, and certainly shouldn't let this discourage you from writing and releasing your book.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nattie
      Originally Posted by TheInfoMarket View Post

      I know what you mean. Unless you're the No.1 expert in a niche, there will be people more experienced than you. But one thing to remember is that there will be many many more people who don't know the subject as well as you, and they are your customers.

      It can also help if your eBook reflects your unique personality or approaches the topic from a different and interesting angle. You absolutely can compete with other authors out there, and certainly shouldn't let this discourage you from writing and releasing your book.

      Thank you You're right. As I said to Bill, was thinking pretty much the same myself, but wanted to see what others had to say.

      Don't feel quite so discouraged now.
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  • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
    Well as you're "not devaluing too much" (or is that perhaps "divulging"?) information about what aspect of the baby niche you are writing about it's hard to say.

    If you are writing about pediatric care then you probably will have a difficult time competing with a doctor who specializes in that field.

    If you are writing about how to make baby food at home you have a better chance.

    There is a lot you can write about babies from the perspective of being a parent, as opposed to being a pediatrician.

    Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author Nattie
      Originally Posted by mywebwork View Post

      Well as you're "not devaluing too much" (or is that perhaps "divulging"?) information about what aspect of the baby niche you are writing about it's hard to say.

      If you are writing about pediatric care then you probably will have a difficult time competing with a doctor who specializes in that field.

      If you are writing about how to make baby food at home you have a better chance.

      There is a lot you can write about babies from the perspective of being a parent, as opposed to being a pediatrician.

      Bill

      Thanks for pointing out typo - didn't see that spelling error :rolleyes:

      You make some good points. I know what you mean and will take your comments on board!I had thought along the same lines as you, but it's always nice to hear the advice of others. Thank you again!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
    If you feel that you have at least some credibility and have research the subject extensively, you may want to consider attaching a blog to your sales page to build credibility and use it as a pre-sell.

    You can even curate some of the doctors content, quoting different pieces of it,linking to the original article then adding your own comments. Leverage their expertise....
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    • Profile picture of the author Nattie
      Originally Posted by Mark Hess View Post

      If you feel that you have at least some credibility and have research the subject extensively, you may want to consider attaching a blog to your sales page to build credibility and use it as a pre-sell.

      You can even curate some of the doctors content, quoting different pieces of it,linking to the original article then adding your own comments. Leverage their expertise....
      That's a great idea - never thought of your first suggestion. Would I have to ask permission from the author even if I would be crediting my source to them anyway?

      Thank you for your advice!
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by Nattie View Post

        That's a great idea - never thought of your first suggestion. Would I have to ask permission from the author even if I would be crediting my source to them anyway?

        Thank you for your advice!
        It depends on how much you are quoting. A few lines or a paragraph from a long piece is fine. An entire article is not. The dividing line runs somewhere down the middle, but I've read a rule of thumb to keep quoted pieces down to ~10%...
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        • Profile picture of the author higherluv
          In marketing anything online, the best marketer always wins. Period.

          Don't worry about who's more credible, is more wealthy, or who has more "know-how".

          Just write something up and put it together and market using some of the advice of the above posts.

          Like this:

          Originally Posted by Mark Hess View Post

          If you feel that you have at least some credibility and have research the subject extensively, you may want to consider attaching a blog to your sales page to build credibility and use it as a pre-sell.

          You can even curate some of the doctors content, quoting different pieces of it,linking to the original article then adding your own comments. Leverage their expertise....
          ...and this:

          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          It depends on how much you are quoting. A few lines or a paragraph from a long piece is fine. An entire article is not. The dividing line runs somewhere down the middle, but I've read a rule of thumb to keep quoted pieces down to ~10%...
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
        Originally Posted by Nattie View Post

        That's a great idea - never thought of your first suggestion. Would I have to ask permission from the author even if I would be crediting my source to them anyway?

        Thank you for your advice!
        As long as you cite the source, it's typically ok... but if you get a notice, just take down the content.

        You want to do this in a subtle way and not do something like: "Here what this doctor said, now go buy my s**t". You want real content, that adds value to the visitor, then have some stuff in your sidebar widget about your book...
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Gram
    Originally Posted by Nattie View Post

    Hi!

    Have decided to write an ebook in the baby niche(not devaluing too much info obviously ) and have chosen a sub-niche that has good demand for info in this particular area.

    Having done my research, I have come to realise that there are some writers who are obviously more qualified than myself, i.e, doctors etc.

    Has anybody else come across this kind of stumbling block and did it put you off in any way?

    Tips anyone?


    Many thanks!

    Nat x
    I don't think it's a big deal as long as you aren't giving medical or legal advice or something like that.

    Also, it depends on the person and situation but even though you might not consider yourself a true expert, other people might.

    I wouldn't let it get in the way, just go for it!
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  • Profile picture of the author Nattie
    Very useful comments and suggestions. Will definitely try and implement that advice when putting my ebook together.

    Now, the other thing I am pondering about is the price. Part of me feels that selling my book dirt cheap, but obviously with quality content, may attract more readership, but then this leaves the question: do I want to put all that blood, sweat and tears into a product that some may be weary about because of the price?
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  • Profile picture of the author tonyb23
    Suggestion... Don't try to come off as the authority in the niche when you're not qualified.

    Instead, position yourself as the "host" of the industry.

    Be the Napoleon Hill to your "Think and Grow Rich."

    Your first product, simply interview a handful of experts in the niche about a specific topic in your niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author cashcow
    Not being a doctor or other authority might work on your favor if you can get people to see you as a "real person" that is "just like them".

    I think lots of Mom's would like to get advice from another who has tried the same things and can talk about their actual results (I mean, assuming you have).

    As long as you aren't giving out medical advice and stuff, I don't see why you can't make a go of it.

    One thing you probably have over doctors and "experts" is that you could have a real connection with your readers through a fan page and blog whereas doctors and experts might not fiddle with that stuff.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tim Bazley
      I believe not being an expert on a subject is no barrier to publishing an ebook in that area. In fact people do it all the time.

      Your ebook could merely be a compilation of interviews with experts in your field. Find out what your readers want answers to, then put those same questions to the experts you're interviewing.

      Or...

      Again find out what your readers want to know, use those questions as a basis for chapter headings, then hire a writer who's expert in your area from elance to write the book for you, filling in the 'gaps' under each chapter heading.

      There's probably lots of other ways round the problem, but those two will hopefully get you started.
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  • Profile picture of the author TimK06
    Honestly what separates you an any other expert( yes I'm calling you an expert) is research.

    As long as your information is reliable, accurate, and efficient then it's of value to the reader.

    Currently I'm writing my first ebook as well as also creating a video course to follow up in the internet marketing niche but if I've learned anything it's to over focus on value and make sure everything's reliable and it truly doesn't hurt to put your personality into your writing.

    Remember people can duplicate work and information but personality is something that can't be duplicated.

    Kind Regards
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