1. Create content
The first step is to create your content; this can be done as a simple word document. The content can be anything you think your readers or target market will want or need. In addition, it can be any length you decide upon. You can create a simple 10 page e-book, or a 100+ page e-book.
You can also create a compilation of articles you’ve already written on a particular topic and organize them into an easy to read product that includes a content page.
Note: It’s wise to include a disclaimer explaining that you, the author, strived for accuracy, but cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of the internet. And, it’s advisable to include an “All Rights Reserved” with a copyright reference.
TIP: If you’re offering the e-book as a freebie on your site you can allow others to pay-it-forward, emphasizing that all information must remain intact. This will help increase your visibility and lead readers back to your site/s.
2. Organize Your Content
Whether your product is a few pages or 100 pages, having it organized is important. The e-book needs to offer easy reading and clarity, along with value. If you are creating a longer product, divide the content or articles into sections or parts, and provide a Content Page.
Be sure to use a large and bold font for section headings and it’s advisable to include page breaks for each section.
Finally, be sure to add a brief bio including promotional material on an About the Author page.
TIP: have plenty of white space. If you notice, this article has very short paragraphs, making it easy to read.
3. Include Images and Tweak Your Content
Once you have the content in place, add images. You can add an image at the beginning of each section, or where ever you see fit. This is another trick to make the e-book more interesting to read.
The images will help break up the monotony of straight content.
TIP: You will also want to include your own head shot on your About the Author page. Readers connect more with a face, rather than just a name.
TIP2: Be sure you are using royalty free images. You don't want to get caught infringing on someone's copyright.
4. Create a Cover
Every book needs a cover, so you will need to create one. Again, you can use clipart, or other source of free images. You can also use the Word Draw Toolbar. I’m not sure if all versions are the same, but mine is located at the bottom of my document.
TIP: After you create a cover, be sure to click on Page Break.
5. Turning Your Word Doc into a PDF
Okay, you’ve created a great word document, now it’s time to magically turn it into an e-book. There are a number of free PDF creator software applications to do this.
For those wondering, PDF is an acronym for Portable Document Format. A PDF creator is an application that converts documents into PDFs by creating a virtual printer that prints to PDF files.
If you don’t already have a PDF converter, it’s time to do an online search for “free pdf creator.” Just be sure the one you choose is Adobe compatible.
My experience is with PDF995. You can check it out at: http://www.pdf995.com/
But you can just do a Google search for one you like.
The new versions of Microsoft Word has a PDF printer build in.
It’s that simple.
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author and children’s ghostwriter/ rewriter. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Writers on the Move and author online platform instructor with WOW! Women on Writing.
If you need help with your author platform, check out the e-classes she offers through WOW:
http://www.articlewritingdoctor.com/content-marketing-tools/
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