How to Write Your First eBook: From Idea to Monetization

You’ve been thinking about writing an eBook, but something’s holding you back. Maybe it feels overwhelming, or you picture yourself staring at a blank document for hours.

Creating an eBook doesn’t have to be this massive, intimidating project though.

After ghostwriting several eBooks for clients, ranging from solopreneurs to B2B brands, I’ve learned that creating a successful eBook isn’t just about writing or dumping knowledge into a document. 

It takes equal parts strategic planning and providing real value. For example, a solopreneur client used their eBook to establish authority, which led to high-ticket speaking engagements. 

Whether you’re a solopreneur or an in-house marketing team aiming to produce high-value content, this step-by-step guide will show you how to write an eBook that drives business growth or opens new opportunities for you. 

You’ll also learn about Piktochart’s AI eBook generator and how it can help you keep your eBook look sharp and professional without hiring a graphic designer.  

Let’s start by addressing the two biggest concerns I often hear from aspiring eBook creators: time and money.

Your first eBook doesn’t have to be novel-length. A valuable eBook can be as short as 10,000 words – that’s about 40 pages double-spaced. Some of the most successful eBooks I’ve seen were under 15,000 words but packed with actionable insights.

To give you a realistic picture, here’s how the time investment typically breaks down:

• Research & outline: 2-3 hours per day for 2 days
• First draft: 3-4 hours per day for 5-7 days
• Editing: 2-3 hours per day for 2-3 days
• Formatting: 4-6 hours total

While premium design services can run into thousands, you can create a professional eBook on a bootstrap budget. Here’s how it could look like:

• Writing: Google Docs for writing and collaborative feedback if you’re going to work with an editor ($0)
• Editing: Grammarly Premium ($12/month)
• Design: Piktochart’s AI eBook generator for professional layouts and templates ($14/month)
• Distribution: Your blog or website, social media

Total upfront cost: Less than $30/month for a professional-looking eBook

The next question is: how long will it take you to write your first eBook? Here’s an efficient timeline that’s worked well for my eBook ghostwriting projects:

• Monday-Tuesday: Research and outline
• Wednesday-Friday: Write first three chapters

• Monday-Wednesday: Complete remaining chapters
• Thursday-Friday: Editing

• Monday-Tuesday: Implement feedback from editing software or from your editor
• Wednesday – Friday: Design and formatting

Need inspiration? Take Veronica Llorca Smith’s story. When she decided to write her first eBook, she gave herself just 28 days – and succeeded. 

Her self-improvement guide wasn’t just any book; it was based on her journey from unemployment to becoming a fulfilled freelancer, consultant, and public speaker in just 4 months.

The takeaway here is you don’t need to write your eBook in one sitting. Even dedicating just 1-2 hours of focused work per day can get you to a finished product within a month or two.

The key to publishing your eBook is proper planning. Breaking the process into clear steps makes a big project manageable and helps you stay focused from start to finish.

Before writing a single word, you need to know exactly who you’re writing for. 

Let me share a quick story; one of my B2B software clients initially wanted to reach “all small businesses.” It sounded good in theory, but think about how different a local coffee shop’s needs are from an online fashion retailer.

After we narrowed their focus to “eCommerce businesses with 5-20 employees using similar software platforms,” everything clicked. We could address specific pain points, speak their language, and provide solutions they could implement immediately.

That’s why during your eBook planning phase, it’s great practice to create an audience profile that identifies their:

• Pain points and challenges
• Goals and aspirations
• Current knowledge level
• Preferred learning style

The more specific you can be, the better. For example, instead of targeting “small business owners,” you can opt for “female entrepreneurs starting their first online business with limited tech experience.”

Your eBook topic should sit at the intersection of:

• What you know deeply about
• What your audience desperately wants
• What they’re willing to pay for

Here’s how to find that sweet spot:

• Review your most popular blog posts or social media content
• Check what questions your audience frequently asks
• Research popular topics in your niche on Amazon’s Kindle store
• Look for gaps in existing content that you can fill

An outline transforms a seemingly overwhelming eBook project into bite-sized, manageable pieces. Without one, you risk creating content that meanders or misses crucial points. A solid outline will help you write more efficiently and create a better experience for your readers.

Here’s how:

1. Start with your main promise (what transformation will readers experience?)
2. Break that down into major milestones (chapters)
3. Under each chapter, list key points you need to cover
4. Add relevant examples, case studies, or exercises
5. Include clear action items for readers

Pro tip: Keep each chapter focused on one main idea. It’s tempting to pack everything you know into each section, but this often overwhelms readers and dilutes your message.

You don’t need to write your entire eBook in one sitting. Here’s a realistic schedule that works even for busy professionals:

• 1. Set a final deadline (30 days is realistic for most people)
• 2. Dedicate 1-2 hours daily for writing
• 3. Aim for one chapter (1,500-2,000 words) every 2-3 days
• 4. Include buffer time for unexpected delays
• 5. Schedule specific times for editing and formatting

As a solopreneur, here’s an example of a schedule you can stick to:

Monday to Thursday:

• 6:00-8:00 AM: Writing session (1,000+ words)
• 8:00-9:00 PM: Additional writing or editing before you end the day

Friday: Review and revision session

Weekend: Rest (fresh mind for next week)

With this type of schedule, you can harness morning creativity for writing while also making room for usual “life stuff”. Whether you’re balancing a professional career, managing household responsibilities, or juggling multiple commitments, the key is carving out sacred time for your writing. 

Now, before diving deep into writing, you need to understand what’s already out there. This crucial first step will help you create something truly valuable and unique.

Start by studying top-selling eBooks in your niche. I always begin by analyzing the top five eBooks on Google Search that’s related to my topic. During my review, I pay close attention to:

• Content structure (how they organize their ideas)
• Writing style (technical, conversational, or somewhere in between)
• Visual elements (diagrams, screenshots, checklists)
• Common missing elements (gaps you could fill)

Next, look for unique angles that set your eBook apart. For instance, while most payroll eBooks target large companies, you might focus on startups handling their first hires or restaurant owners managing tip reporting. Think about your specific expertise and how it can fill gaps in existing content.

Finally, gather compelling statistics and data to build credibility. For example: “According to recent studies, 40% of small businesses spend over 80 hours per year on payroll tasks – this eBook will show you how to cut that in half.” Fresh data points like these help readers understand both the problem and the value of your solution.

Writing an eBook isn’t just about transferring information—it’s about creating a connection that makes your readers lean in and pay attention. After all, even the most valuable insights won’t help anyone if readers can’t get through your eBook.

Imagine you’re having a coffee chat with your ideal reader. If you’re writing about payroll software, skip the corporate jargon.  Instead of saying, “Optimize your time-tracking processes,” try, “Let’s fix your timesheet headaches.”

Your voice should feel natural—if you wouldn’t say it in conversation, don’t write it.

As mentioned earlier, each chapter needs a clear purpose. Start with a hook that speaks to your reader’s reality: “Remember your last payroll crisis? Let’s make sure that never happens again.” 

Then follow this tested structure:

1. Preview the solution (“You’ll learn three automation tricks that save 5 hours weekly”)
2. Deliver your main content in digestible chunks
3. Include specific examples (“Here’s how Sarah cut payroll processing from 6 hours to 45 minutes”)
4. Give actionable steps
5. End with quick wins they can implement immediately

Speaking of keeping readers hooked, your introduction is crucial. For this section, you need to:

• Articulate your readers’ pain points clearly
• Show you understand their challenges
• Preview your solution 
• Build credibility
• Make a compelling promise

Once you’ve got your reader’s attention, keep it with proven content frameworks like:

• Problem-Agitate-Solve: Identify the issue, emphasize its impact, present your solution.
• Story-Lesson-Action: Share an example, extract the principle, provide implementation steps.

But great content isn’t enough—you need to keep readers engaged throughout. Here’s what works:

• Checkpoint summaries every time a distinct concept, insight, or step is explained
• Implementation worksheets after each chapter (if applicable)
• Visual breakdowns of complex concepts
• Expert insights in sidebars
• “Quick win” boxes throughout
  

And there’s also formatting, because even brilliant content can fail if it’s hard to read. Here are some formatting tips:

• Stick to 2-3 sentence paragraphs
• Add bullet points every 200 words
• Include subheadings every 300 words
• Highlight key takeaways

Finally, nail your chapter endings. Think of them as bridges to the next section. You can:

• Summarize the main takeaway in 1-2 sentences.
• Include reflection questions
• Preview what’s coming next
• Add additional resources when needed

Keep in mind that your reader is likely busy and distracted. Make every word count, and always answer the question: How can they use this today?

Now that you’ve drafted your eBook content with clear structure and engaging elements, your next step is to transform it into a polished final product. Good editing is what separates a professional eBook from one that feels amateur—and your readers can tell the difference.

Start by giving your draft some breathing room—step away for at least 24 hours. When you return, follow this process:

• Read each chapter’s opening and closing – do they connect logically?
• Check that every promised solution or tip actually appears in the content.
• Verify all statistics and case studies have clear sources.
• Look for gaps in explanations or missing steps in tutorials.
• Ensure each chapter builds on the previous one.

• Read it aloud – you’ll be amazed what your ears catch that your eyes miss.
• Mark any sentence you stumble over—it probably needs simplifying.
• Check transitions between sections—do they flow naturally?
• Look for unnecessarily complex words (change “utilize” to “use”).
• Identify any industry jargon that needs explaining.
  

As you’re starting out, try out these tools:

• Grammarly’s free version for catching basic errors and awkward phrases
• Hemingway Editor for spotting overly complex sentences 
• Google Docs for tracking changes and comments
• Microsoft Word’s built-in readability statistics
  

While self-editing is essential, sometimes you need an expert eye. In my experience, the decision between DIY and professional editing often comes down to your eBook’s purpose and budget. Here’s what to consider:

Hire a professional editor if:

• Your eBook is a key revenue stream (like a flagship course companion)
• You’re representing a company or brand
• You’re writing about complex technical topics
• Your budget allows for professional editing

Stick to DIY editing if:

• You’re testing a market or concept
• Your eBook is a lead magnet
• You have strong writing and editing skills
• You’re working with a limited budget
• You have reliable beta readers

If you do hire an editor, be specific about what you need such as:

• Developmental editing (big-picture organization and flow)
• Copy editing (sentence-level clarity and consistency)
• Proofreading (final polish for typos and formatting)
  

Don’t just send your draft to friends and family. Find beta readers who will give you actionable feedback. You can go for:

• One reader from your exact target audience (they’ll spot what’s missing)
• One expert in your field (they’ll catch technical inaccuracies)
• One complete newcomer (they’ll identify where you need more explanation)

Then, give your beta readers specific questions to answer:

• Was Chapter 3’s tutorial clear enough to follow without help?
• Which examples were most/least helpful?
• Where did you get confused or start skimming?
  

Before publishing, check for these often-missed elements:

• Consistent formatting of headings, lists, and callout boxes
• Working links to all referenced resources
• Proper attribution for quotes and statistics
• Clear action steps after each major concept
• Logical flow from basic to advanced concepts

Pro tip: Your eBook’s strength lies in clarity and usefulness, not perfection. When editing, focus on making your content more actionable and easier to understand. 

You’ve nailed your content—now let’s talk about packaging it in a way that makes readers want to dive in. With eBook design, I’ve found that it isn’t just about making things pretty; you must create an experience that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The cover is your eBook’s first handshake with potential readers. While working with clients, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong cover can dramatically increase downloads. Here’s what works:

• Keep it simple – one strong visual element beats five competing ones.
• Use fonts that are readable even as a thumbnail (don’t forget to test this!).
• Include a clear benefit in your subtitle.
• Match your design to your topic (for example, no playful fonts for serious business guides).
• Choose high-contrast colors that pop on screens. 

Recommended reading: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Colors

Your readers will view your eBook on everything from phones to desktop monitors. You don’t want your beautifully designed eBook to become unreadable on mobile. Always:

• Use responsive layouts that adjust to screen size.
• Keep margins wide enough for comfortable reading.
• Test on at least three different devices before publishing.
• Create both PDF and ePub versions for maximum accessibility.
• Optimize images so they load quickly but stay crisp.

Typography might seem minor, but it can make or break your eBook’s readability. Here’s what almost always works best for the clients I’ve worked with: 

• Stick to 2-3 fonts maximum (one for headings, one for body text). Learn more about fonts, examples, and when to use them. 
• Use sans-serif fonts for digital reading (Arial, Helvetica, Calibri).
• Keep body text between 11-14pt depending on the font.
• Set line spacing to 1.5 for easier reading.
• Leave plenty of white space – your content needs room to breathe.

 Each visual should enhance your message. For example:

• Use charts to make data digestible.
• Include screenshots in technical tutorials.
• Create diagrams for complex concepts.
• Design custom graphics for key frameworks.
• Choose high-quality stock photos (but use them sparingly)

You don’t need to spend a fortune on eBook design software! For example, your eBook can look like a pro if you use Piktochart’s AI eBook Generator. 

It’s a game-changer for non-designers. Just upload your content, and it handles the layout and formatting. You can still customize colors and fonts to match your brand, but the AI does the heavy lifting.

Pro tip: Start with a template from Piktochart AI. Even if you plan to customize heavily, having a solid foundation helps you understand what good design looks like.

After designing your eBook, you’re ready for the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) part – publishing. Having seen numerous clients through this process, here’s what I’ve learned works so far: 

Most business and educational eBooks thrive through self-publishing. Here’s how to decide. 

Choose self-publishing if:

• You want to keep 70-100% of your earnings (you could earn less with traditional publishing).
• Your topic needs regular updates (like tech or business strategies).
• You have an existing audience or platform.
• You want to publish within 1-3 months.
• You plan to use the eBook for business growth (speaking, consulting, courses).

Meanwhile, consider traditional publishing if:

• You’re writing for mass market bookstores.
• You have zero marketing platform and budget.
• You need professional editing and design support.
• You’re willing to wait 12-18 months to publish.
• Your topic has a broad, mainstream appeal.

For business and educational eBooks, consider these popular options:

• Your own website: Perfect for lead magnets and course materials
• Gumroad: Great for direct sales with 10% flat fees
• Amazon KDP: Ideal if you want broad reach; use this royalty calculator
• Smashwords: Helps distribute to multiple platforms

Pro tip: If you’re using your eBook as a lead magnet or business tool, hosting it on your site gives you more control over the user experience and data.

Before publishing, your eBook needs a few technical adjustments to perform well across different platforms. Here are the key areas to focus on.

File size guidelines

• Amazon KDP: Keep under 650MB to avoid delivery fees
• Website/email lead magnets: Under 10MB for quick downloads
• Gumroad: Stay under 25MB for optimal performance
  

Making your eBook findable

• Include detailed metadata with relevant keywords
• Use searchable terms in your title and subtitle
• Research keywords using Google Trends or Amazon’s search suggestions

Accessibility features

1. Use proper heading structures
2. Add alt text to all images
3. Choose readable fonts (11pt minimum)
4. Enable screen reader compatibility

The next step is to make sure your eBook is protected while staying practical about it:

Basic protection (do these yourself):

• Add a copyright notice: “© [Year] [Your Name]. All rights reserved.”
• Include a clear disclaimer for any advice given
• State what readers can/can’t do with your content
• Register your copyright if your eBook is a major revenue source. This step-by-step tutorial by Abbie Emons on how to copyright your book is a great guide.

If your eBook:

• Gives financial, legal, or medical advice
• Uses case studies or client stories
• Includes proprietary frameworks
• Will generate significant revenue

Then it’s worth consulting with an intellectual property lawyer for a review. Many offer initial consultations or flat-rate document reviews that are more affordable than full legal services.

Finally, here’s a realistic publishing schedule to help you plan for yours:

• Week 1: Final proofread and formatting
• Week 2: Platform setup and metadata creation
• Week 3: Upload and test across devices
• Week 4: Marketing prep and launch

Publishing is just the beginning! Have your marketing plan ready before you hit that publish button. We’ll cover that in the next section.

With your eBook published and ready to go, it’s time to make sure it reaches your target audience. After helping clients launch their eBooks, I’ve learned that marketing isn’t about doing everything – it’s about doing the right things consistently.

Start building visibility at least six weeks before launch. The most effective approach I’ve found is creating a dedicated landing page with a sample chapter that showcases your expertise. Instead of putting up a basic sales page; include elements that give readers a true taste of your content like:

• A video introduction of you and your expertise
• A detailed chapter breakdown
• Preview of templates or tools included
• Early reader testimonials
• Clear problem-solution statements

In addition, transform your best eBook content into 2-3 guest posts for industry blogs. For example, if your eBook is about payroll management, turn your chapter on tax compliance into a detailed guest post. This establishes your expertise while creating anticipation for your full eBook.

Instead of spreading yourself thin across multiple platforms, focus on mastering one. For B2B eBooks, LinkedIn has consistently delivered the best results. 

Post three times weekly, alternating between sharing specific insights from your eBook and documenting your writing journey.

Use this content mix example to help drive engagement:

• 40% practical tips from your eBook
• 30% behind-the-scenes glimpses
• 20% reader success stories
• 10% direct promotion

For your eBook launch, you can structure it into a three-week campaign:

Week 1 (Pre-launch):

• Send preview copies to 5-10 industry peers
• Schedule 2-3 podcast interviews
• Create shareable graphics with key insights. No need to start from scratch with Piktochart’s vast library of templates. 
• Start your email warming sequence

Week 2 (Launch):

• Send strategic email waves (announcement, launch, last call)
• Host a live Q&A session
• Share daily chapter previews
• Release guest posts

Week 3 (Post-launch):

• Share early reader testimonials
• Offer a limited-time bonus
• Run a live implementation workshop

Email marketing remains a powerful tool even if it looks like everyone’s on Instagram or TikTok, However, it requires strategic nurturing. 

Create a three-part value series that prepares your audience for the launch. Each email should teach something valuable while building anticipation for the full eBook.

Here’s an example of an email sequence structure:

• Email 1: Identify the problem and share a quick win.
• Email 2: Reveal common mistakes and basic solutions.
• Email 3: Preview your comprehensive approach.
• Launch email: Open cart with early-bird pricing.
• Final email: Last chance with special bonus.

Your network is also a valuable marketing asset. Here’s how to create win-win partnerships even without a big budget or team.

Start with your existing network:

• Partner with tools you already use and love (example: if your eBook is about productivity, reach out to the task management app you recommend).
• Connect with other course creators or consultants in complementary fields.
• Join forces with fellow authors who share your target audience but aren’t direct competitors.
  

Create simple but effective collaborations by:

• Swapping promotional emails with other newsletter owners.
• Doing joint live workshops where you each bring your expertise.
• Bundling your eBook with another creator’s templates or checklists.
• Sharing each other’s work authentically on social media.
• Interviewing each other for your respective audiences.

The key is to start small and focus on quality over quantity. For example, one solid partnership with a respected creator in your space is worth more than ten superficial collaborations. I’ve seen solopreneurs have great success by starting with just 2-3 strategic partners and growing from there.

Pro tip: Before reaching out to potential partners, create a simple one-pager that shows exactly what you bring to the table and how you envision working together. This professional approach helps you stand out from generic collaboration requests.

With your marketing plan in place, the next step is to maximize your eBook’s earning potential!

There are several ways to price your eBook, starting from free. Rather than the eBook being the final step in someone’s journey, you could use it as leverage to grow your distribution channels. 

Here’s how different pricing tiers serve different goals:

• Free: Ideal for growing your email list – offer the eBook in exchange for signup
• $5-15: Perfect for reaching a wide audience while establishing value 
• $20-45: Sweet spot for professional guides with actionable content 
• $45+: Premium tier with added templates and tools 
• $100+: High-end package including consulting time

Your eBook can be more than just a one-time sale. Think about it like building blocks. Start with your core eBook, then add layers to it.

For example, you can transform it into different formats:

• Turn key concepts into a course
• Create practical templates
• Run workshops
• Build a community
• Package it for corporate training

Speaking of packages, try structuring it like this:

• Basic: Just the eBook ($27)
• Premium: Add templates and worksheets ($67)
• VIP: Throw in group coaching calls ($197)
  

You could also explore licensing—bulk deals for companies, white-label versions, translations, or industry-specific editions. And don’t forget about monthly revenue: subscriptions, Q&A sessions, membership sites, or regular case studies.

It may look overwhelming but don’t try to do everything at once! Pick one or two approaches that feel right for you and your audience, and do them really well. And why not ask your first buyers what else they need? Their answers might surprise you and lead to your next big revenue stream.

There you have it! You can transform your expertise into a professional digital publication with proper planning, consistent effort, and the right tools.

A great eBook needs both value-added content and professional presentation. Piktochart AI bridges that gap and makes it possible for anyone to write a digital eBook that looks polished and professional. 

Piktochart eliminates the need for expensive design software or professional designers. It also automatically handles layout and formatting while maintaining professional standards. Plus, there’s plenty of room for brand customization through color and font adjustments!

Whether you’re creating a lead magnet, want to establish authority, or building a new revenue stream, your eBook has the potential to open doors and create opportunities you haven’t even imagined yet.

Don’t forget to get your Piktochart free plan if you haven’t yet and get design inspiration from these 25 ebook examples.