LESSON #47: How to Create an Ebook

By | August 4, 2009
168 Comments

In the previous lessons we’ve been talking about how to create an information product. Today we’re going to take a closer look at creating an ebook…

(Watch this video…)

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Main points:

  • Ebook = digital book

    Possible formats…

    -PDF (Recommended)
    -Word Doc
    -Text file
    -HTML page
    -Exe file
    -Kindle and other special formats

    Recommended Free Software: www.OpenOffice.org

    Open Office is an open source software suite, and their Writer program can create high quality PDF’s… for free!

  • Ebook Formatting

    – 8 1/2 x 11″
    – 12-14 point font
    – Times New Roman (most common for printed books)
    – Arial (great for reading on-screen)

    Tricks to take up more space…

    (This is not about adding fluff, or filling it with too much white space… your ebook should consist of high quality content. But it can be helpful to make your ebook seem longer to add perceived value. Also please note: keep your target market in mind. Some audiences prefer short, concise information, in which case a shorter ebook is better.)

    – Margins (just don’t increase them too much)
    – Line spacing (I like 1.5)
    – Arial font instead of Times New Roman
    – Chapter breaks

    Components I include in my ebooks:

    -Title Page
    -Legal Disclaimer Page
    -Table of Contents
    -Chapters
    -Resource Section

    (See video for demonstration of me creating an ebook by rebranding and tweaking another PLR ebook)

    PLR Tip: If you can’t find PLR for your topic, consider finding someone with a product in your niche that you think is good quality, and simply ask them if they’ll private label it to you.

  • 3 places that I like to put links in ebooks…

    1) At the beginning
    2) Integrated throughout
    3) At the end (resource section)

    Linking Tip: Always use use redirects on your own domain, rather than embedding your affiliate link in the ebook. That way you can change the destination later on, without having to update the ebook. See also link cloaking

    Advanced Tip: Creating brandable PDF’s for your affiliates is a great idea. I’ve used ViralPDF

    Advanced Tip: Always keep your source documents! You might want to boost your income by selling PLR to it some day.

    Recommended resources:

    PDF Ebook Templates

    Instead of DULL, PLAIN, BORING documents, now you can easily create
    BEAUTIFUL and PROFESSIONAL looking ebooks in a matter of minutes.

    		 PDF Templates
    Ecover Engine

    This is a very cool software tool which enables you to create great looking E-covers for your products… even if you have no graphics experience at all!

    		PDF Ebook covers

    Action steps:

    1) If you’ve chosen to create an ebook for your information product… do it!

    For many of you, this product will be just the tip of the iceberg. Ideally, it will be a front end product that leads to bigger products, and bigger income as you build your business. We’ll be talking about your marketing funnel in the next lesson.

    As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below.

    Have a great day!

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    • 168 thoughts on “LESSON #47: How to Create an Ebook”

    4. John Counsel

      Hi Eric,

      I just wanted to add a couple of ideas for people outside the USA, because US publishers seem to be oblivious to realities in the wider world:

      * Yes, use US Letter (11 x 8.5 inches) — but be aware that this format is standard ONLY in the USA and Canada. EVERYWHERE else in the world uses ISO-A4 paper size (297 x 210 mm). You can increase downloads by offering your publication in BOTH formats.

      * Padding your ebook can actually work AGAINST you: it’s mostly in the USA where people think “more and bigger is better”. People find printed copies easier to read than online versions, and they get annoyed by having to print too many pages just because so much space is wasted. You can boost downloads and responses by providing two editions: one for printing and one for online viewing.

      * Links — remember that embedded links don’t work in printed copies of your ebook. It pays to include the full URL so people reading printed copies can easily key in the link to their browser.

      It also pays, as Eric says, to use redirects to your own domain so you can control them fully.

      You can find more help about designing for the web (and increasing comprehension — and response rates) at my link, free of charge.

      John Counsel
      CEO, The Profit Clinic

      Reply ↓
    5. glenn

      Eric: I am new to Ebook business. Have one ready to go. How do I keep the purchaser from forwarding the ebook to many other recipients? Is there a method to limit the number of copies that can be made.

      Always enjoy your material.

      gwilke

      Reply ↓
    7. Eric Post author

      Good points John.

      Yes I should have mentioned the negative aspect of padding your ebook since I talked a lot about making it longer. I will make note of it in my outline above.

      It really depends on your audience. If your audience is most likely to read it on their computer screen (as my internet marketing audience is), then the fancier pages and longer format is great… I think some extra white space and wider line spacing also helps on-screen reading.

      But if you expect your audience to print it out, keep the formatting simple and concise.

      EITHER way… you can use it as a selling point. If your market prefers “bigger and better”, then make a big deal about how long your ebook is. But if your market prefers “concise and to the point”, then make a big deal about how short your ebook is.

      Reply ↓
    8. Eric Post author

      The first thing is just be aware of copyrights. The same things I talked about for images on websites in lesson #40 would apply here. Use your own pictures, or license them, or find public domain images… but do not use them if you don’t have the rights.

      My only other concern is the size of the document. The more images you use, the bigger the PDF. I usually try to keep my PDF’s under 4MB. But I’d say you can go up to about 20MB without anyone really caring. But if it gets bigger than that you might want to scale back the images or play with the compression (likely JPG compression for the images) in the PDF settings to keep the file size reasonable.

      Reply ↓
    9. Eric Post author

      Good question.

      Some PDF software (including Open Office) has the ability to set a password for your PDF. this may help prevent sharing. However, you have to weigh the cost. If you set a password, you’ll get a bunch of support email from people who forgot their password, and probably more refund requests.

      Also it doesn’t stop sharing because people can simple share the password too. So I do not password protect my PDF’s.

      There are some advanced tools/features that would allow you to restrict the PDF to a per-user basis, but once again you have to weigh the time/cost of it vs. the convenience of not protecting it. To do such a thing you’d have to setup some sort of registration system on the back-end which dynamically generates the PDF or each customer.

      I also just did a quick search and found some interesting tools like this one: http://www.locklizard.com/pdf_security.htm

      But I would probably not worry too much about PDF security unless it’s a high end ebook (like $200+).

      Reply ↓
    10. blogmoneymania

      Thanks Eric!

      I’m thinking of doing my 1st free report & also eventually ebook. This is so helpful along w/software recommended.

      Reply ↓
    11. naqueen

      Hi Eric,

      Good video and really great tips. You definitely taught me something valuable like creating the legal disclaimer page and the Resource page. I wouldn’t have thought of that. Thanks a bunch!

      Reply ↓
    12. John Counsel

      I find the simplest ways to discourage theft (shared links or shared files included) are these:

      1. Use PERSONALIZED download links, with the buyer’s name listed. This discourages sharing because of the perceived risk of being detected. I use Cloak and Tracker to do this, as well as to cloak links on the fly and track very powerfully and in detail. It will also personalize the download page, so there’s even less likelihood of sharing.

      Visit http://spendsmarter.com/cloakandtracker for 20% off the regular price.

      2. Deliver digital downloads, like ebooks, using low-cost software like http://MyFirstSellingSystem.com and making bonuses and ESSENTIAL add-ons to the product (NEVER deliver the entire product in a single package) that requires registered membership access.

      3. Use a simple script like the $7 Secret script from http://Buy7DollarScript.com to give away or sell a low-cost intro to the product (with 100% instant referral commission), with an OTO to sell the main product with a 50% instant referral commission. Why would someone give away the book when they can earn instant money instead?

      All it takes is some stategic thinking.

      Great topic, by the way. 😀

      John Counsel
      CEO, The Profit Clinic

      Reply ↓
    13. Easy Video Producer

      Hi Eric – You know it does not matter how long I’ve been marketing I love your emails.

      Your videos are short – to the point and very informative.

      By the way – Way back when Cory came out with EBook Pro I bought it and they have always updated it. Have you ever used it?
      I bought in the days I was quite green! so never got into using it.
      Apparently it has a some great security features but like you say you have to bear the cost of support when people get stuck on how to open the book.

      Many thanks

      Ps Since you changed your blog path to these brilliantly informative content – I’ve definitely made it a point of watching your videos.

      Reply ↓
    15. Dragan

      Hi Eric,
      Thanks for the very comprehensive lessons.
      I found that Open Office is much better than MS Office when we want to create pdf e-book. Before some time, I was trying with different applications but the links and hyperlinks inside the MS Word don’t translate into the pdf book. And one and only possible free solution for links to be live in pdf e-book is Open Office.

      Reply ↓
    16. Colin Noden

      I think I’ll be ordering those templates. Even though I like the flexibility of custom design and have two ebooks on using OO Writer to create ebooks. This lesson came on the same day that I got “reminded” by a mentor that time and effort was being wasted on tasks outside of my core passion/talent area.

      Thanks for this timely lesson Eric.

      Reply ↓
    17. James M.

      The video player is acting up. It says I need to update the adobe player but after I downloaded and installed it, it still keeps asking me for an updated version. I have to make do with the text here and the very informative inputs from commenters especially John Counsel.

      My first attempt at making an ebook is through the OpenOffice equivalent of Word. It works, but I feel it needed a lot of improvement. Thanks for the tip on PDF ebook templates. Looks like just the thing I needed. At this promo $37, I think I’ll go for it.

      Reply ↓
    18. Kristy

      Aaahhh Eric, yet another timely lesson for me.
      As a writer it can be so hard to just let your work go and take its place in the world, but ebooks are just so easy. There’s no excuse now.
      A lot of writers look down their noses at ebooks as poor substitutes for a traditionally published book. ebooks are a great way to test your audience and make easy changes. Digital printing is also very affordable now, so being in print is easier than ever before.
      I think people (writers in particular) need to give themselves permission to self publish – music artists do it all the time.

      Cheers,
      Kristy

      Reply ↓
    19. Alex Lim

      Very interesting, Eric!

      I actually just finished re-branding an eBook that I was given PLR to.

      I never thought of extending it to higher it’s perceived value. Little tricks like font, margins, TOC, and chapters… Why didn’t I think of that?

      I was just mentioning to a friend of mine about giving his affiliates brandable PDFs to promote, but thought he would have to outsource a programmer to produce software to do such a task… I’ll look into viral PDF.

      Thanks, Eric!
      Alex Lim

      Reply ↓
    21. Kathy

      Great timing Eric,

      I’ve just finished authoring an ebook. When you say do a redirect, does that mean you need a domain? So you have an affiliate link and you redirect it right, but when you recommended pdf format, you didn’t mention a domain. It’s not a problem – you just get a domain and then create a links folder do you? Then you put a php file in there ?

      I guess all the cloaking software you mention use a domain and also links folder too.

      Are your cloaking programs still your best recommendations as they’re from 2006 ?
      Thanks and for your readers – I’m going to use TradeBit.com which is a free digital download marketplace for my 101 tips to a better website.

      Reply ↓
    24. vid

      Thanks eric for such a great information. I think I want to do it and I wll definately try one.

      Reply ↓
    27. Eric Post author

      Thanks! The other thing to keep in mind is that ebooks FREQUENTLY make more money than printed books. So those traditional printed authors can look down their noses all they want while we keep making more bank deposits 😉

      I agree it is easier than ever to self publish. And the nice thing about ebooks is that there is virtually zero overhead cost, and nearly 100% profits, compared to other methods of publishing.

      Reply ↓
    28. Eric Post author

      Cool. Yeah ViralPDF is really cheap, so it would probably be a good investment vs. having it programmed from scratch.

      Reply ↓
    29. Eric Post author

      Thanks Kathy. Yes you need your own domain (See lesson #23 and #24 if needed).

      Yes you can make a links folder, or a folder for each link… whatever works best for you.

      Honestly my top recommendation at this time for cloaking links is to save your money and just make your own PHP redirects. That’s what I do for almost all of my affiliate links.

      I show the code for a PHP redirect in that cloaking lesson, or you can easily find it if you search for it.

      Reply ↓
    30. Roonie

      Great information Eric. I will figure out how to use it and make my viral e-book look nice and valuable.

      Reply ↓
    31. Fisayo

      Nice tips!

      You actually covered a few points some people would rather hide.

      Thanks Eric… you know, I have just about 10 IMs I never ignore their emails. You happen to be one of them.

      Keep up the good works.

      Reply ↓
    32. Rick

      Eric,
      Great, simple and concise instructions as always. One of your best lessons in the whole series. Thanks a ton.

      Reply ↓
    35. David @ computer solutions

      This article is a stitch in time. I am considering taking some of my best posts in a static site and creating an eBook as a giveaway incentive to signing up to my list.

      I plan to review your posts about redirecting links in order to follow that approach.

      Thanks for this great information.

      Reply ↓
    36. Michael

      Eric,

      Once again you have provided a content rich, actionable video that is invaluable… As I prepare my ebooks, I will certainly use your tips.

      I do, however, wish that I had known about the FREE “Open Office” ebook creator software, before I bought a different version, several months ago.

      I actually bought your Ecover software, a week or 2 ago, and I’m preparing photos to use with it, for several of my products, that I will release over the next month.

      I highly recommend that anyone reading Eric’s Blog-posts, and benefiting from his great video tutorials to do yourself a HUGE favor and BUY HIS PRODUCTS!!! You will be extremely happy with the value that he provides for the price that you pay.

      Again, Eric thanks for providing solid content, that anywhere else would cost us $97, but you provide FREE of charge.

      You are truly building a great fan/support base with your honest and timely information.

      Thanks,

      Mike

      Reply ↓
    37. Sarah Pritchard

      Bonjour Eric!

      I found this very interesting and useful. I have created some ebooks of my own, both giveaways and for sale. So, I have started but have a long way to go. As a mother of 7 and a gite owner, my time is limited but writing is my passion.
      Your tips help me to be organized and use my time wisely.
      I will persevere and one day the best seller that my hubby is always asking the whereabouts of, will appear.

      Best wishes and angel cuddles,

      Sarah

      Reply ↓
    38. lucy drumonde

      Thank you Mike for the information.
      I am starting this out and on my way to create a simple e-book.
      The information is a good stepping stone given with so many software and other information that is out there on the Internet.

      Reply ↓
    39. Zhana

      Excellent video. You gave us lots of useful information. I have been producing ebooks for several years, but you told me something I didn’t know.

      Thanks very much for this.
      Zhana

      Reply ↓
    40. CoolMan

      nice infomation about creating ebook. good lesson to learn everyday. keep it up with a lot lesson after this…

      Reply ↓
    42. Sally

      Great info Eric! I always learn something new. Once you create the ebook, how do you upload it on your website or blog or whatever you are trying to do. I am not a techie. Do the ebook templates have graphics etc or does one get them elsewhere or put in your own photos? Thanks for your help.

      Reply ↓
    43. irving orta

      hello Eric,

      I have a question, i have been following the lessons,and I have this question,if i wanted to star my online business with an ebook,just to get things moving, you know taking action like you say,do i steel need to do a website in word press like the idea cash example or could do something like you have for the ecover engine or pdf ebook templates because the idea cash sample seems like a broader approach doesn´t it?… and for some of your info products for example, you just have a web page with the sales letter.. could i start with something like that?

      best regards

      Reply ↓
    44. Denise

      Hi Eric

      As usual great information. Just one question ? I am thinking about buying your pdf templates? do they only work with open office? as I already have microsoft office on my pc?
      Would you be kind enough to let me know.

      Thanks

      Denise

      Reply ↓
    45. Micah

      Hello Denise,

      Microsoft Office should work fine for you! Open Office isn’t required, but it is a great free software option available.

      Reply ↓
    48. Alfonso Ruiz

      Hi Teacher,

      Erick I m so proud to be your student because your lessons are so valuables and clears as a water. Thank you very much for your help and God bless you.

      Reply ↓
    49. Anne

      Dear Eric,

      The last lesson I received was Lesson 47 dated August 16, 2009, received here N.Z. August 15,2009. Thanks very much for your lessons and I’ll look forward to the next. I am in the process with my first ebook.
      Best regards,
      Anne.

      Reply ↓
    50. Rachel

      HI Eric, Once the customer purchases the e-book, can you suggest how they receive it.

      Do I need to use software to deliver the e-book to the customer?

      Thankyou Rachel

      Reply ↓

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