Ebooks have come up as the cheapest and the best way of publishing in the digital age.
It’s not just about becoming a published writer but it is also a common form of passive income.
According to futuremarketinsight.com, the global eBook market size can reach up to $19.95 Billion in 2022. And it is estimated to reach $32.19 Billion by 2032. If you are looking to make money in 2024 then eBook can be a good option.
What is an eBook?
Books, manuscripts, stories, and more have now jumped from papers to our mobile screens and computers.
In recent years, technological advancements have given us a new way of learning and reading that is through electronic books. We can easily access them online and on any device with an internet connection.
Generally, they come in a PDF format, which you can also download, and read anytime and anywhere. But, what fascinates us the most is that Ebooks have emerged as a skill to quickly make money online, and people may wonder “How to make money from ebooks?”
However your book only sells when you write it well, so let’s see how can you write an eBook .
How To Write An eBook?
For writing any book you must have good communication skills and a passion for writing. If you have these two thing, follow these steps to write an eBook:-
Choose A Niche and Topic
You need to first figure out what you are good at and then choose a relevant and trending topic that people would like to read. A pro tip for this is to write “How to” type of eBooks. People read them the most, and they carry high demand in the market.
Your topic should answer certain questions, such as how it will help the audience? or how much reach will it cover? What kind of audience will read it the most? etc.
Furthermore, choosing a topic in the fiction genre is a good idea because it is best-selling in the market.
Identify Your Target Audience
Now that you have chosen the topic, you need to identify the target audience. You can segment them based on age, gender, location, specific trends, hobbies, and even culture.
For example, if you write an Indian cookbook, it can be heavily sold in India and mid-aged women may be your target audience.
Do Your Research
Conducting extensive research is the most important way of writing a good ebook. Research about market trends to see if your selected topic is currently viable. Then, you can move forward with the following:-
- Research ranking keywords
- Evaluate the audience of the selected platform
- Extensively study the chosen topic
- Read and compare existing printed books and eBooks
- Come up with new ideas
- See if there is a specific demand for any product, information, or content related to your topic
Start Writing
Now, the next step is to get your hands on writing. For this, you first have to segment chapters based on the information they are going to carry and then start writing.
You can use Microsoft Word or Google Docs for assistance. Furthermore, here is a list of AI writing tools to help you if you get stuck:-
- Jasper AI: An AI writing assistant that helps writers generate content faster.
- Visme: A free ebook creator that offers templates, a drag-and-drop editor, and design assets.
- Atticus: A web-based writing and formatting tool for authors.
- Sigil: A free open source, multi-platform ebook editor.
- Scrivener: A tool for tough and complicated writing projects.
- Grammarly: A spelling, grammar, and writing assistance tool.
Edit your eBook
After writing the first copy of your eBook, it is time to edit it. Here, the proofreading process takes place. You have to check every sentence for grammar, spelling, meaning, sequence, and more.
And, of course, we know it can take quite some time, even months before you actually put your work on the table. But make sure to read your book at least twice and get help from an editor to speed up the editing process.
Design your eBook
Lastly, you have to design your eBook!
It is also an important part of learning how to make money from eBooks. This is because the design and appearance of the book play an important role in attracting potential readers.
The more interesting it looks, the more readers will be attracted–ultimately generating more sales. Make sure to drop a summary that creates curiosity for the readers.
Given that, here are some software and tools that you can use for crafting templates and designs:-
- Designer
- Canva
- FlipBuilder
- Blurb
- Adobe InDesign
How To Create an Ebook in Canva?
Another way to write/create an ebook is to use Canva. There are many template options, font styles, sizes, and colors available through which you can make your ebook visually stunning. Creating an attractive ebook is essential for learning how to make money from ebooks.
Given that, here is how you can do it:-
Create A Design In A4 Size
For creating a visually stunning ebook on canva, the first thing to do is choose an appropriate document size. Usually, people choose either a US Letter or an A4. You can search for them in the Design and Select option.
Find Templates You Like
Now, visit the Template tab on the side menu and type ‘ebook.’ Here, you will find hundreds of templates that you can use. Furthermore, you can import your own template from the Folders option.
Create An Eye-Catching Front Page
The front page of your ebook will make a lasting impact on the viewers. You should design a cover that is visually attractive and resonates with the content. You can use appropriate colors, images, font styles, and more.
Furthermore, you can choose any design and then add other elements, such as titles and images.
Create the content with page numbers
Now, you have to add the content on the pages. For this, you can either layout the whole eBook at once or add gradually as you move further. On the bottom menu, you can see the pages you have added.
Create a Table of Contents
You might want to create a table of contents to make your ebook more organized. This step is crucial if your eBook is longer than just 2-3 sections.
Most of the templates on Canva provide this section, but if you have imported your own template, simply add a “Content Page.”
Optional: Link Content page to specific pages
To make your eBook more user-friendly and accessible, link your content page to specific pages. Though it is not a necessary step, it adds a final touch to your content.
This feature is newly added to Canva and remains clickable even in the PDF format.
Finishing the eBook
Lastly, you have to finish the eBook by making any changes, editing, and more. Usually, you should pay attention to the following:-
- Make sure all the fonts are the same
- Ensure content clarity, format, colors, and more
- Add photos, icons, and design elements
How To Make Money From eBooks?
If you want to know how to make money from eBooks, then it is time to take a notepad and pen because we are going to discuss each step in detail now.
Selling Ebooks is one of the best way to make quick money. It is a form of passive income that requires you to follow a personalized and strategized plan. Not only good writing but proper marketing and analytics also play an important role.
Given that, here is how to make money from eBooks:-
Self Publishing
One of the most adopted methods to make money from ebooks is to self-publish your writings. Many platforms, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Smashwords, and Apple Books, provide a good opportunity for this.
Creating and Selling Courses
People who know how to make money from eBooks do not rely entirely on its sale. They expand their boundaries to creating and selling courses online on various platforms, including YouTube, to make a good profit.
Furthermore, you may publish eBooks for workshops and charge fees for the same.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the smartest ways to earn money through your writing. Adding a link to products and services related to your content in your eBooks can help you earn a commission each time someone makes a purchase.
Partnering With Companies
Lastly, you can partner with companies who may want to purchase your ebook in bulk. If your writing is based on descriptions, reviews, and ratings related to their products/services, then they may want to buy your content.
Offering Other Services
You can use eBooks to offer services such as consulting, coaching, and more. This makes your writing a marketing tool that you can utilize to attract clients and customers to products/services related to your expertise.
How Much Money Can You Make From eBooks?
Most people, before publishing and marketing ebooks, want to know how much money they can make from them. And it is obvious and natural! If you are putting effort into something, you would want to know its outcome first.
What will surprise you the most is that eBooks generated about $1.1 billion in revenue in the United States alone in 2020. This huge number shows us the success rate of sales and the possible profit you can generate.
However, you must know that ebooks sell at a far lower price than original paper books that we buy in person. Not to mention, the cost of ebooks highly depends on many factors, such as:-
- Targeted audience
- Scale of market
- Chosen topic
- Demand for information
- Length of the book
- Perceived quality
- Genre
Many people want to know how to sell ebooks on Amazon because it has a huge market and a re-visiting audience. Also, the profit you will earn on this platform is considerably higher than others.
On average, you may earn from $1000 to $5000 on Kindle Direct Publishing.
How To Publish eBook For Free?
Making money with eBooks generally depends on three areas: Writing, Publishing, and Marketing. If these steps are done correctly, then you may earn a good profit. While we have discussed the writing part, it is time we pay attention to how to publish an eBook for Free.
Popular self-publishing platforms, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Smashwords, or Draft2Digital, offer free eBook publishing.
Given that, you can publish an ebook for free by following these steps:-
- Write your ebook
- Design the ebook cover
- Sign up for an account on the preferred platform
- Format the eBook
- Upload files/pages
- Set pricing and Distribution option
- Publish your eBook
- Market your eBook
Which Are The Best Platforms To Sell An eBook?
One of the major things you should know for learning how to make money from ebooks is selecting the best platform. Given that, here are some that you can consider:-
Amazon
Without a doubt, Amazon is one of the most popular platforms. It has captured the digital book market by storm with its Kindle Unlimited. Here, the authors can self-publish their writing.
Royalty payout: 70% for $2.99 and $9.99, 35% if below $2.99
Reach: 13 countries, 200 million monthly visitors on Amazon.com
Kobo
Another popular option is Kobo. People who know how to make money from ebooks use Kobo to get their self-published books on Walmart’s website and other stores.
Furthermore, you may publish writings on Kobo Writing Life.
Royalty payout: 70% for $2.99, 45% below $2.99
Reach: 190 countries, 275 million monthly visitors on Walmart.com
Barnes & Noble
Barnes and Noble are among the best platforms to sell eBooks. You may know how to make money from ebooks, but Barnes and Noble provides an even greater opportunity.
This popular platform allows you to sell and self-publish books from its Barnes & Noble Press.
Royalty payout: 70% for ebooks, 55% for print books
Reach: The United States, Millions of readers on BN.com and NOOK devices
Apple iBooks
This app comes pre-installed on all Apple devices, giving you a big chance to grab Apple device users worldwide. Furthermore, the self-publishing process is very easy, allowing you to publish pages directly to the Apple Bookstore.
Royalty payout: 70%
Reach: More than 1.4 billion Apple users
Google Play Books
Lastly, we have Google Play Books. The app comes pre-installed on every Android device, giving authors the chance to get billions of readers. Furthermore, listing on Play Books can give you a better rank on Google SERPs.
Royalty payout: 70% for most books
Reach: Over 2.5 billion Android users in more than 50 countries
How To Sell An eBook On Amazon?
Many young writers often question, “How to make money from eBooks?” Well, a short answer to this is to sell them on Amazon. In 2022, self-published authors on KDP earned around $150 to $20,000 per month, on average.
Given that, here is how to sell an eBook on Amazon:-
Create An Amazon Publishing Account
The very first step is to set up a Kindle Direct Publishing account to publish an ebook. You can do this by:-
- Visit https://kdp.amazon.com and register your Amazon account
- Select the “Self Publish With Us” button
- Click on the “Get Started” button
- Sign in with your Amazon login details
- Set up your tax details
- Click on the “Finished” button
Use The Correct Format For Ebook Publishing
Now, the next step is to set up the correct format for your eBooks. Your files must be correctly formatted for them to be published on Amazon.
To learn how to do this, you can read this article from Amazon Help Center. Furthermore, note that Amazon accepts eBook files in EPUB, DOCX, KPF, MTML, MOBI, RTF, TXT, and PDF.
Add Your Ebook Details
Now, you have to enter details to complete your eBook listing on Amazon. You can do this by following these steps on the KDP site:
- Visit “Kindle eBook”
- Select “Create a New Title”
- Click on the “+” button
- Sign in again with your Amazon password (now you will be redirected to your KDP Bookshelf)
- Now, enter details such as book file name, book cover design, pricing, ISBN number, and more.
Choose Ebook Keywords & Categories
Choosing relevant eBook keywords and categories is important for learning how to make money from ebooks.
Keywords are phrases that people use to search on Amazon’s search bar to locate material that interests them. You may choose up to 7 keywords to describe your ebook–so choose wisely!
You may use tools and software such as Publisher Rocket, MerchantWords, Amazon’s Autofill Function, and more to look for top-ranking keywords.
When it comes to selecting your eBook’s categories, you want to select one that is relevant to your topic, has good traffic, and is low-medium in competition.
Select Your Ebook Publishing Date
Now, you have to select the date for self-publishing your eBook. The Amazon Kindle Direct gives you two options to release your eBook:-
- Release it now
- Make your book available for pre-order
Upload Your Ebook Files
To upload your ebook files, you first have to save them in a supported Kindle format. Generally, most of the files are either in a KPF file or a pre-formatted Word template.
Now:-
- Click on “Upload eBook manuscript” from the second page of your shelf
- Choose the eBook file from your device
- Tap “Upload your cover file”
- Select the cover file to upload
Set Pricing And Loyalties
Now, you have to set pricing and loyalties for your ebook. You can select them from the Pricing Page, where you will see the delivery fees, price, and loyalty options. Generally, Amazon provides a 70% loyalty for books between $2.99 and $9.99 and 35% if below $2.99.
Review And Publish
Now, you have to review and publish your book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. For this, you have to click on the “Publish” button after reviewing the information, pricing, and loyalty.
However, you must know that it takes between 24 and 48 hours for your eBook to be available on the Amazon Kindle store.
Promote Your Ebook
You can promote your eBook on different platforms. Various methods such as author’s websites, newsletters, email marketing, social media, and more can effectively promote your ebook.
Furthermore, you can use Amazon advertising, which offers promotion services for self-publishers for a price of approximately $3.
What Type Of Ebooks Sell The Most?
Understanding how to sell ebooks is easy, but learning how to make money from ebooks is a step-by-step process that starts by writing books that sell the most in the market. Given that, here are some options that are high in demand and low in competition:-
- Novels
Novels are fictional or semi-fictional books with varied page lengths. They are popularly read by people in print as well as in ebook format.
- How-To Guides
Guides that start with “How To” have a good scope for scaling in the market. You can write a guide that tells how to do something in particular through step-by-step instructions.
- Self-Help
People love to read self-help books online. So, if you have grabbed some knowledge about particular things in life, creating an ebook can inspire and educate readers.
- Children’s Ebooks
Children’s eBooks are a great way to start building your audience. However, creating these may require good graphic design and digital illustration skills.
- Compilation
If you have a collection of poetry, lyrics, photographs, quotes, and more, you can highlight them in the form of a compilation.
Top-Selling Book Categories For Fiction and Nonfiction Books:-
- Religion
- Self-Help
- Inspiration
- Education
- Romance
- Crime/Mystery
- Science fiction/fantasy
- Horror
Summary
Many people want to learn how to make money from ebooks these days. This is because of their increasing popularity and market value. However, learning how to write, publish, and promote ebooks is not an overnight process. It requires research, help, and guidance to successfully create a piece of content that fetches a good profit for you.
Therefore, you should follow proper steps and create ebooks with the latest market trends.
You can also Read:
FAQs
- How To Make Money Online?
You can make money online by selling ebooks, affiliate marketing, freelancing, online tutoring, and more.
- How To Make Money From Ebooks?
You can make money from ebooks by:-
- Selling Ebooks
- Self Publishing
- Creating and Selling Courses
- Affiliate Marketing
- Partnering With Companies
- Offering Other Services
- How To Sell Ebooks On Amazon?
To sell ebooks on Amazon, follow these steps:-
- Create an Amazon Publishing account
- Use The Correct Format For Ebook Publishing
- Add Your Ebook Details
- Choose Ebook Keywords & Categories
- Select Your Ebook Publishing Date
- Upload Your Ebook Files
- Set Pricing And Loyalties
- Review And Publish
- Promote Your Ebook
