If you want to write a book but not have to deal with the rigors of getting a publishing deal, it is a good idea to write in the eBook format.
By writing in the eBook format, you will be able to publish your manuscript without too much trouble and more importantly expense. However, if you write an eBook without any experience, you may find the undertaking a bit tricky and time consuming. Even if the act of publishing an eBook is faster, you will still need to write the manuscript. You will need to know how to write it, and how long it takes to write an eBook. To help you out, here are efficient tips and a timeline for writing an eBook.
1. Choose an eBook topic and format
Time it takes (1-2 days)
Before you get started on writing your eBook, it is very important that you choose a topic and format first. On choosing an eBook topic, it is important that it is something that you actually care about. Even if the eBook format is easier to publish a book with, you will still be writing a book. This means that you will still need to put in a good number of days for writing your eBook.
If you do not really care about your topic, then you may change your mind midway. This would be such a waste of time and money. Overall, take your time in choosing a topic, because you will be using it throughout the whole writing process.
Aside from the topic, you should also choose what format you will be publishing your book in. Remember that your choice of eBook format will not only be a factor on what platform your book will be read in, it will also affect the number of readers that will be willing to buy it in the long run. Here are some of key examples of eBook formats to help you decide.
TXT format: Of all the formats, the TXT format is by far the simplest. They are used mostly for texts. Images and graphs are not supported. This format is usually used for storing information, and has limited formatting options.
EPUB format: This format is the most supported and could be read on a good number of devices such as eReaders, computers, smartphones, and tablets.
AZW format: This format is the staple for the Kindle platform, and could be read on only Kindle eReaders and Kindle apps. This format could only be accessed through the Amazon online store. This format is very versatile, and could store content such as highlights, annotation, and bookmarks.
PDF format: The portable document format is the least versatile because they are not easy to read on smaller screens and has very limited interactivity. They also could not be sold in the iBookstore or Kindle.
2. Decide on a word count
Time it takes (1 day)
Aside from choosing an eBook, it is important that you decide on a word count for your eBook. While having a word count is not really necessary, it is still a good system because you will at least be able to gauge how many words you will need to write every day. For example, you set yourself a word count of 40,000.
If you write on a daily basis, and write 1000 words, you will be done within 40 days. This is of course just a rough estimate. You could write more or less than 1000 words. What’s important is that you have an estimate of your book’s word count, and you could strive further to achieve it.
3. Set an outline
Time it takes (1-3 days)
You should make sure to set an outline for your eBook. Remember that writing a book could be tricky. This is why you should have a set outline to systematize the process.
If you are writing a novel, you should pinpoint the events in your book. You should also take the time to write down your characters, and plot what part of the story they will be in, and what they will do during those scenes. By setting an outline for your book, you will at least have a blueprint that will act as a guide throughout the whole writing process.
4. Get started on the writing process
Time it takes (indefinite)
After selecting a topic and setting the outline for your book, you should now get started on the writing process. When it comes to writing a book, you will need to be as consistent as possible. You should also set yourself a daily word count. This should depend on the overall word count of your book and your own deadline. Remember that your overall word count is a very big factor on how fast you will write your book.
Let’s say that your book will have a word count of 100,000 words. If you are going to write every day, and set yourself a daily word count of 1000 words, then you will most likely be finished in 100 days. Overall, the time you finish your eBook depends on your writing strategy, and the time and effort you are willing to put into your work.
5. Have your manuscript edited
Time it takes (1-2 days)
When you have finished writing the first draft of your manuscript, you may be tempted to publish it right away. Try to resist this impulse, because your first draft will most likely be full of errors, and you should make sure to have it edited.
If you have prior experience with editing, you could do it yourself. However, you should have a professional editor look through your work, just to be safe. Getting an editor to go through your work with a fine toothed comb could be a bit expensive. This is especially true if your editor is a veteran and has worked on various writers. However, having a second pair of eyes go through your work is a must. That is if you want your eBook to be in the best condition possible.
6. Put in the finishing touches
Time it takes (1-2 days)
After having your manuscript go through editing, you should now put in the finishing touches. You are near the finish line, so you should take your time with the process. Don’t rush the process, and double check every facet of your eBook. Make sure that your eBook is well-formatted. Check for any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. You should also check out how your work looks on screen.
You must make sure that you have an eBook cover at the ready. Even though your book does not have a physical form, you should still invest in a good quality eBook cover. Remember that your book will still be distributed on online retail sites. If your book lacks a book cover, or has a substandard one, then your book may get overlooked. Make sure you hire a skilled eBook cover designer. This will ensure that your eBook has a greater chance of selling.
7. Publish your eBook
Time it takes (1 day)
Now is the moment of truth. You have finally finished your book, along with all the editing and cover designing involved. The actual publishing of the eBook is the easy part, because it is free, and could be done in just a few hours.
After your final draft has been edited, you could convert your eBook into any of the four formats discussed earlier. This will allow you to sell your eBook through various eBook publishing platforms. Some great examples of eBook publishing platforms are Kindle Direct Publishing, Kobo, Google Play and Apple Books.
If you want to release your eBook in the most effective way possible, you should choose a good release date, and create hype a few months before the book release. This will ensure that your eBook has a fan base waiting for it.
Conclusion
When it comes to writing a book for the very first time, it is a good idea to use the eBook format. By using the eBook format, you won’t have to deal with publishing a physical book. With this article, you’ll have an efficient timeline for writing an eBook.