We design a lot of eBooks for clients who ask us the same question - what should I include in my eBook? Depending upon your eBook subject there are quite a few different points you should consider.
Copyright/Disclaimer In my opinion, having a copyright and/or disclaimer page is one of the most important aspects of your eBook content.
For instance, if you have written a health-related ebook, we recommend that you include a disclaimer advising the reader to seek medical advice before starting any new exercise program.
Business related eBooks where you are promoting financial freedom should have a disclaimer indicating that you cannot guarantee success using your methods.
Regardless of your content, all eBooks should have a copyright clause at the beginning of the document protecting your eBook from theft and letting the reader know what they are allowed to do with the document (can they print the document, are they allowed to forward it to a friend etc).
Chapters or Just Headings? You have your content.
Usually it is mapped out in chapter form or with main title headings and subheadings.
There is no hard and fast rule that says you need to have your eBook in chapter form.
However, having chapters or sections organises the eBook more efficiently which ultimately benefits the reader.
Chapter headers may be included on a page with text or, if you would like to break the eBook up, chapter titles can be on their own page.
It really depends on how you would like to present your eBook - is it fun in nature? Or more business-like and serious? If the latter, you are probably best sticking with main heading chapter titles.
Chapter headings organise the eBook more efficiently, which ultimately benefits the reader.
Table of Contents Surprisingly, a lot of clients do not think of having a table of contents.
There are many benefits to having one.
These include: Navigation and revisions - Linked table of contents are easy to navigate.
Instead of copying and pasting headings, generate a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word.
If you make changes or additions to your eBook down the track, heading titles and page numbers can easily be updated with the click of a mouse.
Organisation - Having a table of contents will help you map out your eBook sections much easier and will create a consistent flow throughout the ebook.
Additionally, readers always need a point of reference and can always jump ahead to chapters with ease.
Look Professional - Documents, whether they are whitepapers, reports or eBooks, look more professional with an organised table of contents.
Promote your eBook - Table of Contents can be used as extracts to promote your ebook.
They will give the potential buyer an overview of the topics discussed throughout your ebook.
This is a great way to let them know what is inside, without giving too much away.
About the Author Page Whether your eBook is of a fun or business nature, 'About the Author' pages should be considered.
If your book has a more serious business-like theme, or you are promoting your company and services, detailing experience may be a huge benefit.
Not only will it add credibility to your ebook, but they are a great way to provide an insight into who you are and why you have taken the time to create your product.
Some authors like to include a photo.
This is a good idea if you prepare on writing multiple eBooks.
Promotional Page It is also a good idea to consider having a promotional page at the end of your ebook.
Like the example below, these pages can you be used to provide your contact details, further promote your product or service, or simply provide more of a 'book feeling' to your ebook.
Finally, not all eBooks need to contain all the above information.
However, we recommend the following order of contents: * Cover page * Copyright/Disclaimer Page * Introduction * Table of Contents * Chapter Content * Conclusion * About the Author * Promotional Page
Copyright/Disclaimer In my opinion, having a copyright and/or disclaimer page is one of the most important aspects of your eBook content.
For instance, if you have written a health-related ebook, we recommend that you include a disclaimer advising the reader to seek medical advice before starting any new exercise program.
Business related eBooks where you are promoting financial freedom should have a disclaimer indicating that you cannot guarantee success using your methods.
Regardless of your content, all eBooks should have a copyright clause at the beginning of the document protecting your eBook from theft and letting the reader know what they are allowed to do with the document (can they print the document, are they allowed to forward it to a friend etc).
Chapters or Just Headings? You have your content.
Usually it is mapped out in chapter form or with main title headings and subheadings.
There is no hard and fast rule that says you need to have your eBook in chapter form.
However, having chapters or sections organises the eBook more efficiently which ultimately benefits the reader.
Chapter headers may be included on a page with text or, if you would like to break the eBook up, chapter titles can be on their own page.
It really depends on how you would like to present your eBook - is it fun in nature? Or more business-like and serious? If the latter, you are probably best sticking with main heading chapter titles.
Chapter headings organise the eBook more efficiently, which ultimately benefits the reader.
Table of Contents Surprisingly, a lot of clients do not think of having a table of contents.
There are many benefits to having one.
These include: Navigation and revisions - Linked table of contents are easy to navigate.
Instead of copying and pasting headings, generate a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word.
If you make changes or additions to your eBook down the track, heading titles and page numbers can easily be updated with the click of a mouse.
Organisation - Having a table of contents will help you map out your eBook sections much easier and will create a consistent flow throughout the ebook.
Additionally, readers always need a point of reference and can always jump ahead to chapters with ease.
Look Professional - Documents, whether they are whitepapers, reports or eBooks, look more professional with an organised table of contents.
Promote your eBook - Table of Contents can be used as extracts to promote your ebook.
They will give the potential buyer an overview of the topics discussed throughout your ebook.
This is a great way to let them know what is inside, without giving too much away.
About the Author Page Whether your eBook is of a fun or business nature, 'About the Author' pages should be considered.
If your book has a more serious business-like theme, or you are promoting your company and services, detailing experience may be a huge benefit.
Not only will it add credibility to your ebook, but they are a great way to provide an insight into who you are and why you have taken the time to create your product.
Some authors like to include a photo.
This is a good idea if you prepare on writing multiple eBooks.
Promotional Page It is also a good idea to consider having a promotional page at the end of your ebook.
Like the example below, these pages can you be used to provide your contact details, further promote your product or service, or simply provide more of a 'book feeling' to your ebook.
Finally, not all eBooks need to contain all the above information.
However, we recommend the following order of contents: * Cover page * Copyright/Disclaimer Page * Introduction * Table of Contents * Chapter Content * Conclusion * About the Author * Promotional Page