According to an article in the NY Times from 2001 – 81 percent of Americans feel they have a book in them — and that they should write it. A lot has changed since then- most notably the rise in the popularity of ebooks. Whether they’re using an ebook reader (Kindle, Nook) – or a tablet PC with an ebook reader app (like the iPad or HP TouchPad), people are embracing the joys of ebooks over traditionally published books.
So rather than write a book – you – yes YOU should write an ebook. Need more convincing? Here are the 12 reasons why you should publish an ebook:
1. You need to establish your expertise in a field.
Whether it’s 10 pages or 400 – writing an ebook is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in any given area. Your ebook serves as written “proof” of your expertise. Ebooks are gaining the same “cache” as traditionally published books – and in some areas – such as technology – it’s expected that your work be in the form of an ebook rather than an “obsolete” traditionally printed and bound work.
2. You want to charge higher fees for the work you do.
When you’re a recognized and published “expert” you can charge more and your ebook demonstrates your expertise.
3. Launch a new career
If you want to “break into” a new career field, writing and publishing an ebook may provide the golden ticket. You can gain ready access to leaders in any field by approaching them in search of an “interview” instead of approaching them for a job. The best case scenario is those contacts could provide valuable job leads which aren’t publicized or advertised. The worst case scenario is… you’ve created a product you can sell which will provide much needed income.
4. You want to make (more) money.
Ebooks are an incredibly profitable product to sell. Once you invest your time creating the ebook – the sky is the limit on how much money you can make selling your ebook.
5. You see a pressing need for topic or issue to be tackled.
A great way to pick a topic for your ebook is to target a hot issue that’s making the news. Because you can produce an ebook quickly, you can respond to the latest news stories – and provide much needed information to those who want to learn more about the topic. Whether it’s the national debt – or homeschooling options for children of working parents – when you publish an ebook – you can make a difference in the way your readers view the issue.
6. Start/support a consulting business
When you’re a consultant – all you have to offer is your “expertise”. Prospective clients need a way to measure whether or not you know what you’re talking about and an ebook is a great way to accomplish this.
7. Grow a database of potential clients.
Ebooks make great “legal bribes” to get people to sign up for your newsletter. If you’ve been disappointed in the volume of sign ups for your newsletter, try offering an ebook as a “reward” for those who sign up.
8. Go on more vacations (write them off if you write travel books)
Do you love to travel? Then you should write an ebook about what you’ve learned. The possibilities are endless when it comes to writing travel ebooks. Whether it’s “The Beginner’s Guide to RV travel” or “Traveling by Air with Toddlers: 10 Sanity Saving Tips for Parents”… your ebook can not only be fun – but provide a nice tax write off as well.
9. Gain writing experience.
The process of writing an book is often a truly enlightening experience. Don’t be surprised if you learn more about your subject matter when you begin researching your topic.
10. Become famous – especially in a specialized niche
When you write an ebook which others find useful – you’ll find you gain a certain level of “notoriety” within your specialized niche.
11. Create and sell information products based on your ebook.
My App Builder allows you to take your ebook and create an iPhone or Android App for smart phone users.
When your book is already in ebook format – it’s as easy as creating a blog post. You simply add a new chapter, give it a name, and then just copy and paste the text into My App Builder and then sell it via iTunes or the Android App store.
12. A sense of accomplishment
Writing and self publishing an ebook is a journey – one which will change the way you view the world. There’s a real sense of accomplishment with you see your ebook offered for sale on the retailing giant Amazon.
What’s your reason for writing and publishing your ebook? If you haven’t written one yet – what’s stopping you?
