AND YOU SHOULD TOO...
For more than a decade my creative contributions have graced award-winning magazines, served as the “ghost” talent behind corporate bloggers, and provided solid advice in the way of popular guest blog posts and books. I have helped my clients achieve their publishing goals and even made money for quite a few. But at the end of the day, ( over the years), I found that these activities left little energy or time to devote to my passion projects and dreams.
For more than a decade my creative contributions have graced award-winning magazines, served as the “ghost” talent behind corporate bloggers, and provided solid advice in the way of popular guest blog posts and books. I have helped my clients achieve their publishing goals and even made money for quite a few. But at the end of the day, ( over the years), I found that these activities left little energy or time to devote to my passion projects and dreams.
Don’t get me wrong: I love what I do.
Not only have my clients enhanced my bottom line and quality of life, some have become my friends.
Still, as my career evolved, I wanted something of my own, to reflect my thoughts, my experiences, my expertise; something that spoke to my personal interests and desires.
I was weary of waiting for editors, agents and publishers to give me the green light. To “validate” by their acceptance that my message was important enough for audiences to hear.
I believe that it is. Your readership is proof of that.
So, I decided to pursue a different path.
And here we are.
A LITTLE BACKSTORY TO MY STORY…
I had read a lot online about the popularity of E-Books and had heard some encouraging things from fellow bloggers.
In the book, “Why You Should Publish Your Own E-Books” by Yuwanda Black, the author and entrepreneur shared:“ People pay for information that helps them solve a specific problem and/or learn more about a subject they want to know about. And, who’s better at creating an information product (an Ebook) than a freelance writer?”
This created a light bulb moment for me. I started researching and writing. I had ideas. Lots of them. One title led to another. Before I knew it, I had a series.
And can I tell you something? It was so much fun.
A few days ago, I finally got my finished product from the cover designer. I was doing the happy dance, folks! I was filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment.
AND HERE'S THE BIG REVEAL...Drum roll, please.
But aside from the fun factor and ego stroking, here are 8 reasons I recommend E-Book publishing to bloggers and writers, from a business standpoint.
8 REASONS TO JOIN THE RANKS OF WRITERS, AS EBOOK PUBLISHERS
1. It provides an additional income stream.Though it may not pay the mortgage, EBook publishing can definitely finance a weekend shopping spree, a cable TV upgrade, extra groceries, a writing conference or other cool indulgence.
In fact, I was able to generate sales before my books were ever released, through
pre-orders. Sweet!
2. Being a published author elevates your status.
It helps to establish your expertise and communicates to potential clients that you are resourceful and serious about your craft.
3. EBooks are eternal.
They don’t expire, get damaged or get shelved.
4. They are affordable.
Which means more buyers that you can potentially put your work in the face of; building broader audiences and a bigger fan base.
5. EBooks can support and solidify your branding efforts.
( Particularly when you choose the same colors, tagline, or logo as your Blog and other products, to establish a more cohesive image).
6. They can help writers to “work smarter, not harder.”
How? By repurposing blog content (combined with new material) to present useful information in an array of formats for both your new and old readers.
7. You’ll be in the driver’s seat.
That’s right. You’ll have more “control” than Janet Jackson sang about in her hit single. You decide the design, the content, the price, the title, the distribution method. You. You. You.
8. They’re a great form of “passive income.”
Once you create them, it’s a done deal. When people order them all you have to do is send them off with a note of thanks. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. With the exception perhaps, of periodic updates of links and markets.
If you have been trying to get something published that you're passionate about, have expertise in, and that's marketable, consider the publication of EBooks.
They're less expensive to produce, take less time to get to your readership, and allow you to help others learn while you earn. It's also a smart way to monetize your site.
In closing, I'd like to share a recent comment from one of my EBook fans...
"Love the ebook--content and graphics! Excellent tips for new bloggers and even established websites--your points made me think about mine."---Ms. Noelle
Go from "guess work to less work!" Order your copy today.
This is the first in the B.O.S.S. EBook series, and it addresses common questions for writers seeking to get the recognition they desire and deserve.
Strategy is the key. Competition is the reason.
If you like my blog, you'll love my books.
For your convenience, a PayPal button has been placed in the bottom right hand margin. Click it and get it! Or, if you'd prefer, send payment of $3.99 to PayPal address: Gemsjen@yahoo.com.
Here's to your success!
Your turn.
Thoughts? Have you ever considered EBooks publishing?
If you are an EBook author, what has your experience been?
Thanks for the shoutout Jennifer, and congrats on joining the ebooks bandwagon. Ur in for a ride, let me tell ya. It's a lot of work, but in my opinion, worth it. I wish you lots and lots of luck on your publishing journey.
ReplyDeleteBTW, LOVE ur cover. You should be doing the happy dance! :)
Thanks so much, Yuwanda! To quote the McDonald's commercial: "I'm lovin' it! Boddop ba ba ba!" :-)
DeleteCongratulations on the new series, Jen! Looking forward to reading it soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these points. It's something I need to consider for a number of topics. Happy weekend!
You're welcome, Karen. I think you'll benefit from it. It adds another layer to the writing experience. Thanks so much for stopping by and weighing in. :-)
DeleteI actually do have a little EBook that you can buy online. (see my my upcoming events page). At the start it got a few sales, only I haven't seen any sales lately. Possibly because there are also a lot of Free EBooks out there to compete with, and I haven't been promoting it much lately.
ReplyDeleteBy email I did get some positive feedback from actual readers that bought my little EBook that got me some ideas to make it even better, and I might possibly create an upgraded version in the future. Only currently it isn't on my priority list.
For promoting my little EBook I used a blog, and because of that I discovered that you can also sell other peoples products as an Affiliate on blogs,
Now I also use blogging to (pre) sell products with our own Graphical Designs on them. Like for example the products you can buy in our
Writers Shop
Thanks for sharing H.P.
DeleteI have thought about several possible other way's of Marketing it, that you might possibly find interesting...,
DeleteFor example I thought about a possibly offering a Free EBook version (with an active link to my blog to help promote my blog) that people can share with friends, to help ignite enthousiasm among 'a tribe' for actually buying a Print-version.
I also experimented with using it as a Free Bonus, to add value, and to help sell an other product.
Internetmarketeers frequently use a Free Ebook as an 'Ethical Bribe' to get them to sign up for their Email list/Newsletter.
Interesting ideas here. Thanks for sharing!
Delete