How To Write an Ebook in 9 Steps (2025)

Want to showcase your expertise and connect with your audience in a meaningful way? An ebook might be exactly what you need. 

While blogs and newsletters are great for quick insights, ebooks give you the space to dive deep and deliver real value to your readers. Plus, they're an excellent way to establish yourself as an authority in your field.

Ready to write your ebook? This step-by-step guide will walk you through turning your ideas into a polished digital book that captivates your audience.

What are ebooks?

Ebooks offer a customized reading experience with features like embedded links, multimedia elements, and adjustable font sizes. Readers who value flexibility are turning to ebooks more than ever, with the global ebook market projected to reach $14.61 billion in 2024.

Authors, publishers, and marketers create ebooks for various purposes, including:

• Portability: Ebooks let readers carry thousands of titles on one device, perfect for on-the-go reading.

• Accessibility: Adjustable text sizes, color options, and audio features make ebooks accessible to a broader audience.

• Cost-effectiveness: With lower production and distribution costs than print, ebooks offer an affordable publishing option.

• Convenience: Instant downloads allow people to start reading immediately, without waiting for shipping or store visits.

Readers can access ebooks through dedicated e-readers (like Kindle and Kobo), mobile apps, web platforms, and library services. Ebooks are especially valuable for quick learning, interactive education, self-publishing, marketing, and global content distribution.

Why create an ebook?

The global ebook market is expected to grow by 1.62% a year. It will reach $15.33 billion by 2027. It’s not too late to enter the game, especially with the following benefits:

Cost-effective and accessible

Ebooks are cheaper than printed books. Production is low-cost, with no paper, printing, packaging, or shipping fees. If you need help with elements like cover design, Fiverr offers affordable services. This makes ebooks much more cost-effective than traditional printed books.

Easy to share

While ebooks don't typically include interactive features like "likes" or "comments," they are easily shareable through online platforms and download links, making them effective tools for distributing in-depth content.

Drive value for marketers and online businesses

Ebooks are a go-to format for online businesses and marketers, with 59% of marketers creating them to share detailed analysis and insights. Their format supports thorough explanations, case studies, data-driven insights, and actionable guidance, making ebooks especially valuable in B2B contexts where decision-makers need in-depth resources. 

Ebooks are also ideal for lead generation, as businesses can offer them as gated content in exchange for contact information, helping to nurture prospective clients and build relationships over time.

Bigger opportunities for indie authors

Self-publishing has transformed recently, giving authors more opportunities to produce and distribute high-quality ebooks. One of the biggest draws is the complete creative control that self-publishing offers, which attracts a wide range of writers. In 2023, over 50% of Kindle’s Top 400 books were self-published. This highlights the rising success and influence of independent authors in today’s publishing landscape.

A platform to showcase expertise

Ebooks help you position your brand as an industry leader by providing in-depth, valuable content that resonates with your audience. Rather than just claiming expertise, you can show it, while teaching key professional skills. Demand generation teams also favor ebooks, which account for 39.5% of demand, proving their effectiveness as a marketing tool.

Abundant writing and publishing services

Authors and businesses can save time by hiring people to help create their ebook, like ghostwriters, editors, or proofreaders. Ebook specialists can help develop buyer personas, tone of voice, and marketing campaigns. Once the ebook is ready, you can request revisions to ensure high-quality content.

How to write an ebook for beginners

We’ve covered the benefits of ebook creation. Now, let’s focus on how to write one.

1. Choose your topic

The foundation of any successful ebook lies in selecting the right topic. The subject you chose should align with three key elements: your expertise, your audience's needs, and your business goals.

• Passion and expertise: Pick a topic you love and know well. This makes writing ebooks easier, shows off your expertise, and helps you build authority in your field.

• Audience interest: Choose a topic that appeals to an engaged audience. This will boost your chances of sales and good reviews.

• Viable goal: If you want to use your ebook to attract readers or make money, select a topic that aligns with your overall goal. If your ebook is a lead magnet, make sure the topic fits your industry and what you offer. For example, if you’re writing a recipe book, make sure you have a focal point (ex. vegan recipes, 25-minute quick dinners, all about mango desserts) and bring expertise in the matter (ex. explain and showcase what makes you an expert).

You’ll also want to validate your idea before you start writing. Here’s how: 

• Market research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to check search volume and related topics. Look at competitors’ ebooks to find market gaps and reader needs.

• Existing publications: Read books and articles on your chosen topic. Look for gaps or areas that need more detail. Use this information to see if you can cover unanswered questions and provide more value.

• Audience feedback: Use surveys or social media to get opinions on your topic. Look into Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and LinkedIn posts to get the pulse of your target audience.

Reddit: Passive Income

• Fiverr services: Hire freelancers on Fiverr for market research services, trending topics, or professional feedback. Their services include general online research, surveys, consultations, interviews, and focus groups.

2. Plan and outline your content

If you’re a marketer, you’ve likely been creating content for blogs, social media, and other platforms. This content can be the foundation for your ebook. However, your ebook chapters should flow smoothly.

For example, say you’re writing an ebook about healthy eating. Creating an outline first prevents you from jumping between topics like diets, recipes, and exercise. Instead, you can organize your content into logical chapters such as “Understanding Macronutrients,” “Building a Balanced Meal Plan,” and “Incorporating Exercise.”

Here’s a more detailed look into how to plan and outline your ebook:

• Step 1: Brainstorm. List all ideas and topics related to your ebook. Don’t worry about putting things in order yet.

• Step 2: Identify core themes. Find the main messages or themes in the ideas you brainstormed.

• Step 3: Create chapter headings. Develop headings for each chapter based on your themes.

• Step 4: Outline subtopics. List the subtopics or key points to cover under each heading.

• Step 5: Arrange logically. Organize chapters and subtopics in a logical order. 

When creating your content outline, it’s vital to be flexible. Remember that your outline is a guide for writing. Adjust it as needed as you go. If you’re more of a visual organizer, you can also use mind maps. 

3. Write your ebook content

Now for the fun part: start writing your ebook! In this step, you’ll turn your outline into engaging content through these steps:

• Drafting: Write the first draft without worrying about perfection.

• Revising and editing: Improve clarity and smooth out the text.

• Proofreading: Check carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. This is also where fact-checking happens.

The quality of your content will make or break the success of your ebook. As such, it needs to be:

• Informative and valuable: Offer useful knowledge or insights based on your title and outline.

• Engaging and well-written: Keep the writing clear, concise, and engaging.

• Error-free: Maintain professionalism by avoiding mistakes.

In writing, creativity is one thing, and discipline is another. To make the process smooth sailing, consider the following:

• Setting word count goals: Settle on your ebook’s approximate length and set daily or weekly writing targets.

• Establishing deadlines: Set realistic dates for your draft, revisions, and final proofreading.

• Deciding when to write: Plan a writing schedule that fits your routine.

Here are best practices in writing your content:

• Follow your outline to keep your writing organized.

• Break the work into smaller parts to stay focused.

• Choose a distraction-free space for writing.

• Focus on writing first; refine later.

• Share drafts with others for valuable input.

Writing your ebook is a big chunk of the overall process. Finding help to make the writing process as painless as possible is often necessary. Delegating tasks enriches your work. Fiverr offers exceptional writing services, including, but not limited to:

• Ghostwriting

• Creative writing

• Kindle niche research

• Book blurbs

• Book proposals

• Book layout design

Fiverr

Fiverr also has a roster of exceptional freelancers for:

• Editing

• Typing

• Kindle services

• Developmental editing

• Ebook cover design

• Children’s book illustrations services

4. Edit and proofread your content

Editing and proofreading your content is the polishing phase of your writing journey. The two jobs are not the same. Yet, both are critical in the final stages of your ebook prep. 

• Editing: Reviewing content for clarity, flow, and consistency. 

• Proofreading: Meticulously rechecking for typos, sentence structure, punctuation errors, formatting issues, and overall readability. 

A well-polished ebook is professionalism at its finest. Typos and grammatical errors undermine your credibility. Error-free content enhances the reader’s experience and presents your ebook in the best possible light.

Best practices for editing and proofreading:

• Take a break: Once you’re done writing your ebook, step away for a few days. This break enables you to edit your content with a fresh perspective. Give yourself ample time to edit and proofread. Rushing during this phase can lead to costly mistakes.

• Edit your ebook one chapter at a time: Editing in chunks helps you avoid being overwhelmed by the process. Try the Pomodoro technique. 

ZDNET

• Leverage AI tools while maintaining human checks: Use AI-powered grammar and spell-checking tools to catch any errors you may have missed. These tools can help make the process more efficient. Again, repetition matters. Proofread your ebook several times. Focus on a different aspect each time, such as typos, punctuation, and formatting. 

• Ask friends, family, or colleagues to review your ebook: Get feedback on its clarity, flow, and any errors they find. Better yet, hire a professional editor, proofreader, or beta reading services to check your book without bias. Fiverr has qualified freelancers who offer these services.

5. Create the visuals

Ebooks can include images, charts, graphs, and illustrations. If your platform allows it, you can also add videos. Visuals are essential because they:

• Engage: Visuals grab attention and make your content more interesting. They help keep ebook readers from getting bored, especially in longer ebooks.

• Clarify: Visuals can make complex ideas or data easier to understand. A clear chart or graph often explains things faster than long texts.

• Enhance memory: People often remember information better when it’s paired with visuals. They make a stronger impression, helping readers remember key points.

• Show professionalism: High-quality visuals make your ebook look polished. This boosts its perceived value.

Best practices for creating ebook visuals:

• Pick visuals that best complement your content: Sometimes photos are enough, while other times, a video might add more value. You don’t need to use every visual. Think about your audience and the topics you cover.

• Use premade images to save time: Use stock photos, behind-the-scenes pictures, infographics, quotes, and data to improve your content. Check that they’re high-quality and relevant, and avoid using trademarked images.

• Hire professionals: You can use free graphic tools to create visuals, but hiring a designer provides more benefits. Working with Fiverr freelancers will ensure you get unique, brand-aligned visuals. We also have experts in image editing, such as photo restoration, Photoshop, mockups, and product image editing. 

• Place the images or videos strategically: They break up the text and aid understanding. Use captions or descriptions to explain each visual’s purpose. Link to original sources if needed.

• Pay attention to the layout as it affects readability: Make sure you format your visuals for your ebook platform. Also, verify the file size and resolution for different devices. 

• Use cohesive elements: Whether you’re creating your own visuals or hiring a designer, make sure the image design aligns. This means using the same fonts, colors, and design elements.

6. Design and format your ebook

Once proofreading is complete, focus on design, layout, and formatting. Choose a layout with consistent margins, fonts, and spacing. There are plenty of ebook templates available on websites like Canva or Adobe.

Break the text with headings, subheadings, and bullet points. Add visuals that complement or enrich the text. Use consistent paragraph indents, line spacing, and page breaks. All of this will create a professional look.

It’s also vital to save your ebook in formats that suit your readers. Common formats include:

• PDF

• EPUB

• MOBI

• AZW3

• IBA

• ODF

Ecwid

If design and layout aren’t in your wheelhouse, Fiverr freelancers offer professional design services. We have specialists in book layouts and typesetting. DIY tools can also work, but hiring a specialist will significantly improve your ebook’s quality.

7. Publish and share your ebook

Once your ebook is ready, publish it and share it with the world. You have two main options for publishing:

• Free: Offer it in exchange for email list sign-ups or share it on social media.

• Sell: Use your website or ebook platforms to help you reach more readers and earn money from ebook sales. Here are the most popular ebook publishing platforms:

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Reaches many readers, gives high royalties, and includes Kindle Unlimited.

• Apple Books: Easy publishing and access to Apple’s ecosystem.

• Barnes & Noble Press: Good for Nook readers and physical bookstores.

• Kobo Writing Life: Global distribution and helpful promotional tools.

• Draft2Digital: Distributes to many platforms, including Amazon, Apple Books, and Kobo.

When selling or offering your ebook on your website, use easy tools to add download links or set up payments. You can add your ebook downlink link in these areas of your site:

• Product page

• Landing page

• Header

• Footer

• Checkout page

• Pop-up

Amazon KDP is dominating the space, given its connection to the largest online retailer in the world. If you want to publish on Amazon KDP, make sure your ebook is in a format Amazon accepts (like EPUB or TXT). You can convert PDFs to these formats online.

8. Promote your ebook

Creating and publishing your ebook is just half of the battle. The other is promoting your work. 

Here are some ways to market your ebook:

• Share links on your social media platforms, like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Fiverr has freelancers offering social media management services to handle marketing for you.  

• Use email marketing, which 87% of businesses say is critical to success. Inform your subscribers about your ebook through newsletters.

• Write blog posts or make videos about your ebook topic with links to buy it.

• Consider using PPC ads on search engines and social networks to reach untapped markets.

• Offer limited-time deals to encourage people to buy your ebook.

A mix of these strategies can help you promote your ebook and reach more people.

Create your own ebook today with Fiverr

Whether you’re writing your fifth or first ebook, you can get the job done with Fiverr.

With Fiverr, you get expert assistance on your ebook creation journey from start to finish. Of course, when hiring specialists, you need to consider the costs of book editing and ghostwriting services. Fiverr makes it easy to select the best ebook experts for your needs by providing filter options like budget, delivery time, and level of expertise, among others.

Ready to bring your ebook to life? Explore freelance services on Fiverr today to find the perfect professionals for writing, designing, and formatting your ebook.

FAQs for creating an ebook

1. How can I create a free ebook?

There are many tools available to create an entire ebook for free. Write and edit with Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Design and format with Canva. Convert to ebook formats using Calibre.

2. What do you need to create an ebook?

To create an ebook, start with a topic you’re an expert on or passionate about. Create an outline to guide you in writing the content. Use basic formatting and layout to ensure the content is readable. At Fiverr, freelancers offer services for editing, proofreading, and cover design if you need assistance.

3. Do ebooks make money?

Yes, ebooks can generate income if marketed effectively. You can sell them on platforms like Amazon KDP or your website. Fiverr has experts in book marketing and promotion who can help you reach a wider audience.

4. How can I turn my book into an ebook?

To turn your book into an ebook, format your manuscript. Then, use online converters or specialized software like a book scanner to convert it. For a professional touch, hire experts on Fiverr for formatting and design.