Ebook Publishing: How to Write an Ebook in 3 Days, Market It & Start Getting Sales within a Week — Day 9 of 11

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October 20, 2010

TODAY’S LESSON IN THE EBOOK WRITING AND PUBLISHING TOURNAMENT

It’s raining cats, dogs and goats here in Jamaica – and it’s supposed to for the next few days. Suits me just fine as I have tons of work to do and will not be distracted by “the sun and the sea” calling me to play. Now, down to business.

It seems the marketing is coming along swimmingly – at least for a couple of you. Another tourney participant made a sale today.  Note: Learn what this ebook writing tournament is all about and read all posts in this series. And FYI, you can now get the book that inspired the series — and start your own ebook publishing and writing empire.


Another Participant Makes Her First Sale — Yes!

Congratulations go out to Participant EbookTourney 14. She wrote (this was her second correspondence to me today):

ka-chingJust writing again to let you know I made my first sale! :D SO excited!

 First correspondence

Wow, so exciting to see someone already making sales! I’m a little behind on the marketing because I wanted to change the website a bit, which is now done. I’m quite happy with the result.

To date, I have:

- Bookmarked the page
- Written 4 articles (to be submitted this evening, as soon as I send this off to you!)
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Emailed my list from my work at home mom blog

Tonight I’ll be submitting the site to a few directories, letting people know on FB that it’s for sale, blogging on three of my blogs about it, and submitting articles to article directories.

Thank you so much for doing this, it’s been a terrific learning experience and I’m all revved up to work on more ebooks and even courses to offer on the same site!

Thanks,

My comment: We’re all doing a cyber jig for ya!

As you all can see from her first correspondence, she really put in the work. That’s why I say marketing is the hard part of ebook writing; it’s where the “real” work comes in. But, as the joy this participant conveys, it’s sooooo worth it.

I never tire of seeing the message, “E-junkie Notification – Sale” in my inbox (that’s the message E-Junkie sends when someone buys one of your products). 

Here’s what the rest of you have been doing during this final phase. 

DAY 9: RECAP

ebookFrom Participant EbookTourney25

First correspondence

Hi Yuwanda,

I am excited, because I am growing and learning in the process.

I am learning timing is everything.

I do have a set deadline for my product.  More importantly, I now have a defined purpose and meaning for my product and the specific (target market) it will help.   Yeah!   Success in my eyes. 

I would not of come to this realization if it wasn’t for this etourney.   Thank you! 

To Tourney 29:    I want to say Thank You for being my cheerleader!  I am cheering you on too.

Second correspondence

Yuwanda,

You inspired me to drag my patootie up and out to the gym.  I couldn’t help but hear you say, “tight patootie”.

I have to say, I felt great after going to the gym. 

So, here’s my plan for tomorrow:

1.  Go to the gym in the morning

2.  Come back home feeling fresh and energized

3.  Press forward in getting what I need done

Thanks again 

My comment: First, I love how you all have taken to talking to and encouraging each other. That’s fantastic. One day, I WILL get a forum set up on this site so much more of this type of interaction can take place. Many have asked me for it, but I know once it’s up it’s going to have to be moderated and that’s a chunk of time I don’t have right now, so that’s why I haven’t done it.

As for “success”, the only eyes that count are yours. So if you’ve found the path that you should be taking, that in and of itself is a victory. It takes some people years to do this, and then still they procrastinate.

Now that you know which direction you want to go in, don’t procrastinate. Make a schedule and stick to it.

As for getting your “patootie” to the gym – I’m glad I inspired you on this tip. Something a lot of self-employed professionals (especially internet marketers) don’t talk about enough in my opinion is how exhausting it is. There’s so much to do day in and day out – and you can work literally around the clock. So it’s imperative to have good health habits.

For example, I’ve been working – and I mean wiggling in my seat cuz I don’t wanna get up to take a pee working – since 9am this morning. And, right now, it’s 10:53 pm my time. I have 2-3 days a week where I do this – really. So when I tell you that this career is hard work, I mean it. But, only for a few more years (from my lips to Jah’s ears hopefully).

I’ve been a runner since I was 18. In the last four years, I’ve completed four marathons (next month will make 5); I’ve also practiced martial arts (Tae Kwon Do); do yoga (which I hate, but it works so well that I make myself do it at least twice a week); and am always doing something physical.

Staying active and eating right helps me to sleep better at night, so I can perform better during the day. It’s a critical part of my success, which is why I make time for it. It’s not an option. Going for my run is as necessary to me as brushing my teeth. And, that’s how you have to treat it if you want to make it part of your lifestyle, not just something you do when you get a chance. Keep this in mind if being self-employed is something you’re working towards.

Okay, I’m off my “health” soapbox. It’s an important topic to me; one I tend to drone on about.

From Participant EbookTourney5

I hope the issue with C. Williams doesn’t discourage you.  Because of your website, I have finally been able to write my e-book.  Plus your newsletters are very encouraging and informative. 

My comment: People like this only ENCOURAGE, not discourage, me. My motto is never let anyone steal your joy – and I simply never do. But, thanks for the words of encouragement.

Also, the fact that you’ve finished your first ebook is great. I hope this is not your last one, no?

Note: Sign up from any page of InkwellEditorial.com t get the latest issue of the newsletter, as well as all past issues. Once the ebook tourney is over, the content will go back to being “subscriber only.”

From Participant EbookTourney7

Hi Yuwanda!

Yesterday was not a total loss at all, because I spent most of the day in “training,” learning how to do article marketing! I feel so empowered! Thank you! I hear other freelancers talk about doing this, but I didn’t understand what they were saying.

This morning I wrote one of those long foundation articles that I can pull from and link to with several different small topics. I get it!

I can do this. I can so do this.

Today the funds came in, so I will spend this afternoon learning how to build a website. Hopefully my blog site which I will use as my landing site for my e-book will be live tonight!

I am still targeting that Day 10 sales date. :)

Thanks again, sweetie

My comment: No “training” is lost time; trust me, it’s foundational knowledge you’ll pull on again and again, so don’t look at it like that. Now that you know what article marketing is, would you trade the time you spent learning it? I’m betting not. So, SMART use of your time, missy. Way to go!

Love people who don’t know, but have the chutzpah to dive in and learn. My kind of “student.” And yes, you most DEFINITELY can do this. It’s not rocket science; I tell people all the time who wan to do what I do. It just takes consistency and stick-to-it-ness.

Good luck on getting the blog set up by tonight, and in learning how to build a website. This is one of the best skills I ever taught myself. My web design skills will never win any awards, but I keep them clean, simple and professional, and they work just fine for what I need.

 I’m sending up a good luck wish for an ebook sale for you. Hey, you have a couple of days – it’s totally possible (really!).

From Participant EbookTourney23

Thank you for your kind support, Yuwanda! I am not giving up! Will be working more today and in next few days

My comment: You’re very welcome. Let me know when you finish; even if it’s after the tourney is over. Remember the only competition is with yourself and I mean that sincerely. Don’t let YOURSELF down. You owe yourself this accomplishment. So finish, even if it’s after we’re done.

From Participant EbookTourney29

Hi Yuwanda,

Was in a briefing ALL morning, which means I’ll be writing all night(fingers crossed). I got a bit of a jolt when etourney4 mentioned researching keywords. I have just been writing and not thinking about SEO (being the newbie that I am).

Should I do this as I am editing because worrying about SEO will affect my flow as I write?

I’m so envious of you and everyone else who’s ‘done and dusted’ and selling their e-book/s. I can’t wait for my turn.

Take care

My comment: You know, envy can be a good thing when channeled correctly. I was envious of Participant EbookTourney27 when she got not one, but TWO sales yesterday. It made me hunker down and finish everything today. So channel those feelings – into some hunker-down action – and your turn will come.

As for SEO, as you’re new to it, write first. Then, you can go back and incorporate SEO strategies later. So your instincts are correct here.

From Participant EbookTourney20

Hi Yuwanda,
 
I feel like the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, checking his watch and exclaiming…”I’m late, I’m late!”
 
I veered off schedule due to family obligations, but today I am back on track. More article marketing will happen today. I don’t think I’ll have time for much more than 2 articles, but I will try!
 
Congratulations to the participant who has already gotten 2 sales! Whoo-hooo! Happy for them? Most definitely. Envious of them? Just a little bit. But honestly, it’s the bite of envy that serves to get me
up and keep me moving toward my goal. Kind of like a sheep-herding dog, nipping at my heels.
 
Question: have you ever used Smashwords to market your ebooks? Just curious to see what your take on it is.
 
Have a great rest of the day,
 
Numero Veinte
 
P.S.
 
Caught just a few minutes of Samantha Brown’s travel channel show on Jamaica last night as I was passing by the TV. All I have to say is…wow! One day I would love to see the falls on the Browne estate as well as watch the Bird Man jump. Amazing place! And to think your writing allowed you to create a life there. Pretty cool.

My comment: Your “Alice in Wonderland” reference cracked me up for some reason. I think I’m a bit delirious at this point because I’m so tired. But, thanks for the chuckle.

As for smashwords, nope, never even heard of them/it.

As for envy, as I told the participant just above you, use it to spur you on, which your sentiment seems to be. That’s the attitude!

As for Jamaica, the thing I always tell people is, “When God invented the word paradise, he had Jamaica in mind.” I’ve been a lot of places in this world (especially beaches and I’m a native Floridian) and Jamaica is truly paradise on earth. The various types of plants, trees and flowers here must be what the Garden of Eden looks like, because the variety and sheer beauty of them assail you from everywhere.

As the commercial says, “Once you go, you know.” And yeah, becuase I have a “penchant and little bit of talent with the pen, I get to dip my toes in this wonderful paradise for a bit. I feel blessed indeed.

And not for nothing, but Samantha Brown has my ideal job (I adore her show). I would love, love, love to do a travel show. Any TV producers out there listening? I can write, I’m told that I’m personable, I love exploring new places and I can travel at the drop of a hat. So if you’re listening, I’m your girl (just give a sista a day or so to get her head did (ie, hair done), ok?)!

From Participant EbookTourney4

Yuwanda,

Thanks for the gentle kick. I am back on course, working on a sales page. It’s going to be a tough road to Friday, but it’s great to be much closer than eight days ago.

My comment: Now doesn’t that put it all in perspective, RE “it’s great to be much closer than eight days ago.” Way to look at the bright side!

From Participant EbookTourney26

Hi Yuwanda,
 
I know I’m way behind everybody else, but I’m working on a handbook, which is the best format for my target market and today I came up with a title and will soon be working on an outline.
 
Cheers

My comment: You may be “behind” others, but you’re ahead of where you were a little over a week ago, as Participant EbookTourney4 so brilliantly pointed out in her comment just above yours. So hang in there; you’re on your way.

My Progress

I added more stuff to my ebook, so did some more writing today (a no, no and something I’ve advised that you all not do).

BUT – and I’m pulling a “I’m the teacher so can get away with this here” – this happens to me 99% of the time when I write. I’ll come across just “one more thing” I have to throw in.

So I wrote another chapter, finished editing and proofreading, wrote my sales page, added the ebook to my website and uploaded it to e-Junkie. It’s at: http://www.e-junkie.com/InkwellEditoria/product/442432.php (introductory price of  $14.95; going up to $19.95 on Monday).

Tomorrow, I’m going to write four articles for it, and post them to article directories. Then, I’m going to put a link in the Inkwell Editorial newsletter that I’m sending out tomorrow, in addition to using social media and a couple of other marketing things if I have time.

I’d planned to do all of this today, but I had to squeeze in a client project, so didn’t have time.

Two more days you all (closing in on one for some of you).

Remember, “Yes You Can!” (get that sale).

I’m beat. Gonna down a cup of chamomile tea, then turn on the Golden Girls and let them watch me as I drift into slumber.

Buenas noches mis escritores prójimos (good night my fellow writers) :) .

Yuwanda (FYI, don’t forget to get the book that inspired the series — and possibly start your own ebook publishing and writing empire).

P.S.: I’m always looking for good guest posts: This site and its sister site, SeoWritingJobs.com, accepts them. Get the guest post submission guidelines.

P.P.S.:  What’s It Like to Live & Work Abroad as a Freelance Writer? Find out in the living abroad as a freelance writer in Jamaica series at http://bit.ly/aPgutY.

seo-copywriting-trainingGet SEO Copywriting Training — Earn $50,000 to $75,000 Your First Year. You’ll learn 4 ways to make money online using your newly acquired skills. Get full details on the SEO copywriter training this ecourse offers.

Copyright © 2010: All material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).


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