How to Write an Ebook: Editing and Naming

The parts in this series so far are How to Write an Ebook: The Guide, Why It's a Good Idea, Choose a Sellable Topic, Preparing to Write and Writing Tips from a Non-Writer.

Once your ebook is written, do the jig.

OK so I kid, but really, I think there's cause for a mini celebration at this point. Way to go!

This is where you'll especially begin to notice things that are unique to ebook publishing.

Editing

It's obvious, but edit it. Read and reread it.

If you're the type that tends to be wordy, eliminate everything that doesn't contribute to the main idea of your ebook. Ebooks are often read on computer screens or other digital devices, many of which are not ideal for reading. So, if you can get your information across in a more concise way, do it.

If you're the type that tends to be lacking in words, make sure the vital parts of your ebook are sufficiently explained. If a reader has a question about your ebook, they will have to go out of their way to contact you for clarification (unlike the ability to easily post a comment in response to a blog post, for example). Make it clear so they aren't left frustrated.

Ask people close to you — you know, the ones who will tell you the truth and love you no matter what — if they would read your material and give feedback. (I don't recommend approaching fellow bloggers or other business or networking acquaintances for feedback at this stage. More explanation on that to come.) Take special note of any clarification questions they ask or confusion they express; these are the areas you'll definitely want to go back and modify. Then, take your loved one out for lunch as a thank you. Just a suggestion.

Strive for excellence, not perfection.

Having just told you to edit until you're blue in the face (practically), don't get stuck trying to make it "just so". Do your best but accept that it'll never be perfect. You still want to make your ship date, remember?

Choose a great title now.

Now is a good time to choose a title. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Editing makes the content of your ebook fresh in your mind. Reading it from start to finish provides a perspective you didn't have when you began writing.
2. Now that your content is finalized, you might realize that over the course of writing, you took some twists and turns you didn't anticipate in your outline. If you chose a title at the beginning, review it to make sure it accurately represents what your final copy communicates.
3. If others are reading/editing your ebook for you, take the opportunity to toss around title ideas with them too.

The ideal title (plus an alternative).

The ideal title is one that encapsulates the main idea of your ebook in just a few words. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to come up with such a title. In that case, find a title which is catchy and then create a subtitle which provides further explanation. In any case, a potential reader should have a good idea of what your ebook is about simply by reading the title.

My #1 tip in choosing a title for your ebook:

Other than choosing a title that actually fits the content of your ebook, choose a title with an available domain name. Then, register that domain.

This is likely to make choosing a title a bit tricky, so take some time in doing so. You'll have to weigh all the possibilities and perhaps spend a fair amount of time searching. But if you can snag the domain name of your ebook title, it's a major bonus when it comes to marketing and promotion.

If you can't find an available domain name, you may need to get creative. For example, if your ebook title is already taken, you might decide to tack on "book" or "ebook" to the end. (Check out my post How to Choose a Domain Name: 10 Tips for more ideas.)

Read the next post in this series: How to Write an Ebook: Formatting.