The following article is one of a series of articles which focus on Article Marketing, Affiliate Marketing and Internet Marketing. All of the articles are based on real experiences and research done over twenty years as a personal and business coach. They are also written in response to questions which I have been asked as well as address common challenges that people have with affiliate marketing, article marketing, internet marketing or running an online business in general. I sincerely hope that you find the following information of value. One idea, one tip, one clue can make all the difference.

Writing eBooks - How To Make Sure Your eBooks Are Successful

You are sitting there in front of a blank screen or blank sheet of paper. Your stomach starts tightening as the big bad monster of the blank page stares right back at you muttering "C'mon then start writing". Experienced it? I certainly have. We all know that oftentimes the hardest part of writing is that first sentence. So what do we do?

When I have experienced this awful situation in the past, it eventually dawned on me that I was focusing on the whole project and letting my mind cast doubts of being able to start the ebook, never mind complete it.

I am paraphrasing an old proverb here but the words mean so much in this context - A journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step.

Have I got that right? I hope so. There is only way to manage the whole project and that is to break it down into manageable chunks, steps if you will. Now, we are ready to start, step by step.

I don't know about you but I absolutely hate it if I am disrupted while in full writing flow. I hate it even more if I am the cause of that disruption.

One very important step I learned from other writers is to get myself organized before starting the project in hand. This may include all the previous notes I have made, maybe guidelines for chapters. Perhaps I have had to conduct some research to validate points I wish to make.

Whatever it may be, the key is to have all of your related material at hand and in the order you wish to use it.

O.K. Writing eBooks, Let's Start At The Beginning

First, think about your ebook's working title. By noting down a few different titles, you'll soon discover that some appeal more than others. There may be one that totally stands out. However…

I use the term "working" title because it should not be fixed at this time and please, don't get bogged down before you even start because you cannot decide on the title. Let the other steps we'll look at guide you, let your actual writing guide you. I can go back and change working titles a number of times throughout the writing process. Why?

Perhaps I wish to make it more compelling, more intriguing. Perhaps the title is too passive and I need to make it more active. Could be a bunch of reasons.

We shall discuss publishing a little later. Let me say, however, your title will determine whether your ebook is read or not. Make it as clear as possible. One tip, if you feel that the title is too long and the clarity is being lost, don't be afraid to use subtitles. Careful combination of the two can be more compelling in attracting your readers to want to find out more.

Next Step In Writing eBooks - Your Summary

I would like you to consider this as your all important foundation from which you will be able to construct your ebook, point by point, chapter by chapter.

This summary does not have to be over-long. Just a few sentences that describe exactly the challenge or problem your reader could face and how your ebook will help to deal with it.

As with the title, you may rework this. But again, as with the title, don't allow yourself to get bogged down. If this summary will keep you focused throughout the writing process and ensure that all the ebook's content relates directly to this summary, then you have cracked it.

Can I start writing yet? Sorry, em, no.
I want your ebook to be as successful as possible so there are a few questions I would like you to think about now and during the writing process...

Have I done enough research into whom my target audience is going to be?
Do I know the most appropriate writing style, language, tone that will keep this audience reading my ebook?
Given this target group, will they prefer one lengthy ebook or should I publish a series?
Am I sure that the information I am presenting is current?
Does my ebook address the issues that face my target market and is this done in a meaningful way?
Is my ebook "alive", easy to read and sure to hold the readers' attention?
Will my ebook definitely have a positive effect for my readers?

The clearer you are about your target market and how you should write for that market will definitely make the actual writing a lot easier. Moreover, it will increase your confidence in the value your ebook is going to provide.

Next step? Maybe that's enough to think about for now. Just look out for "How To Make Sure Your eBooks Are Successful - Part II"