Writing an Ebook - Suggestions?

20 replies
Hi Everyone!
I'd like to write an ebook on a specific topic, targeting a specific group.
Eventually, I plan on starting a coaching company (life coaching).

I'm not a writer and never have been. Any thoughts on writing (original content only)? I saw a producton WSO that I was interested in buying, but did not get a response from the seller.
#ebook #suggestions #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
    If you truly hate to write or your skills are not that great, hire a ghostwriter. Just develop your own detailed outline and notes for the writer to use so that it covers all the information you want covered. You can always go over it after just to tweak if needed to bring it into your own voice.

    Tina
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    ***Especially if you don't have enough time, money, or just plain HATE writing***
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    • Profile picture of the author NicoleBeckett
      Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

      If you truly hate to write or your skills are not that great, hire a ghostwriter. Just develop your own detailed outline and notes for the writer to use so that it covers all the information you want covered. You can always go over it after just to tweak if needed to bring it into your own voice.

      Tina
      I definitely agree. Writing an ebook takes time - time to research, time to write, time to proofread. It can definitely be tedious!! If it's something that you're going to be unhappy doing, don't do it yourself. Readers can tell when a writer just isn't into the topic. Or, if you doubt your writing skills (as alot of people do), then outsource the writing. And, as an added benefit, you can concentrate on thinking of ways to market the ebook, since you won't be the one writing.

      You can still have major input into the book by having an outline. When I write ebooks, I create an outline for my clients and have them approve it before I write anything. That way, they can make sure the book is going to flow the way they want to, right from the start.
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      • Profile picture of the author MatthewM
        I wrote my ebook mostly with dragon naturally speaking so basically I just wrote how I talked. Help out a lot and my ebook turned out A+
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  • Profile picture of the author dem0x7
    That's completely OK, most people aren't good writers like myself. Although it might be a lot easier than you think. If you are an expert in the field, and can provide valuable information, you don't necessarily have to be a great writer.

    But don't let not being a good writer stop you from writing this book. I would look in to hiring a ghostwriter, like Tina said.

    Good luck
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  • Profile picture of the author J. Edward Teach
    I can already tell from the couple sentences you wrote in the OP that you're at the very least a capable writer. That's all you need. Once you've got that down, all you need is a structure to follow.

    Easiest template in the world: The X Steps to Y.

    Have a goal your audience wants to achieve, and break it down into easy to follow steps.

    Write a couple paragraphs of introduction, telling them what the overall goal of the book is, what they'll achieve, how their life will change once they achieve it, and then ask them if they're ready to begin.

    Then, straight to step 1. "The first thing you need to do is _____________." No need to get fancy. Tell them how to begin, how easy it is, why it's essential, and how to do it right.

    Then, on to step 2. Exactly the same formula.

    Right through to the end, when you'll write a conclusion, telling them that's all there is to it, what benefits await as they commit to action, and asking them what they're waiting for. If relevant, present a link or call to follow up action.

    Anyone who was able to get a C on a high school book report can write an ebook this way.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Write about something

    A: You know like the back of your hand... so NOBODY can throw you.

    B: Write about something you are passionate about, because that will show and make a difference.

    C: Write about something that can REALLY, REALLY help people.

    D: Write about a concept that is above argument because if you dont everyone will argue with you and you will constantly have to fight to maintain your credibility.

    E: Be generous with what you know, Give alot, and be supprtive to others who want to learn... it will come back to you at launching time.

    Tip: You can give away a ton of info that really helps people, without giving away your book. Give so much that they could do it without even buying your book... and then they will buy it anyway.

    My tuppence is only MHO

    - Thanks,
    John
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    • Profile picture of the author ikelove
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post


      Tip: You can give away a ton of info that really helps people, without giving away your book. Give so much that they could do it without even buying your book... and then they will buy it anyway.


      - Thanks,
      John
      Wow man.....this piece of info is priceless...thanks.
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      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        No Prob... just spreadin the love.

        Originally Posted by ikelove View Post

        Wow man.....this piece of info is priceless...thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author sikaz
    All the suggestions are really great.What l would want to add is that you need to plan your book and p-l-e-a-s-e write on something you are really interested in and you will see how the whole thing will flow flawlessly before it's already in you and you won't need to force anything.

    Additionally, l will advise that you should cultivate the habit of writing something about anything every day.See how this flows and go on from there.
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  • Profile picture of the author RahulNag
    Yes I agree with some of the other posts - choose something you know about.

    Also forget about writing - think about this as a conversation. Imagine you are speaking with the reader. You can do this either by dictating the content onto your phone or computer and then having this transcribed. Or buy voice recognition software like Dragon Naturally Speaking.

    This will help you generate pages of material in minutes. You can hire an editor or proof-reader if you would like. Obviously plan out the sections in advance and note the key points and topics you want to cover and then go ahead and do it. Nice thing with an e-book is it can be as short or as long as you want.

    Find transcribers, proof-readers and editors on Elance or Guru websites. Find voice recognition software on Amazon or your local office or computer software store.
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  • Profile picture of the author accelerator_dd
    Not being a writer or a graphic designer isn't a disadvantage if you think about it.

    Look at it this way: If you are that good at writing and graphic design, you can't be that good at (let's assume) SEO. You would be better if you were learning ONLY SEO.

    That time spent to learn to write sales ebooks and do graphics could have been spend on SEO.

    Best books in the world aren't the ones most easily read.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Turnbull
    "J. Edward Teach" sums it up perfectly (he has also provided a very helpful framework)

    I wasn't a writer either, before I wrote my first eBook, I am now!

    You can write!

    So sit down and write!
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    http://stuart-turnbull.com - NOT your run of the mill marketer
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin_Hutto
    I would suggest that you do some testing before you write the ebook... Are there similar products already out there? if so, promote them for a bit and make sure they convert. One of the biggest mistakes I see so many people make is creating the product and then trying to see if it will sell. Thats backwards - find people who are already buying and then create something to fill a need that you are SURE is already there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ellen Violette
    Originally Posted by Mina 2.0 View Post

    Hi Everyone!
    I'd like to write an ebook on a specific topic, targeting a specific group.
    Eventually, I plan on starting a coaching company (life coaching).

    I'm not a writer and never have been. Any thoughts on writing (original content only)? I saw a producton WSO that I was interested in buying, but did not get a response from the seller.
    I teach people how to write ebooks in 72 hours or less even if they hate to write or don't know how. The secret is 1. doing the research FIRST-so you know it will be succssful before you write anything. 2. Using an outline 3. Figuring out the easiest way for you to get your thoughts down-writing, or talking?

    Some people can do it on their own, others need a structured environment which I provide. If you want to learn more I have tons of free resources-www.theebookcoach.com, www.3dayebookworkshop.com, & www.7ebookmistakes.com for starters.

    I hope that helps!
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    Ellen Violette
    The eBook Coach
    www.theebookcoach.com
    Turn your message into money! I'll show you how to create, communicate, connect, and convert subscribers into lifetime buyers to build a 6- or 7- figure business.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jsez
    My suggestion would be to have notes almost like an outline of exactly what you want to write... all the topics you want to write about and all the subtopics. then figure out which order you would like the to be in your book. After that just write what you know section by section.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jerky
      In my experiences, those who think they can't write aren't necessarily overwhelmed by the technicalities of sentence structure, active voice, blah blah blah...

      ... They're usually overwhelmed at the idea of putting together hundreds/thousands of words. Considering most of us grew up loathing those high school / college papers, it's no wonder.

      If this is your stumbling block, here's Dr. Jerky's prescription:

      Make yourself write just one paragraph per day.

      That's it! If you feel like writing more after the paragraph is up, go for it. But at the very least you've knocked out a couple of hundred words before calling it a day. Within a week or two you'll complete the whole project. And a paragraph isn't too difficult or overwhelming.

      Good luck!
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      • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
        Mina - based on experience writing dozens of information products and coaching many others...don't think of it as writing an ebook, instead outline a system, course or set of steps that someone will need to take to achieve the main RESULT that you are targeting in your info product.

        So - let's say you target reducing the impact stress is having one someone's life by 50%...then you outline a series of steps on how they would do that.

        1. Explain what stress is
        2. Tell them why they control the level of stress in their life
        3. Show them the effects of stress (so they can see the gruesome details!)
        4. Share stress buster Step 1 - get control of their emotions
        5. Share stress buster Step 2 - an exercise routine to lose stress
        6. Share stress buster Step 3 - mini diet tweaks to help control stress
        ETC....

        Now, you have the outline - what I like to do is actually create a course using Powerpoint - as if I was going to teach the system to students. Basically I develop course content then I may...

        1. Turn that into a series of recorded teleseminars & transcribe them so you have a $97 audio/written product
        2. Record videos & have them transcribed - a video/written product that you can sell as digital or physical product
        3. Record a live seminar

        OR...yes, you can take these steps and they become your chapter outlines that guide the writing of your ebook...your choice

        Jeff
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    One option is to go to a site like the theplrstore.com and buy an ebook for your niche to have a base off which to work. They are amazingly cheap and have such a huge selection you will probably find something you can edit as you like, and make it your own.

    This is one of the best ways to get a head start on writing an ebook.
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  • Profile picture of the author nitesh
    Hello Sir,

    If you want to sell your ebook as your own then the content must be your own that means 100% original. It will be better to hire a writer if you find writing work dificult. If you can also make a short video to promote your ebook and distribute to your visitors as a free offer then it will be a great way. PM me if you have any questions.

    Thank You
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  • Profile picture of the author hireava
    Someone who is good in conversation and motivating people isn't always a good writer, same with your case (if you really know how to talk). A writer usually have the idea on how to write a detailed book where they clearly explain about you and your goal.
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