Ebook Answers #1 – $300 software for Ten Bucks
Note: This is the first in a series of articles about ebooks. We’ll be discussing how to write them, produce them, and build them in a way so that they sell far more easily and quickly than "regular" ebooks. Got an ebook question of your own? Write me here: ask (at) trafficandconversion.com
Back in December, I asked my readers for questions about creating content. What did they need to know? Here are some answers to some good questions about creating content that I think will help you.
The first one will save you a bunch of dough.
Denny L wrote…
Hiya Mark,
I’ve started putting my 1st e-book in writing to organize it and put the finishing touches/changes to it.
My first question concerns converting it from Word doc. to .pdf Don’t really want to pay Adobe $250, do you have any suggestions for who/what to use?
Well Hiya right back atcha, Denny.
Actually Acrobat is up to about $300 to $450 at retail now, and there’s not a heckuva lot of good reasons to invest that much if all you’re doing is creating an ebook. The program does do a great job of creating PDF files — they invented the format, after all — but for our purposes, you can spend a lot less and do a lot better.
Check out some software called PDF995, which you can find at http://www.PDF995.com
As the name implies, you can buy the software for $9.95, and it will do the job for you just fine. And if you’re REALLY on a tight budget, you can even download and use the software for free. You just have to tolerate looking at an advertisement every time you generate a PDF.
But if you pay less than ten bucks, you see no ads at all.
The only downside I’ve notice so far is that the PDF files tend to be a little larger than those created by Adobe’s software. But if that doesn’t bother you, then it’s definitely the way to go.
Okay…Next Question.
Bruce asks…
I have always had tons of ideas that I would love to put into eBooks. However when I sit down to do it I find that it is way to tedious for me. Any information on how to streamline and easily put together ebooks would be great.
Hello Bruce.
This past weekend, I spoke at Eben Pagan’s Guru Mastermind Event on creating content. Five Hundred marketers were there, each paying $500 to $1,000 a month to be a part of this group, and others paying upwards of $5,000 to attend this one event.
I’ve written about 23 ebooks so far, and so Eben asked me to speak to the group about the tactics for creating money-making ebooks.
I talked about overcoming writers block (which I think is part of your problem), how to add size to your ebook without adding fluff (12 ways), and how to build marketing INTO your ebook so that it actually sells itself (6 ways) and makes money FOR you.
And then I showed them my ebook template. You’d be smart to make one of these yourself, too, if you plan on making more than one ebook.
An ebook template is a Microsoft Word document that I put together for myself — you can think of it as a sample ebook — with all of the ebook elements built into it aIready. That way, the moment I start my new ebook, it already LOOKS like an ebook.
It’s got page borders, a table of contents, images, footers, title page, resource page, formatted links, formatted chapter headings….everything.
All I gotta do is start typing.
So anyway, once the talk was over, a flood of people came over to thank me for giving them the tactical advice they needed for creating content that’s easy to write, and that sells.
And I gave them all my ebook template, too, so they don’t have to create it from the ground up.
I’m thinking of doing something similar for my readers….People like YOU.
You interested?
Just reply by commenting on my blog, below. And let me know what your most important question is about making ebooks. I’ll do my best to answer them all, either on the blog, in an email (like this) or if it’s more complex, maybe in a step-by-step course (which is how people seem to learn best).
To Your Success,
–Mark Widawer
P.S. One more thing…let me know if you’d be interested in getting the ebook template that I gave out to Eben’s group.
Free, of course.
If enough people want it, I’ll make it available.
-Mark
Yes, I’d like your ebook template for free, as well.
First, thanks for the info in your e-mail and, yes, I would like a copy of your template(s).
I have a wide background in business and usually have no trouble writing but how do you find a topic that will really draw interest?
I’m a writer already, with two novels under my belt. I’ve just recently started blogging (www.FastProfitPlan.com/blog) and I’m now developing my first e-book. Your template sounds great and I would love a copy. Anything that streamlines the process is always appreciated!
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Mark:
We always want to create “the” unique product. Instructions as to how to upload the ebook generated by your template into a directory plus instructions and code for how to password protect the material until someone paid for it plus strategy on how to sell it to people, including thank you page code would be crucial information.
If this “after” info were included, your product would be a “one of a kind.”
Yes, the ebook template is great, too.
Best,
D
I have never given a serious thought about writing an ebook until now. I have a couple of ideas and I think your template would help me convert them to an ebook.
Thanks for the offer.
Ray
Ray Feeneys last blog post..Three Fast Tips to Lose a Dress Size Fast Tips…
I would like to have the template.
thanks
Mike
Mark, Ebook info is always appreciated by me and I’m sure by everyone reading this. I would like to bring all of my articles and blogs together in one place. I just have no idea where to even begin. I would definitely use any and ALL advice, ideas and instructions you could provide and, since I have NO money, free would be really appreciated!
Thank you for being a source to draw to.
Thanks for all the wonderful tips. I have found them very useful. An e-book template would be great. I am thinking of putting my thoughts in an e-book and don’t know where to start. Thanks gain for everything. Margaret. PS I have a new website that I am still in the process of refining and promoting.
Your course was awesome. BIG YES to the template.
Mark,
Great info, and yes, I’m very interested in your e-book template. I’ve written 4 e-booklets on baseball/softball training and have more in mind. I’m intrigued by your concept of “stuffing” extra, useful info into the books.
My question is, do you do anything extraordinary to protect your work? I’ve found two sites that have published my work as free downloads, which of course violates my copyright. One of them removed my info, the other has not. I don’t have the time/money to sue, so do you have any advice is this regard?
FYI, I use both Word 2007 and its pdf creator, another pdf program called Nova 5 Pro, and 1Automationwiz for receipt of payment and e-booklet delivery.
Thanks much for your excellent info!
Steve
Mark, I am for certain interested in the template. I
would really appreciate having that help as I begin to write my first e-book.
You are great to make the offer to someone like me who is just starting.
Pat
Pat Lyons last blog post..Here’s what I see !
Yes, I’d love to get the template. My question for you: how do you go about getting the covers for your ebooks? Do you check out those performing this service, use Elance, or use other methods? Thanks!
I’d love to see the ebook template! I struggle with deciding on fonts, font sizes, styles etc. It would be great to work with a template like that, so I can just focus on creating great content! Thank you!
Yes, I would love the template!
My question concerns the use of ghost writers. If you use one, how do you check their work for plagiarism?
Mark,
Another lesson learned behind the scenes with asking for interest in your give away product to stimulate comments to the blog. Thanks for thr tip!
Someone already asked my question…what is a good rule of thumb for length. I have seen 16 pages to 97 pages. My favorite is Thriumph of the Stupid. (not just cause you wrote it).
and of course, the template would be great. please!
Mark -
Count me in for your free template. I’ve just been working in outline format and it’s restrictive.
Do you feel it’s better to sell the e-books or give them away to leverage other opportunities?
Ron
Mark, I am interested in getting and using your template. My question is this: Are you planning to give us the exact steps to market and sell our eBook? Frank
I completed my eBook, a comprehensive social media marketing reference, in October.
I had used Open Office before to create free reports and White Papers. But the appearance of these pdfs was bland. Also I hate the look of exposed links.
So I outsourced my interactive volume to a programmer and got my first lesson in hiring contractors. They are not sit around, twiddling their thumbs, waiting for me to contact them.
I am not a programmer so I have no idea how long the actual work took, but close to a month passed before the eBook was completed. Despite the wait, the finished product is stunning and totally functional.
Then I contacted another programmer to convert my copy to a sales page. I am still waiting.
I would be interested in looking at your template, but even more than that, I would like to hear your experiences with subcontracting work. I suspect you rely on employees or contract work out.
Elaines last blog post..Jan 28, Choose Profitable Keywords
I’m loving Google Docs these days for writing and creating PDFs.
It’s simple (no bloat like MS Word), free, constantly being updated, Web-based (can easily edit a document from any computer), and tons of other great things! :)
And in cased you missed it, it creates PDFs from your documents with the click of a mouse.
Derek
I would love the e-book template!
Hi Mark,
I had not thought to write an ebook, but reading your material makes it sound doable!
I would be very interested in the template you mentioned.
Thanks,
Jon
Count me in Mark! The wheel only needs to be invented once! ;)
I would love your template.
my questions:
1. some POD vendors will not accept a PDF from word…but require it come from a product like ndesign..we think it is because the PDF needs different embedded print commands becaue of the type of printing involved. any thoughts?
2. besides linking chapters to pages…what other types of interactive do you recommend in an ebook? link to external web sites? Calculations???
3. Do your copy protect your ebook?
4. What is the best way to distribute an ebook?
Hey Mark
Of course as I’m writing an ebook I’d
love to get your ebook template as well as be informed about your ebook course. My question: Is it better to put the ebook in PDF format or to use a product like ebook Pro which supposedly offers more advanced security features as well as a viral marketing component?
Hello Mark:
I would love a copy of the template. Could use some good direction in its marketing as well.
Mark: Greetings from San Antonio. Would love to get MS Word ebook template. I read your emails – they’re well-done. Thanks!
Mark: One more comment. For presenting works in PDF format, I use the FREE version of Primo PDF
(www.primopdf.com); it has some neat features and works just fine for me.
Hi Mark,
I’d love to see your template. I have an idea for an e-book but where do I start, how do I put it all together? I think your template might help with that also.
Regards,
Adele
Mark, I would love to see the template. I create my ebooks in Publisher and it sounds like your template would reduce my work load by hours! I’m all for getting projects done efficiently and in less time.
Hi Mark,
I’m very interested in receiving your template. I’m putting the information together now for an ebook and your template would assist me to no end.
Yes, please I would like a copy of your template.
I already have several of your products.
Mark,
Been on your list for 2 months now. Great stuff everytime. Keep me on for the template.
Hi Mark,
I have been getting emails from you for a long time ,and always enjoyed all the information you are providing ,and this is another good news as i would like the template. Keep on the good work,and one day we are hopefully as wealthy as you.
Best wishes.
john
Mark,
You betcha I want the template. When I get past some of what we’re working on in your course, I plan on taking a shot at the ebook idea as well.
Jim
Mark, everything you offer and teach is loaded with value. Yes, if you have an ebook template, I want it! Thanks.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the pdf tip, I’d love to get my hands on the template. If it’s coming from you, it’s bound to be good.
Hey Mark,
I’d like to get my hands on a copy of your e-book template. Muchos gracias!
The ebook template sounds brilliant.
Count me in.
Hi,
Thank you for all the wonderful tips that you have been giving.
I’ve bought a couple of ebooks & have been wondering how one does it. Wld like to be the author of an ebook too. Questions: 1)How to convince people to buy it? 2)How to get affiliates to do the sale, & how to get it listed with Clickbank? 3)How to create a 3D picture of the book cover?. 4)How to facilitate only one download/print out of the ebook by the person who purchase it?
Yes please, I would love to receive your template for free.
Christina Wongs last blog post..A Salute to a brave n dedicated mother . …………………………….”I think therefore I am”
Mark:
I would love to receive a copy of your template!
Hi Mark. The template sounds great! Please release it to those of us who have requested it. Thanks.
I would love to receive a copy of your template. I want to teach people how to organic gardening, save there own seed and make there own fertilizer with composting worm’s. I been doing it for 10 year’s and people are alway’s interested about what I do and how i do it, so I was planning to write a to write a book and never thought about an e-book. I could use you template as I have no knowledge of e-book or word processing.
I’d like to receive a copy of the template, please.
Mark,
Thanks for the ebook info. I found my biggest frustration with writing ebooks was finding a way to publish them. After writing my ebook I tried literally 6 different ways to get it published and have yet to get it online. Don’t know if my experience is typical of the average person, but writing it is only half the battle from my experience.
Best,
David
Hi Mark,
I seem to have a couple of books rolling around in the back of my mind.
I would very much appreciate having a copy of your template.
Thanks.
Hi Mark,
I would definitely like to have the ebook template.
Thanks.
Hi Mark! I’d love to have access to that template. I’ve got a couple books rolling around in my head and I’m not sure how to get it all out there.
Thanks for all your wonderful, concrete advice.
I’d love to be able to use a ready-made template!
I should be finishing my first ebook within the month. My question: Once you’ve put it into pdf files, how do you make changes to it?
My internet, website counselor/coach sent me the info on ebooks. Took me a couple of days to get around to actually reading it but, I’m in….I’ve been re-inventing the wheel each time I condense one of my seminars or presentations into a brochure/booklet.
Please send me the ebooks template and add me to your mailing list.
Thanks
Tom MacMurray