So, you’ve decided to get into the world of eBook writing to make some extra cash? Brilliant choice! Not only can you share your wisdom (or wild imagination) with the world, but you can also line your pockets while doing so.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Choosing the right genre
• The best platforms to sell your eBook
• Writing, formatting, and designing a compelling cover
• Effective marketing strategies
• The pros and cons of selling eBooks

Let’s get started!

Finding the Genre Goldmine

First things first: what should you write about? Picking the right genre is important. Get it wrong, and no one’s buying your book.

1. Market Research: Dive into Amazon’s Kindle Store and see what’s hot. Are vampire romance novels making a comeback? Is there a sudden surge in interest for underwater basket weaving guides?

Currently, some of the top-selling book genres include:

• Cozy coloring books
• Recipes and baking
• Children’s learning resources
• Thrillers
• Self-help

Identifying popular genres can give you insight into what readers are looking for—and where your eBook might find success.

2. Niche Down: Instead of targeting broad genres like “self-help,” consider:

• “The Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting Stuff Done… Eventually”
• “Mindful Minimalism for Hoarders in Denial”
• “Social Skills for Introverts Who Hate Small Talk”
• “The Art of Saying No Without Feeling Like a Jerk”

The more specific, the better.

3. Passion vs. Profit: While it’s tempting to write about your love for sock knitting, just first double-check there’s an audience ready to read (and buy) it.

The Profit Pie: Slices and Deductions

Before you start dreaming of swimming in gold coins, let’s look at how much of a sale will go into your pocket. I’ll use Amazon as an example, as it is the most popular place to upload eBooks:

1. Amazon’s Cut: For eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, Amazon offers a 70% royalty. Price your book outside this range, and you’re looking at 35%.
2. File Size Matters: Including high-resolution images? Amazon charges a delivery fee based on file size, which can eat at your royalties. So, unless those images are essential, consider keeping them to a minimum.
3. Paperback Profits: If you venture into print-on-demand, remember that printing costs are deducted from your royalties. More pages = higher costs. So unless you’re selling coloring books, you might want to consider selling your book as digital only.

Where Else Can You Sell Your eBook?

While Amazon dominates the eBook market and serves as the focus of this article, there are several other platforms worth considering:

1. Smashwords – Distributes your eBook to multiple retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Offers high royalties (up to 80% for direct sales).
2. Apple Books (Apple iBooks) – Great for reaching Apple users. You keep 70% of your sales.
3. Kobo Writing Life – Ideal for international sales, especially in Canada and Europe. Keeps 70% royalties for books priced over $2.99.
4. Google Play Books – Reaches Android users through Google’s massive ecosystem. Competitive royalty rates, but pricing can be tricky due to automatic discounts.
5. Gumroad – Perfect for selling directly to your audience. You can set your own price and offer discounts or bundles. No strict formatting rules like Amazon.
6. Payhip – Lets you sell directly from your website or social media. Offers built-in affiliate marketing and discount options.
7. Barnes & Noble Press (Nook Press) – Sells directly on Barnes & Noble’s website. 70% royalties on books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
8. Draft2Digital – A great alternative to Smashwords for distributing to multiple retailers. Free to publish, and they take a small percentage of sales.
9. Sell Directly from Your Website – Use platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or WordPress with Easy Digital Downloads. Full control over pricing, promotions, and customer relationships.
10. Etsy – Surprisingly great for selling eBooks, especially if they’re in the DIY, planner, or digital template niche. A unique marketplace with a built-in audience looking for creative and educational content.
11. Blurb – Best for highly visual books (photobooks, art books, or cookbooks). Offers print-on-demand as well.
12. Leanpub – Great for tech-related and programming books. Allows you to sell your book while it’s still being written (great for feedback).
13. Scribd – Subscription-based model where you get paid per read. Good for exposure, but royalties can be lower.

How to Format, and Design a Cover for Your eBook

Step 1: Writing the Book

Before you can sell an eBook, you actually need to write one. You don’t need fancy software. Most authors stick to Microsoft Word or Google Docs because they’re easy to format and edit:

1. Use Amazon-Friendly File Formats:
   • Upload as EPUB (recommended) or DOCX (Word).
   • Avoid PDFs unless it’s a fixed-layout book like a comic book or coloring book.
2. Format Your Manuscript in Word:
   • Use 12–14 pt fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.
   • Apply Heading Styles (H1 for title, H2 for chapters).
   • Insert Page Breaks between chapters.
3. Include Essential Sections:
   • Title Page (Book Title, Author Name).
   • Copyright Page (Legal info, ISBN).
   • Clickable Table of Contents (Use Word’s TOC feature).
4. Optimize Images & Links:
   • Use JPEG/PNG (300 DPI), center-aligned.
   • Avoid text wrapping around images.
   • Ensure all hyperlinks work correctly.
5. Convert & Preview Your Ebook:
   • Upload your DOCX to KDP or use Kindle Create for better formatting.
   • Preview using Kindle Previewer or send it to your Kindle device.

Step 2: Create a Professional Cover with Canva

They say “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be real—people do. A great cover can make the difference between a best-seller and a book that gets ignored.

The good news? You don’t need a professional designer! You can create a stunning book cover for free using Canva:

1. Follow Amazon’s Cover Guidelines:
   • Size: 2560 x 1600 px (1.6:1 aspect ratio).
   • Format: JPEG (high resolution, 300 DPI).
   • Readable fonts and contrasting colors for better visibility.
2. Design in Canva (Free & Easy!):
   • Open Canva → Click “Create a Design” → Enter 2560 x 1600 px.
   • Choose a template or start from scratch.
   • Add Title, Author Name, Background & Graphics.
   • Use bold, readable fonts (e.g., Montserrat, Bebas Neue).
   • Keep it simple, clean, and eye-catching.
3. Download & Upload to Amazon KDP:
   • Download your cover as a JPEG in high quality.
   • Go to KDP → Click “Upload Cover” → Select your JPEG file.

Marketing: Because “If You Build It, They Won’t Necessarily Come”

Writing the eBook is just half the battle. Now, let’s get people to actually read it.

1. Leverage Social Media & Online Communities Effectively

Social media is one of the most powerful tools for marketing your eBook, but success depends on consistency and strategy. Here’s how to maximize engagement and grow your audience across different platforms.

How Often to Post on Each Platform

• Instagram & TikTok: 3–5 times per week (mix of reels, carousel posts, and stories).
• X: 1–3 times per day (share quotes, progress updates, or engage in trending discussions).
• Facebook: 2–4 times per week (join relevant groups, host live Q&As, and share behind-the-scenes content).
• LinkedIn (for business/non-fiction books): 1–2 times per week (share insights, industry trends, or expert advice).
• Pinterest: 3–7 pins per week (great for visually appealing books like cookbooks or workbooks).

Growing Your Follower Base

Gaining followers organically takes time, but these strategies can speed up the process:

• Engage with Others in Your Niche – Follow and interact with authors, book bloggers, and influencers. Comment on their posts with thoughtful insights.
• Host Giveaways & Contests – Offer a free eBook copy or exclusive content in exchange for likes, shares, and follows.
• Use Challenges & User-Generated Content – Encourage readers to post about your book using a unique hashtag or start a challenge (e.g., a writing prompt challenge for a novel or a recipe challenge for a cookbook).
• Leverage Cross-Promotion – Trade shoutouts with other authors, appear on relevant podcasts, and guest post on blogs to tap into new audiences.
• Get Friends & Family Involved – Ask them to follow, like, and share your content. Their engagement boosts visibility in social media algorithms.

Using Hashtags for More Reach

Hashtags help expand your audience by making posts discoverable. Use a mix of:

• Popular hashtags (e.g., #EbookLaunch, #MustRead, #SelfPublishing).
• Genre-specific hashtags (e.g., #FantasyBooks, #IndieAuthor, #RomanceReads).
• Branded or personal hashtags (e.g., #YourBookTitle, #YourNameWrites).

Suggested hashtag usage:

• Instagram & TikTok: 5–10 relevant hashtags per post.
• X: 2–3 targeted hashtags.
• Pinterest: Add hashtags in pin descriptions to improve searchability.

Using Reddit for Promotion

Reddit is great for reaching niche audiences, but avoid direct self-promotion. Instead:

• Join relevant subreddits (e.g., r/books, r/wroteabook, r/FreeEBOOKS for promos).
• Contribute meaningfully by engaging in discussions and offering insights.
• Subtly mention your book in relevant conversations (e.g., sharing lessons learned from writing).
• Make sure you read the rules of any subreddits before posting or you may risk getting banned.

By using social media and online communities strategically, you can build an engaged audience that is excited about your eBook.

2. Build & Leverage an Email List

An email list is one of the most effective ways to market your eBook. Unlike social media, where algorithms determine who sees your posts, email marketing allows you to communicate directly with readers who have shown interest in your work. The sooner you start building your list, the better!

Why an Email List is Important

• Direct Access to Readers – No fighting social media algorithms; your message lands directly in their inbox.
• Builds a Loyal Audience – You can nurture relationships with potential readers before and after launch.
• Boosts Sales & Reviews – Subscribers are more likely to buy your eBook and leave reviews when asked.

How to Build Your Email List

Most people won’t sign up for a newsletter without an incentive, so offering a lead magnet (freebie) is key. Here are some effective ideas:

• For Fiction Writers: A free chapter, short story, character backstory, or an exclusive bonus scene.
• For Non-Fiction Writers: A checklist, workbook, guide, or free resource related to your topic.
• For Any Genre: A discount on your eBook or early access to exclusive content.

Where to Promote Your Email List

• Your Website: Add a signup form to your homepage, blog, or a dedicated landing page.
• Social Media: Post about your freebie and include the link in your bio.

How to Keep Subscribers Engaged

Once people join your list, keep them engaged with valuable content:

• Welcome Email: Send an introduction with their freebie and a thank-you message.
• Regular Updates: Share behind-the-scenes content, book progress, writing tips, or exclusive sneak peeks.
• Launch Announcements: Give your list early access, discounts, or special offers when your eBook goes live.

3. Try Amazon Ads

Amazon is one of the biggest platforms for eBook sales, but with millions of books available, standing out can be a challenge. Amazon Advertising allows you to promote your eBook directly to readers who are already searching for books like yours. Even a small investment can significantly increase your visibility and sales.

Why Use Amazon Ads?

• Targeted Exposure – Your eBook appears in front of people actively looking for similar books.
• Boosts Rankings – Increased sales from ads can help your book climb Amazon’s rankings, leading to more organic visibility.
• Cost-Effective – You set your own budget and only pay when someone clicks your ad (Pay-Per-Click model).

Types of Amazon Ads

1. Sponsored Product Ads – Appear in search results and product pages of similar books. Best for driving direct sales.
2. Sponsored Brand Ads – Feature multiple books (if you have more than one) and help build brand awareness.
3. Locksreen & Display Ads – Appear on Kindle devices and apps, great for reaching avid readers.

Best Practices for Amazon Ads

• Start Small & Test – Begin with a small budget (e.g., $2–$5 per day) and analyze performance before scaling up.
• Use Relevant Keywords – Target keywords related to your genre, theme, and best-selling books similar to yours.
• Optimize Your Book Listing – Ensure your book title, description, and cover are compelling, as ads will drive traffic but won’t guarantee conversions if your page isn’t appealing.
• Monitor & Adjust – Regularly review ad performance and tweak underperforming campaigns to improve results.

With the right strategy, Amazon Ads can be a powerful tool to boost your eBook’s visibility, drive sales, and grow your readership.

The Pros and Cons of Writing an eBook

Before you quit your day job, let’s weigh the good, the bad, and the typo-ridden realities of self-publishing.

Pros

• Passive Income – Once your eBook is written and published, it can generate sales for months or even years with minimal ongoing effort. A well-marketed book can become a steady revenue stream.
• Creative Outlet – Whether you’re crafting a thrilling mystery, an insightful guide, or a niche passion project, an eBook allows you to share your ideas and stories with the world.
• Low Overhead Costs – No need to rent an office, stock inventory, or pay for printing. Digital publishing eliminates high upfront costs, making it an accessible option for new authors.
• Full Creative Control – Unlike traditional publishing, you decide everything—cover design, pricing, release date, and content. No need to wait for approval from an agent or publisher.
• Global Reach – Your eBook can be sold worldwide through platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Kobo. No shipping costs, no barriers—just instant access for readers.
• No Gatekeepers – Traditional publishing can be a long, frustrating process filled with rejections. With self-publishing, you don’t need anyone’s permission to put your book out there.
• Easy Revisions & Updates – Found a typo? Want to add a new chapter? Unlike print books, eBooks can be updated anytime, allowing you to refine and improve over time.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming – Writing an eBook isn’t a weekend project (unless you’re a caffeinated superhero). It requires research, outlining, writing, editing, formatting, and publishing—all before marketing even begins.
• Marketing Effort Required – The “write it and they will come” mindset doesn’t work. Without proper promotion—through social media, ads, and email marketing—your book might gather digital dust instead of readers.
• Uncertain Profits – Not every eBook becomes a bestseller. In fact, many don’t sell at all. Success depends on factors like niche selection, pricing, competition, and marketing strategy.
• Steep Learning Curve – From formatting for different platforms to optimizing keywords for discoverability, self-publishing involves a lot more than just writing.
• No Guaranteed Validation – Unlike traditional publishing, where acceptance by an agent or editor signals industry approval, self-publishing relies entirely on audience reception. This can be both freeing and intimidating.
• Self-Discipline is a Must – No deadlines, no editors breathing down your neck—just you and your project. Without strong motivation, it’s easy to lose momentum.

The Harsh Reality: eBooks That Never Sell

Brace yourself: a significant number of eBooks never make it past a handful of sales. But don’t let that discourage you! Many authors fall into the trap of prioritizing quantity over quality, rushing to publish multiple books without ensuring their content is truly valuable. Readers expect polished, engaging material, and an eBook filled with typos, weak storytelling, or poor research won’t hold their attention. Taking the time to craft a well-written, well-edited book is essential for long-term success.

Presentation Matters More Than You Think

Even a great book can struggle if it looks unprofessional. A poorly designed cover, awkward formatting, or a lackluster description can instantly turn potential readers away. The truth is, readers do judge a book by its cover—so investing in a professional design that fits your genre is crucial. Formatting also plays a big role; if your eBook is difficult to read or lacks a clear structure, readers are likely to abandon it quickly. Don’t forget about your book description—it’s your sales pitch! A compelling, well-written blurb can hook readers and convince them to hit “Buy.”

Build an Audience Before You Publish

However, even the best-written, most beautifully presented eBook won’t sell if no one knows it exists. Many authors make the mistake of publishing their book and waiting for readers to find it, but in reality, you need to bring the book to them. Building an engaged audience before you launch—through social media, blogs, or an email list—can make all the difference. Interacting with potential readers, responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and running giveaways all help create excitement. Encouraging early reviews from beta readers or an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) program can also boost credibility and visibility. Most eBooks don’t fail because they’re bad—they fail because they aren’t seen. With a strong focus on quality, presentation, and audience engagement, your book has a far better chance of standing out in a crowded marketplace.

Final Words of Wisdom

Embarking on the eBook journey is like preparing a gourmet meal: it requires time, the right ingredients, and a dash of creativity. But with persistence, research, and a sprinkle of humor, you can serve up a bestseller. So, grab your quill (or keyboard), and may the royalties be ever in your favor!