How to start writing an ebook (and actually finish it)
There is a book inside everyone. At least, that is what they say. The hard part is getting it out of your head and onto the page. If you have been thinking about writing an ebook but do not know where to start, you are in the right place.
Writing a book can feel like climbing a mountain. You stand at the bottom, look up at the peak, and wonder how you will ever get there. But just like climbing, you do it one step at a time. An ebook is a great way to share your story or your knowledge with the world. You do not need a fancy publisher or a lot of money. You just need a computer, an idea, and a bit of patience.
In this guide, I will walk you through the process of writing your first ebook. We will cover how to find a good idea, how to plan your writing, and how to get your book ready for people to read. I have gathered advice from experts and official sources to make sure you have the right information. Let’s get started on your writing journey.
Finding a winning idea
Before you type a single word, you need to know what you are writing about. This might sound obvious, but it is where many people get stuck. You might have too many ideas, or maybe you feel like you have none at all.
Stick to what you know
The best books usually come from personal knowledge or passion. Think about what you are good at. Do friends always ask you for advice on gardening? Are you great at fixing cars? Maybe you have a vivid imagination and love telling stories about dragons.
If you are writing non-fiction (books about real facts), choose a topic you can teach to others. If you are writing fiction (made-up stories), choose a genre you enjoy reading. It is much easier to write when you care about the subject.
Check if people want to read it
It is smart to see if other people are interested in your topic. You can do this by looking online. Go to a big book site like Amazon and search for your topic. If you see other books about it that have good reviews, that is a good sign. It means people are reading about it.
You do not need to be the only person writing about a topic. In fact, having competition is good. It proves there is an audience. You just need to find your own special way to tell the story or explain the facts.
Planning your ebook
Once you have your idea, you might be tempted to start writing chapter one immediately. Try to resist that urge. A little bit of planning now will save you a lot of headaches later.
Create an outline
An outline is like a map for your book. It tells you where you are going so you do not get lost.
For a non-fiction book, list the main problems your reader has. Then, list the solutions you will provide. Each solution can be a chapter.
For a fiction book, outline the main events of the story. Who are the characters? What happens to them? How does the story end?
You do not need to write full sentences yet. Just use bullet points to organise your thoughts. This helps you see if your book makes sense before you spend months writing it.
Set a writing schedule
Writing a book takes time. It is not something you can finish in one afternoon. The trick is to show up and write regularly.
Look at your week and find times when you can write. It might be thirty minutes before work, or an hour on Sunday mornings. Put these times on your calendar and treat them like an important appointment.
You do not need to write thousands of words every day. Even two hundred words a day adds up quickly. If you write two hundred words a day for three months, you will have a short book finished!
Drafting your content
Now comes the fun part: writing the first draft. This is where you pour your ideas onto the page.
Don’t worry about being perfect
Many writers stop because they want every sentence to be perfect. They write a sentence, delete it, and write it again. This slows you down.
When you are writing your first draft, just let the words flow. Do not worry about spelling mistakes or bad grammar. You can fix all of that later. The most important thing is to get the story out of your head. You cannot fix a blank page, but you can fix a messy draft.
Keep your reader in mind
As you write, think about the person who will read your book. If you are writing a guide, imagine you are explaining the steps to a friend. Use simple words and short sentences.
If you are writing a story, think about what will keep the reader turning the page. Keep the action moving and make your characters interesting.
Formatting your ebook
When you finish writing, you have a manuscript. But a manuscript is not an ebook yet. You need to format it so it looks good on an e-reader, like a Kindle or an iPad.
Understanding file types
Ebooks are not just Word documents. They use special file types that let the text “reflow.” This means the text changes size and shape depending on the screen size.
According to the W3C EPUB 3 Overview, the standard format for ebooks is called EPUB. This format allows content to be formatted on the fly rather than being set in stone like a printed page. This makes it easier for people to read on small phone screens or large tablets.
However, if you are publishing on Amazon, they have their own tools. The KDP Help page explains that you can upload a Microsoft Word document, and their tool, Kindle Create, will convert it for you. It handles things like chapter titles and the table of contents automatically.
The importance of a Table of Contents
A Table of Contents (TOC) is very important for an ebook. In a physical book, you can flip through the pages. In an ebook, you need a clickable menu to jump to different chapters.
When you format your book, you need to make sure your chapter titles are marked correctly. If you use a tool like Kindle Create, you can tag your headings as “Chapter Title.” This creates a link that readers can click.
Editing your work
Now that you have a draft, it is time to put on your editor hat. Editing is where you polish your rough diamond into a shining gem.
Self-editing tips
First, read your book through from start to finish. Look for big problems. Does the story make sense? Are there parts that are boring? Fix these big issues first.
Next, look for smaller errors. Check for spelling mistakes and grammar issues. Read your work out loud. This is a great trick. When you read aloud, you hear clunky sentences that you might miss when reading silently.
Hiring a professional
It is often hard to spot your own mistakes. If you can afford it, hiring a professional editor is a great idea. They can catch things you missed and help make your writing stronger.
The cost of editing varies. The Society of Authors notes that rates are a matter for negotiation. However, they link to the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, which suggests minimum rates for different types of work. While you do not have to pay these exact rates, it gives you an idea that good work costs money.
Design and Cover Art
People really do judge a book by its cover. Your cover is the first thing a potential reader sees. If it looks unprofessional, they might assume the writing is unprofessional too.
Keep it simple
If you are designing the cover yourself, keep it simple. Use a clear, easy-to-read font for the title. Use one strong image that represents your book. Do not clutter the cover with too much text.
Remember, most people will see your cover as a tiny thumbnail image on their phone. Make sure the title is big enough to read even when the image is small.
Publishing and Legal Bits
You have written, edited, and formatted your book. Now you are ready to publish. But first, there are a few legal and technical things to know.
Do you need an ISBN?
You might have seen the barcode and long number on the back of printed books. That is an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). You might wonder if you need one for your ebook.
The answer depends on where you sell it. According to Nielsen UK ISBN Agency, an ISBN is a product identifier used by booksellers and libraries. While it is not a legal requirement, it helps with stock control and ordering.
However, Amazon’s KDP Help Center states that ebooks on their platform do not require an ISBN. They assign their own unique number called an ASIN. If you are only selling on Amazon, you can skip buying an ISBN. If you want to sell on other platforms or to libraries, you might need one.
Understanding Copyright
You worked hard on your book, so you want to make sure no one steals it. In the UK, you do not need to register your work to protect it.
GOV.UK explains that copyright protection is automatic. It exists as soon as you create the work and write it down or save it. This protects you from people copying your work or distributing it without your permission. It is smart to add a copyright notice (like “© 2024 Your Name”) to the front of your ebook, just to remind people.
Next steps
Writing an ebook is a big project, but it is very rewarding. You have something to show for your hard work, and you can share your voice with the world.
Start by finding that one idea that excites you. Then, make a plan and stick to it. Do not rush the process. Take your time to write, edit, and format your book carefully.
The world is waiting for your story. Why not start writing it today?
