The steps to publishing an e-book, from the ideas to making it a bestseller, are complex and demanding. It is a blend of creative skill, technical knowledge, and marketing strategies.
In this blog, we will not only highlight the process of publishing the book but also discover some strategies that can help increase sales and lead to the best-selling author. So let’s get started.
Steps for successful e-book publishing
The digital age has revolutionized the ways to share and consume content. With a rise in e-books and online platforms, self-publishing has become common and is a spark for aspiring authors. Instead of choosing traditional book publishing services, authors should make use of self-publishing agencies to help them through the process.
- Finalize your e-book
A well-structured e-book is the foundation of the self-publishing journey. To achieve success at this stage, you need to brainstorm, research, and write down your ideas. Once you are ready with the draft, read through it several times to eliminate errors. This process will ensure that the text is error-free and flowing smoothly. A clear and cohesive structure will keep the readers engaged in the text.
- Design an attractive cover
The cover of the e-book is its first impression. A visually appealing cover makes your book stand out in the crowd of the e-book market and helps hook potential readers to further explore the book.
To save your cost of hiring a cover designer, you can use the customized template available online. Choose one that matches your book’s theme and genre. Customize it according to your needs.
- Choose the right publishing platform
Opting for the right publishing platform is an important strategy for a successful e-book. There are many e-book publishing platforms available around us, and each offers various distribution channels and royalty structures.
Moreover, each platform has its formatting requirements, file formats, and policies. Take time and understand the guidelines to ensure that the e-book meets the standards and is approved by the distributor.
- Format your book
Formatting not only gives the aesthetics to your book, but it affects the reading experience. When you format it, make sure that the e-book file fulfils the requirements of the chosen platform and is readable on various devices.
Use the right fonts, line spacing, and break-up pages. Additionally, follow a consistent and professional format. This will improve the quality of the e-book. If the e-book contains data-driven content, add infographics that can enhance the book’s visual appeal and effectiveness.
- Set up the data and keywords
Publishers like e-Book publishers or hard book publishers use the data to select a compelling title, subtitle, genre category, and author name. Select relevant keywords that can improve its discoverability during online searches.
Write a description that narrates the elements of the book and its emotional feelings. Select the right genre and category. This will help your readers to the digital book easily. Add both general and specific phrases as keywords.
- Craft the book description
Writing a description that talks about the unique features of the book will generate high sales online. Narrate the potential of the readers’ benefits and the emotions they will experience as they read through. Keep your tone concise and compelling so potential buyers cannot refrain from clicking the ‘buy’ button.
- Choose a price and royalty option
Look for the price range of the e-books in your genre. When researching, check both the traditionally published and self-published books to get an idea of the price range.
Each publishing platform offers different royalty rates. Consider the rates when choosing the publication place. Some platforms might offer higher rates but have exclusive requirements, while the lower ones will allow wider distribution.
- Launch your e-book
The moment of waiting is over. You are good to launch your e-book. Choose a date that is feasible for you for maximum impact. Market all efforts around that date.
Promote your e-book launch across online platforms, including social media, sending emails, and the author’s website. Engage your audience by sharing some behind-the-scene shots and make the launch event memorable. You can craft engaging content that tells about the book’s unique aspects.
- Gather audience comments and monitor sales.
Positive reviews create a great impact on the buyers. They act as social proof and can influence potential readers to make a buying decision. Therefore, ask your readers to leave a comment once they have read the book.
Moreover, keep an eye on the sales and engagement data, identifying trends and patterns. Make use of this information to adjust the marketing strategies and design the content that meets the requirements of the readers.
FAQs
What is the cost of publishing an e-book?
The cost of publishing an e-book is not fixed. It varies depending on many factors. Like if you handle all the aspects yourself, it will be free. However, hiring someone for editing, cover designing, or marketing will cost you.
Can authors publish their digital books themselves?
E-books can be published by the authors. This can be achieved by passing through the steps of traditional publishing. It allows you to retain creative control, and the author has the larger share of royalties.
Can e-books be updated after they are published?
You can update your e-book even after publishing it. Most self-publishing platforms allow revisions and uploading of new versions. This is useful when you want to fix errors, update content, or respond to the readers’ feedback.
What is the time duration of publishing digital books?
There is no fixed time. It varies depending on features like the complexity of the book, the editing and designing process, and the submission to the platform. It can take several days to weeks.
The final comment
One of the risky journeys is self-publishing e-books. The journey does not end even after you have published your book and poured in your blood, tears, and sweat.
This varies from individual to individual. Some authors start working on the other book after completing one’s process. They aim to grow at a faster rate in the community of readers who have loved their first book. If you are like those, take a short break and return. Start your work on the other material and publish it on your own.
