Niche Info Online Business

by: IMGuides

In this article, we are going to look at how to construct your eBook so that it has logical chapters and flows easily from start to finish. In order to do this, you will begin gathering and organizing your content into your own information product.

The 1st eBook Golden Rule: The REAL VALUE IS IN THE INFORMATION you are providing for those who want to buy it. Don't forget that as you gather information and start putting your pages and chapters together.

Let's start with some general tips for eBook organization.

Here's 10 to keep you focused and out of trouble:

1. Keep your copy simple and do not use long sentences. Write in a conversational manner, like you talk.
   
2. If you have to use long sentences, break them up into bulleted lists or divide separate thoughts into different paragraphs. Large blocks of text are difficult to read and do not have enough white space to give the reader's eyes a break.
   
3. Try to convey the main point of each paragraph's message in the first 1 or 2 sentences so your reader doesn't have to hunt for the message.
   
4. Write clearly and with some emotion. Don't be afraid to let you personality show through your words and allow your passion for your subject to break on through. Mind you, beware that your passionate approach doesn't actually turn into a sales letter ;) Save that for your sales page.
   
5. Write with a smile on your face.
   
6. Keep your tone light and friendly. Write the same way throughout your book. If your phrasing or tone changes, your readers will think someone else finished writing your eBook for you.
   
7. Check your spelling, grammar and formatting. While you might be able to get away with one or two misspelled words, lots of them presents an unprofessional appearance to your reader and creates a doubt in their minds about the value of the information you are selling. Poor grammar makes you seem uneducated.
   
8. Use subheadings to draw attention to your key points. They also help your reader look for specific information when they want to. A couple of line breaks on either side of the subheading adds white space on the page and actually highlights your following paragraphs...makes them stand out and seem important.
   
9. Whether or not to use graphics (charts, screen shots, clip art, photos) is a personal choice. If the graphic has a specific use to emphasize a point or illustrate your meaning, use it. But don't just throw graphics in because they are cute or pretty - or, horror of horrors, to fill space.
   
10. Use your outline to stay focused on your topic. Don't ramble off on some side road and then have a problem getting back on the highway. While a few quick side trips might add some interest to what you are writing, use them sparingly.
    

Let's start with your first chapter heading and the subheads...

Organise your research and information that apply to your 1st chapter under each subheading. Put them in order of relevance. When you get Chapter 1 sorted out, quickly do the same for the rest of your chapters.

Now, take a look at what you've done.

Are your chapters balanced? Does the material and the thoughts behind it (what you wanted to say to your readers) flow in an easy manner? Does the progression of your ideas make sense to you?

If not, move things around. If you are working on a computer, copy it and paste it where it belongs or select the portion that has your attention, then pick it up and move it. Computers make some tasks easy!

When you are happy with your current order, pick a chapter, any chapter (doesn't have to be Chapter 1), to begin filling out your pages. Here's where you select the tidbits of information you've gathered in the previous lessons and arrange them under the appropriate chapter headings or subheadings.

You can start writing your paragraphs right here and now. Use your outline, subheading and notes to guide you.

The 2nd eBook Golden Rule: CONTENT IS KING! Don't tie yourself up in details that don't matter, like page length. Keep your information focused and your presentation original and move on.

The page count isn't important. I've seen 10 page reports and eBooks that have made me go WOW! There was so much fantastic information packed in. Similarly, I've also read eBooks with 80+ pages that were just fluff and filler, with waffling info - and no real substance.

When you have your chapter written in a rough draft, save it and move on to the next chapter in your outline.

Writing (creating) can be very intense, particularly if this is your first journey into this process. It might be a good idea to take a break between chapters...take a walk, vacuum the floor, watch your favorite soap, make a treat for your kids...clear your head.

When you return to the next chapter you want to write, you will be refreshed and ready to do it again.

When you are finished writing the rough draft of your first eBook, you will have your newborn creation out of your mind and saved on your computer. It won't be pretty, so don't expect it to be. You will read it, revise it, tart it up, and probably wonder why you got into this project to start with. That's all normal, I promise.

This part of the eBook creation process is a lot like when your child roars into the room, wet, muddy and a total mess. You clean him up, change his clothes, plant a kiss and send him out to conquer another dragon. That's what you are learning to do here.