eBook Writing on EditionGuard

OTF vs TTF for eBooks: Which Font Format Should You Use?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:54:11 +0000

If you are publishing an eBook, choosing the right font format can sound more complicated than it really is. Many authors and publishers assume they need to pick a clear winner between OTF and TTF. In reality, both formats are supported in modern eBook workflows. The better question is which one makes more sense for your font, your book, and the reading experience you want to deliver.

Social Media and the Indie Author in 2026: A Complete Guide

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Why Social Media Still Moves Books in 2026

Global social media users climbed to 5.41 billion in July 2026, equal to 65.7 percent of the world’s population. (DataReportal – Global Digital Insights)
Readers spend an average of 2 hours 24 minutes every day on their favorite networks. (Exploding To pics)
Your audience is already scrolling; the only question is whether they will discover your stories or someone else’s.

How to Self-Publish a Novel With Little Budget in 2025

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Self-publishing doesn’t have to be expensive. Yes, plenty of authors invest thousands in editing, design, and ads — but you can ship a professional-looking first novel with a lean plan, smart tools, and a focus on reader-facing quality. Below is a step-by-step path tailored to 2025 trends, with budget-savvy options at every stage.

How to Edit Your E-book in 10 Steps: The Ultimate Checklist

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:14:00 +0000

“Good writing is bad writing well edited,” wrote author and innovator Kevin Ashton in his book “How to Fly a Horse.” Your first draft needs to go on a long journey through revision, editing, and proofreading before it’s ready to become an e-book. But working with a professional editor can be expensive.

PDF to EPUB: A Practical Guide for Readers and Sellers

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:41:14 +0000

Why Convert PDF to EPUB?

From rigid formatting to enhanced accessibility, the shift from PDF to EPUB brings immense benefits. Whether you’re a consumer seeking better readability or a seller wanting to meet market demands, understanding this process can elevate your eBook game. Let’s dive into why it matters for everyone involved and how to do it effectively.

The Indie Author Guide

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:47:44 +0000

In this indie author guide, you’ll learn about some of the factors that go into paving the way to your success as a self-published author. While traditional publishing can be a viable option for celebrities who are well-known and established authors, as you’ll learn in our indie author guide, traditional publishing can take an exhaustively long time and result in fewer profits than you might expect. At EditionGuard, we celebrate indie authors and publishers and provide sophisticated technology and tools to make self-publishing – and profiting – easier.

Writing Tools for Indie Authors

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 11:34:54 +0000

Whether you jot down the plot on a restaurant napkin or have 6 volumes of 3-ring binders that contain every note about your characters and plot, at some point, you'll want to self-publish your ebook, and that means getting your book in a digital format. Start there or end there, you’ll need a place to write your book. Consider these tools.

Hire An Editor - Really, Do It

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:10:42 +0000

You cannot edit your own book. Hire an editor. Really. Do it. There may be no better advice to an independent author than the necessity of having an editor for your books.

Writing Exceptional and Original Content

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:08:19 +0000

Writing exceptional and original content should be a no-brainer for an indie author, but you’d be surprised how difficult it is. While there are some genres where it seems that everyone is writing the same book over and over again (erotica and romance, for example), the nuances within each story are what set them apart. The writing process is as crucial an element for publishing a successful book as any other factor. Success comes from writing exceptional and original content.

Groundwork for Writing a Successful Book

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 13:26:52 +0000

Writing a successful book takes more than just putting words to paper. In fact, writing a successful book requires you to not only be a writer but to be a researcher, a marketer, a graphic designer, and a publisher – and be willing to invest in the success of your book.

Work from Home to Subsidize Your Writing Habit

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:42:08 +0000

If you're an indie author who wants to spend more time honing your craft and focusing on your projects, one of the best ways to do that is by finding a work from home job. Work from home jobs give you more flexibility to work on your book when inspiration hits, and you can even find work in a related field that helps you build your skills.

Ultimate Indie Author Resource Guide Part 4: Publishing Your eBook

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 13:11:41 +0000

When publishing your ebook, you are not restricted to one platform. There are publishers that will try to convince you that theirs is the only platform worth being on, but you have multiple publishing choices for your ebook that can help you reach a wider audience.

Ultimate Indie Author Resource Guide, Part 3: Editing Your eBook

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:04:56 +0000

As an indie author, completing your ebook is a huge accomplishment, but the job is not over without editing your ebook. Often, indie authors are squeezing in their writing efforts around full-time jobs and other obligations. It’s not like they have a big publishing company paying them a big advance to write. So just finishing is cause for celebration. But it’s not the time to stop working. A finished ebook is only the first round. Before your book is ready to publish, it will need careful rounds of editing. Author Basics discusses why the editorial process – and investment – is so important.

Ultimate Indie Author Resource Guide, Part 2: Writing Your eBook

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:59:47 +0000

If you’re an indie author ready to take advantage of the shift to digital and the growth in ebook sales, this indie author resource guide is for you. If you are a small publishing house or new publisher, this guide can benefit your business as well. Be sure to read part 1, on marketing your ebook. In this next part, we will discuss writing your ebook and provide resources to help you write your ebook more effectively.

The Ultimate Indie Author Resource Guide Part 1: Marketing Your eBook

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:32:24 +0000

We’re all spending more time at home and getting out less, whether because our favorite stores are closed, or we simply are trying to flatten curves and reduce risk. All this extra time can be put to good use – if you have ever dreamed of writing an ebook, now is a great time to do so. To help you, we’ll be spending the next few weeks sharing our ultimate indie author resource guide, starting where every good indie author should start – with marketing.

Launch Your Speaking Career with an eBook

Tue, 19 May 2020 09:54:06 +0000

We’ve been talking about the benefits of publishing ebooks for businesses and business professionals. Publishing an ebook can bring credibility to your brand, generate leads and higher revenue, and it can launch your speaking career.

Why Are Speaking Gigs So Important?

If you really want to stand out in your industry as a leading expert, you have to be the one giving people the knowledge, guidance, and inspiration they need to do their jobs better. Not only can speaking gigs put you in front of your colleagues, but it can make you visible to companies who might need your expertise and hire you. You can also make a great deal of money if you become a sought-after public speaker and build a speaking career.

How Publishers Choose Authors: The Bottom Line

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 06:25:09 +0000

As an author, it may seem arbitrary when it comes to figuring out how publishers choose authors that they’ll represent, but there are ways to make yourself more attractive to publishers. There is more to it than sending your book into the digital fast lane and then crossing your fingers and waiting. Most publishers are looking for a specific combination of factors that tip the scales.

Get Your Fiction Book Published – Inside a Publisher’s Mind

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:25:06 +0000

Getting your fiction book published can be challenging. Publishers choose books based on whether they will make any money selling them, and they make that decision as a team. Getting passed initial submission stage is positive, but there is still a long way to go before getting a book deal. You’ll have a team – depending on the size of the publisher the team could be as small as two and as large as 20 – reviewing your book and crunching the numbers.

The Ideal Roadmap to Character Development [Infographic]

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 03:46:41 +0000

Compelling characters provide the emotional core of a great novel. It’s impossible for a reader to invest in a story when they can’t relate to the people on the pages.

4 Character Development Exercises for Writers

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 03:05:19 +0000

An acquaintance of ours here at EditionGuard - a prodigious reader who edits travel books for a living - once said something that struck a chord with everyone involved in the discussion.

11 Tips for Aspiring Writers, From the Experts

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 09:51:50 +0000

The art of writing, as with all creative practice, requires inspiration, motivation, style, and innovation. As such, there is no shortcut to success. There are no standard operating procedures or instruction manuals to produce an incredible novel.

The 13 Best Books for Aspiring Writers

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 04:44:06 +0000

If you ask someone how to become a better writer, you will probably be told to read more. As with any creative discipline, you must be aware of the culture and history of your craft to become a conscious, progressive, and original artist.

What's the Best Novel Writing Software in 2018?

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 03:26:22 +0000

Starting a new novel is hard. Any tools that can make the writing process a little more manageable are blessings, enabling you to increase productivity and spend more time focusing on quality than just “getting words on the page.” Many apps and word-processors claim to make the development of your creative writing easier. But which are the best?

From Inspiration to Publication: 13 Best Websites for Authors and Writers

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 13:07:08 +0000

Once upon a time... writers did the writing, editors did the editing, and publishers did the publishing. This is still the case with many fiction and non-fiction publications today.

Book Title 101: How To Choose A Title That Will Sell

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:30:46 +0000

How do authors choose the titles for their books? Despite all of the information available online to help authors, book title advice is very limited. In fact there is a lot of bad advice, which include:

How To Write A Book: 12 Unbelievably Easy Steps

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:00:10 +0000

The hardest part about being an author used to be getting published. Traditional publishers only accepted a small percentage of all books and self-publishing options were limited.

The Ingredients Authors Need To Write A Great Book

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 11:30:37 +0000

Writing a book is much like cooking a great dish. When the right combination of ingredients come together, the end result leaves you wanting more.

Anyone who has cooked before knows that one wrong ingredient can ruin the entire dish. Try adding salt instead of sugar for example; simple mistake with horrific results.

7 Reasons Why Every Business Should Create eBooks

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 11:55:29 +0000

Attention all business owners. You should be producing eBooks regularly as part of your content marketing strategy. If you aren’t, you are missing out on a massive business opportunity. Let me explain.

Writing Inspiration: How Authors Can Remain Inspired and Avoid Burnout

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 05:45:00 +0000

Being an author can be one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. Being an author can also be one of the most stressful experiences in the world. All authors can relate to the daily highs and lows.

eBook Sales Tips Every Author Should Know

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Thanks to greater compatibility with devices and more distribution options, selling eBooks has become much easier in the last few years. Despite this, your eBook sales can hit a ceiling at some point. For some this could be the 50 eBooks sold mark. For others it could be 2,500 eBooks sold.

9 Mistakes All Authors Make

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 10:31:33 +0000

Writing a book is difficult, especially if you are a first time author. Trying to figure out what to write about, how to develop an intriguing storyline, how to distribute your book and much more can be overwhelming to say the least. In this post we will discuss nine mistakes all authors make. If you are working on a new book, keep these in mind so you can do your best to avoid them.

The Martian's Guide To Launching Your eBook (Warning: Contains Spoilers)

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 04:00:48 +0000

Launching your new eBook is an exciting time. When Andy Weir first launched The Martian as an eBook in 2011 there was no way he could have predicted just how successful it would end up being. If you are a self-publisher, chances are you are envious of Weir’s success and are wondering how to replicate what he did.

Building Relationships: Ghostwriters

Thu, 09 Jun 2016 05:00:08 +0000

Do you have a great eBook idea but have little or no time to write? Do you have a book outline but need to keep bringing in an income until your eBook takes off? There is only so much time in your day, and sometimes, the best way to make sure your eBook actually gets written is to hire and build a relationship with a professional ghostwriter.

Honest Advice for New Indie Authors

Tue, 17 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

There are plenty of tips out there for writers, but what is often missing is the honest advice that new indie authors need to hear. The reality of writing is a harsh one, and during hard times, it is pure determination that will keep you going.

Indie Author: Get Out of Your Head and Start Writing

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 05:00:46 +0000

Before you put your pen to paper (or your fingers to the keyboard), your eBook begins first and foremost in the minds of indie authors. While your ability to think critically is your most valuable tool, it can also be your worst enemy. It’s all too easy to over-analyze and second-guess your eBook ideas, hindering any real progress. Those are the moments when indie authors need to think less – get out of your head – and consider a few realities about writing.

Avoiding Writer’s Block

Wed, 30 Mar 2016 05:00:09 +0000

Writer’s block is likely something that every writer dreads. It strikes at the most inconvenient times and is common for any level of writer. Fortunately, writer’s block doesn’t last forever. Like any obstacle, it can be overcome, and you can then be well on your way to finishing a winner of an eBook. Here are some ideas that may help you hurdle writer’s block when it gets in your way.

The Importance of Research for Nonfiction eBooks

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 05:00:10 +0000

Even though you may be writing a nonfiction eBook and not necessarily an academic research paper, you don’t get the luxury of skipping one of the most important aspects of writing: the research necessary to lend your eBook authenticity. If you think you already know everything that there is to know about your particular topic, you’re already headed in the wrong direction. Taking time to research your eBook before embarking on the various writing stages is critical. This time allows you to expand on more than just what you know.

Writing Fiction, Part 4: Final Steps

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 05:00:22 +0000

When you’re writing fiction, it can often feel like the end is always just beyond your grasp, but you will eventually reach the final stages of your eBook. As with any piece of writing, however, the process is far from finished, even after you type “The End.” In fact, that may be where the real work begins, and it starts with you, as the indie author, taking a hard look at your own writing. Even more difficult than hearing from your editing team and beta readers, taking a critical look at your own work can be tough.

Writing Fiction, Part 3: Using the Right Words

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 05:00:21 +0000

Writing fiction requires finesse. You’re constructing an entire universe for your reader, whether your eBook is set in familiar surroundings or not. Your words must become the paint that create a picture of your world in the reader’s mind.

Writing Fiction – Getting Started

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:43:32 +0000

Writing fiction can be enormously challenging. While nonfiction eBooks tend to draw from personal experience and knowledge, fiction requires different skills, more creativity, and often more planning. Writing fiction eBooks creates new opportunities for indie authors to explore, offering the possibility to create something never before read. To get started writing fiction:

The Importance of Writing Goals

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 05:00:11 +0000

Writing goals are important for any writer, whether you are just beginning or have been writing for years. Not only do goals keep you on track with projects, but they allow you to have better clarity in your writing. Your personal writing goals can have a very positive impact on your eBook career. These tips can help you create powerful goals:

Writing Your eBook: Sources for Inspiration

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 18:02:52 +0000

When writing your eBook, where does your inspiration come from? Chances are, you may have turned to the internet for at least some of your source material. While it’s not necessarily bad to pull a few basic concepts from the internet, you have to keep in mind that your readers could do the same. It’s important to look beyond what the internet has to offer for your eBook content.

Don’t Wait for the Perfect eBook

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 20:06:42 +0000

Every author wants to create the perfect eBook, and when writing an eBook, you want to put forward something that is well-planned and polished. We absolutely agree that quality is crucial, and you should always make editing and proofreading – and even more editing and proofreading – a high priority. But you don’t want to get caught in a vicious cycle of perfectionism in which you second-guess every sentence and never actually publish anything. Do your best, but don’t expect the perfect eBook. If you do, your eBook will never hit the shelves.

Finishing your eBook

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Some people say that starting an eBook is the hardest part of writing, but that’s only until it comes to finishing an eBook. An unfinished eBook can’t sell, so it’s important to stay on top of your writing. The question you have to ask yourself is: Do you want to be an indie author or a professional procrastinator? A procrastinator can come up with a million reasons why his or her eBook is still incomplete, so don’t allow yourself to put off what could be a top seller.

From Blogging to eBook Writing

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 16:33:35 +0000

News about eBook writing is everywhere. Online eBooks are now selling more than hard copies, and authors no longer have to wait for a publisher to take interest. Self-publishing is the new norm for eBook writers, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to take advantage of this change of pace.

Avoid eBook Writing Pitfalls

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 05:00:41 +0000

There are plenty of “dos” and “don’ts” in the eBook world, and to be a successful eBook author, you have to focus on both so that you avoid eBook writing pitfalls. Much emphasis is placed on what you can and should be doing to write and market your eBook, but these common mistakes trip up too many writers.

Writing While Traveling: Keep Your Writing Schedule

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 13:56:38 +0000

It can be difficult to keep writing while traveling, but if you want to see your eBook published, maintaining a writing schedule while traveling can be important. Whether your travel consists of a day out of town for business or a few weeks of much-deserved vacation, writing is something you can still fit in. You may be promoting your work or simply visiting family, but no matter what the circumstances, travel is prone to unpredictability. Regardless of missed flights or carefully planned itineraries gone awry, it’s essential to maintain your writing habits.

Finding Inspiration for Writing in Day-to-Day Life

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 08:00:37 +0000

A successful eBook can be derived from many different sources, but finding inspiration for writing one can be difficult. Writer’s block, which can strike at any moment, can be frustrating for an author who is striving to develop his or her work. Rather than continuing to beat your head against the wall, one of the best things to do is simply to relax and reflect on what’s happening around you.

Top 10 Reasons to Write an eBook Now

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:00:33 +0000

Write an eBook now! Writing an eBook is easier and more profitable than ever. These are the top 10 reasons to write an eBook now:

eBooks are versatile. eBooks can be as long as War and Peace or as short as a few pages. They can be fiction, non-fiction, or memoir. They can even be white papers, reports, or other kinds of information you can use to grow your business.
eBooks are popular. eBook sales from indie authors continue to grow, and the next generation of readers is more likely to choose a digital book over a print one, so whether you're a new writer or an established one, now is the time to get on the digital book bandwagon.
No publisher necessary. Rather than submitting manuscripts to agents and publishers, desperately seeking approval to share your written work with the masses, you can write what you want, how you want it, and publish it yourself. Your creativity and vision aren't stymied by a corporate board's profit motive.
eBooks can be leveraged. Write an eBook, then turn it into a presentation, a slideshow, a YouTube video, or a blog series, to grow your audience.
eBooks are profitable. By cutting out agent and publisher fees, printing and shipping costs, and shared royalties, you can make a lot of money for very little investment.
eBooks keep making money. Your eBook, once published, will continue to generate sales, making you money for as long as you have it available. Consider eBooks as an additional income stream.
eBooks establish your credibility. Publishing an eBook helps to establish you as a thought leader in your field.
eBooks help you reach like-minded people. Whether you're trying to connect with other authors, romcom fans, or people in your industry, eBooks help you connect and establish your legitimacy within whatever group you're reaching out to.
Establish yourself as an expert. Establish yourself as an expert on the topic of your eBook and be invited to speak at conferences, appear on and moderate panels, and attend special events.
Grow globally. eBooks are much easier to ship to other countries than are print books, so you can quickly and easily grow an international audience and expand your reach.

What is your reason for writing an eBook?

Generating eBooks from Other Content

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 15:15:28 +0000

If you are a blogger or a journalist, you may have the opportunity to begin generating eBooks from other content you have already created. This can give you a jump start into entering the eBook marketplace. There are several types of content from which you can create an eBook:

Holiday eBooks

Tue, 10 Nov 2015 20:11:54 +0000

If you’re an indie author who wants to capitalize on the rush of sales that should occur throughout the holiday season, you may be putting the final touches on holiday eBooks that will help you reach a new or larger audience. If you haven’t started writing yet but want to cash in on holiday sales, it may not be too late.

eBook in a Month: NaNoWriMo

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:13:28 +0000

NaNoWriMo is a writer’s community that gathers every November to encourage each writer to get 50,000 words down. They don’t have to be perfect or pretty, but the point is to just get them written. The movement has gained popularity over the years, helping countless writers complete their books in a single month.

4 Skills Every Successful eBook Author Has

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 13:35:40 +0000

We work with several authors, and there are four traits we believe every successful eBook author has. These are not necessarily traits that are inherent in the author, but rather skills that are learned, developed, and honed over time - often through trial by fire. If you are driven to succeed as an eBook author, building these skills will help.

Indie Author Tools: Character Development Software

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:46:19 +0000

Creating compelling characters is the benchmark of great storytelling, but it can be incredibly difficult to do well. In fact, one of the biggest challenges for indie authors who are writing fiction is character development. To develop great characters, you have to do more than focus on the part of them that will appear in your story; you must develop their full personas:

Indie Author Tools: WriteMonkey

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 19:20:38 +0000

We’ve been exploring a variety of indie author tools that facilitate collaboration, creativity, and focus. Of all of those tools, WriteMonkey is possibly one of the best for writers who simply need to focus on writing without any distractions.

Indie Author Tools: Google Docs

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 00:32:39 +0000

When it comes to eBook collaboration for indie authors, nothing beats making the process easy and free - and that’s what you get with Google Docs. Not only can you collaborate with other authors, editors, and various contributors, Google Docs allows you to share and collaborate on multiple file types, including:

Indie Author Tools: Creative Writing Software

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:08:39 +0000

Fiction indie authors can sometimes hit stumbling blocks that may hinder creativity, but creative writing software is designed to help propel your writing forward. There are several different types of creative writing software, but the primary purpose of the software is to spur your imagination and your creativity while helping you remain organized during the writing process. This, in turn, can help you write more efficiently and deliver your eBooks to your readers more often.

Indie Author Tools: Scrivener

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 16:09:45 +0000

Writing an eBook is hard work, but indie author tools can definitely make it easier to stay organized, collaborate, and stay motivated. One of the most popular indie author tools available is Scrivener. Scrivener is available for both Microsoft and Mac.

eBook Trends: Inspirational Fiction

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 19:44:21 +0000

As we wrap up our eBook trends series, the last niche area we’d like to suggest for indie authors is inspirational fiction. Inspirational fiction can take a variety of forms, from stories with uplifting messages to nearly-non-fiction stories pulled from your own life experiences. Think Andy Andrews- or Mitch Albom-style stories that make you smile while you simultaneously reach for a tissue.

eBook Trends: Western Fiction

Sun, 06 Sep 2015 13:26:18 +0000

As we explore the most popular eBook trends, Western fiction must be mentioned. While it doesn’t have the same popularity as some of the other categories, there is always a demand for great cowboy fiction, with heroes who are larger than life.

eBook Trends: Science Fiction

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 08:00:37 +0000

Science fiction is possibly one of the most flexible eBook trends in fiction. With sci-fi eBooks, you can quite literally create any kind of character and any kind of universe you want. Your imagination is your only barrier. Science fiction has been popular since the days of Isaac Asimov and beyond, but it has recently enjoyed a resurgence with the reboot of Star Trek, that we feel will grow even bigger with the next round of Star Wars films coming to theaters. Film genres do impact the popularity of book genres, so it’s worth noting the connection.

eBook Trends: Vampire Lit

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:00:26 +0000

Vampire lit has achieved fever pitch thanks to Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series of books, and the extremely popular HBO television series, True Blood, based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries series of books by Charlaine Harris. Readers have a voracious appetite for vampire lit, from tweens and teens to their moms and dads.

eBook Trends: Mystery and Detective Fiction

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:02:59 +0000

As we continue to explore eBook trends in fiction, another very popular genre is mystery and detective fiction. Mystery and detective fiction may also be one of the most challenging to write well, because it can be incredibly tricky to write believable, well-plotted mysteries and whodunits.

eBook Trends: Fantasy Fiction

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 23:09:33 +0000

As we continue to explore the different eBook trends that are happening in fiction, we’d be completely remiss if we didn’t talk about fantasy fiction. Thanks to authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer, fantasy fiction has been given a considerable boost. What makes fantasy fiction even better is that you can write for nearly any age group, from children to teens, to YA, to adult.

eBook Trends: Crime Fiction

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:00:56 +0000

We’ve been exploring different eBook trends that allow indie authors and independent digital publishers to expand their offerings, and one area that is growing in popularity is crime fiction. If you’re looking for something slightly less gruesome than zombie lit but slightly less mushy than romantic fiction, crime fiction might be a good choice for your writing skills.

eBook Trends: Romantic Fiction

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 08:00:56 +0000

While 50 Shades of Grey certainly accentuated the popularity of romantic fiction, the romance genre has been one of the most successful to transition from print to digital, and that presents a huge opportunity for indie authors and publishers. While it’s important to find an angle that differentiates you from other authors and works of romantic fiction out there, the wonderful thing about romantic fiction is that it is, for the most part, quite formulaic.

eBook Trends: Zombie Lit

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 20:36:45 +0000

Zombie lit lives! The undead have migrated from being part of fantasy fiction into their own genre, and it is on fire. (Fire is one way to try to rid yourself of a zombie problem.) If you’re an indie author or publisher looking for a fiction genre that will help you sell more eBooks, you can’t go wrong with zombie fiction. While zombie lit isn’t necessarily new - Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein would likely qualify - it’s popularity is surging. And while every up-and-comer owes a debt of gratitude to Night of the Living Dead creator George A. Romero, movies like World War Z and TV shows like The Walking Dead spur on the enthusiasm for the genre. The CW’s decision to make a zombified version of Little Women will continue to fuel the fire.

eTextbooks: The New eBook Frontier

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:40:23 +0000

eTextbooks are the new eBook frontier. They’re inexpensive, easy to obtain, and much easier to haul around campus. If you’ve ever thought of writing a textbook, now may be the time to consider writing a digital version or updating a print textbook to digital. While still in its infancy, eBook textbooks are becoming more popular:

The First Line: Writing Well

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 14:23:21 +0000

When it comes to writing well, it’s worth paying attention to the first line. People are busy. Judgments are often instantaneous. So whether you’re writing a blog post, the first line of your eBook, or your author bio, a strong start is important. Writing well should continue beyond the first line, but if you don’t catch them quickly (readers), you won’t catch them at all. Extra emphasis should be placed on your title and leading paragraph.

eBooks for Babies

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:31:08 +0000

eBooks for babies are predicted to become one of the fastest-growing market segments, which might seem confusing for parents who hear nothing but criticism when it comes to how much screen time they’re allowing their children. New research from Susan Rvachew, a speech-language pathologist and professor at McGill University, may dispute the screen-time claim, however. In fact, Dr. Rvachew discussed the benefits of using eBooks as a teaching tool with young children. In an interview with McGill Reporter, she said:

What Is a Beta Reader?

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 20:47:28 +0000

A beta reader is like a beta tester for software or apps - they get early access to your eBook to help you work out the kinks. Beta readers are incredibly valuable to indie authors. Not only do they offer fresh eyes to catch typos and formatting issues on a variety of different devices, but they also are often willing to provide input on things like character development and storyline. If your beta reader can’t connect point A to point B, you can be sure the broader reading audience will have difficulty.

4 eBook Mistakes to Avoid

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 16:09:43 +0000

When you’re writing your first eBook, mistakes are easy to make. Avoiding these four eBook mistakes, however, can help ensure that you’re ready to greet your readers with your head held high.

Writing an eBook as an eBook Ghostwriter

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 08:00:46 +0000

The approach taken to write an eBook as an eBook ghostwriter is much different than the approach taken to write one’s own eBook. However, the ghostwriters who find the most success are the ones who have as much passion for their clients’ projects as they do their own.

Tools for Indie Authors to Achieve Better Success

Wed, 20 May 2015 08:00:46 +0000

The big publishers and Amazon would like nothing more than to leave indie authors believing that there is no hope for them going forward. Even Smashwords has jumped on the “it’s only going to get harder for indie authors” bandwagon.

eBook Advice from the Experts

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 08:00:40 +0000

Looking for advice on selling, writing, marketing, and pricing your eBooks? We’ve gathered expert advice from around the web to help.

Derek Murphy: Format your eBook the right way.

Murphy offers great formatting tips for eBook authors, including this valuable advice: “The easiest way to make an ebook is to start by setting up your Word file the right way. Use line-indents, not tabs. Use the “heading1” style for all chapter titles, and check that a TOC is being made automatically. Set a new paragraph style for non-indents on the first chapter.”

eBook Length: Does It Matter?

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 23:35:40 +0000

Achieving the correct eBook length can be challenging for the novice indie author, but it’s really not about the length. It really must be about the quality first. The Future of Ink offers these guidelines:

Serial eBooks: Bringing Back a Popular Format

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 15:23:54 +0000

There's something wonderful about the anticipation of the continutation of a story from week to week, and serial eBooks are surging in popularity. Serial eBooks take advantage of an old approach to publishing that gained popularity with Charles Dickens, who published The Pickwick Papers and Hard Times as serials. The trend was continued in Germany and France by authors like Alexandre Dumas, who published both The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo as serials. In America, Harriet Beecher Stowe first published Uncle Tom's Cabin as a serial in the 1850s.

Non-Fiction eBooks: The Anthology eBook

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 08:00:47 +0000

As we wrap up our exploration of fiction eBook alternatives, one non-fiction eBook that can have you published in a relatively short period of time is the anthology eBook. Whether you obtain the rights to a collection of interviews that were conducted with your favorite musical artist, or collect a number of essays you previously wrote on related topics and tie them together, you can create and publish an anthology eBook rather quickly.

Non-Fiction eBooks: The Academic eBook

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:13:51 +0000

As we explore the variety of options available to indie eBook authors, one form of non-fiction eBook that is quickly becoming more popular is the academic eBook. The growth in online e-learning tools for “Generation Z” is exploding, and theirs will be the first generation to be more comfortable in a digital environment. Academic eBooks open an entire world up to the indie author, because there are virtually unlimited numbers of topics one can pursue.

Write a Non-Fiction eBook: The Travelogue

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 14:49:35 +0000

Not everyone has the opportunity to travel to interesting and exotic places, but if you are a global traveler, your experiences can be turned into a fascinating non-fiction eBook in the form of a travelogue. This image-intensive non-fiction eBook format can take a variety of forms, from sharing stories about your own adventures to providing guidance for those who wish to follow in your footsteps.

Getting Real: The Non-Fiction eBook Memoir

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 08:00:25 +0000

As we explore additional non-fiction eBook ideas that can help you get started as an indie author, one worth exploring is the memoir. Everyone has a story to tell, and the memoir lets you tell the one story you’re an expert at knowing: the story of you.

Quick and Easy: The Non-Fiction Recipe eBook

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:27:42 +0000

We’ve been talking about the types of non-fiction eBooks that might help a new indie author break into self-publishing. One area that has a lot of potential, a sort of sub-genre of the how-to eBook, is the non-fiction recipe eBook. Given the prediction that cookbooks will become extinct because of eBooks and apps, now may be the best time to publish your non-fiction recipe eBook.

Non-Fiction eBooks: The How-To eBook

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:07 +0000

We’ve been talking on the EditionGuard blog about the benefit of writing non-fiction eBooks for those indie authors who feel fiction is not their forte. One of the most popular forms of non-fiction eBooks – and one for which indie authors can find it very easy to get published – is the how-to eBook. The how-to eBook does exactly what it says: It teaches the reader how to do something. That “something” can be anything from “How to Dry Flowers” to “How to Build Your Own Greenhouse.”

Non-Fiction eBooks: The Writing Process

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 08:00:30 +0000

Before we begin exploring the specifics of each genre of non-fiction eBooks, there are some basics that apply to any non-fiction eBook project you undertake. The most important factor as a non-fiction indie author is voice. Instead of having characters to fill up scenes, your voice is going to be front and center and therefore critical to the process.

Alternatives to the Fiction eBook

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 08:00:45 +0000

You may have a desire to become an author and truly feel you have an eBook inside you, but maybe fiction isn’t your forte. If you’ve tried to make your way through characters and story arcs and simply aren’t getting anywhere, maybe you’re destined for the non-fiction world.

It’s NanoWriMo Time Again, eBook Authors!

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:22 +0000

It’s NaNoWriMo time! Have you written your eBook yet?

If you’re like many aspiring authors, procrastination can keep you from reaching your writing goals. It’s easy to let other life demands – work, kids, appointments – get in the way of you getting your story out. November is the month to change all that. November 1 was National Authors Day, and that kicks off a month dedicated to the ambition of helping authors get their eBooks written.

EditionGuard Resources for the Indie Author

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 18:57:09 +0000

Are you a new indie author who doesn’t know where to start, or have you written your first eBook but don’t know what you should do next?

No reason to worry! EditionGuard is a one-stop resource for indie authors, covering everything from how to write and format your eBook to how to market your eBook and make more sales. We even provide you with the software you need to safely sell your eBooks on your own website without having to pay royalties to someone else.

Writing Well

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 08:00:45 +0000

Writing well takes enormous effort. We’ve discussed the importance of employing the skills of a proofreader and editor to help you create the best possible eBook. The reason we emphasize proofreading and editing so much is that because the better you write, the more professional you will appear, the more seriously you’ll be taken, and the more likely you’ll be to actually sell what you write.

Should I Write Under a Pen Name?

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 08:00:21 +0000

Samuel Clemens became Mark Twain. Stephen King wrote as Richard Bachman. Anne Rice wrote as A. N. Roquelaure, Dean Koontz was also Aaron Wolfe. Even Benjamin Franklin had his alter ego, Alice Addertongue.

There are a number of reasons you may wish to write under a pen name. Perhaps you’re writing erotica and don’t want the people you work with to know it’s you writing. Perhaps you want to write in multiple genres but feel your readers wouldn’t overlap.

Keep Writing

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:39:26 +0000

While we’d love to say that every indie author immediately becomes a bestseller, can quit their day job, and write full time, the truth is not so simple.

Many indie authors will achieve modest success. Some will not be successful. Most have the potential for success but not the wherewithal to invest properly in accomplishing it to any degree.

Write an eBook That Can Demand a Higher Price

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 08:00:18 +0000

If you’re trying to write an eBook that will demand a higher price, consider writing eBooks that fit into high-demand areas. There are specific niches that have high demand and low quantity, and eBooks published in these niches tend to be able to demand higher prices.

The Benefit of Starting Your eBook with an Outline

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 17:11:25 +0000

Sometimes, we all just want to get to the fun part, and for authors, that can be sitting down and writing the eBook. But if your eBook is more than 10 pages long, is a fiction eBook with a plot and characters, or offers how-to advice, you might be better off beginning the eBook writing process by writing an outline.

Should I Join an Indie Author Group?

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:00:12 +0000

Indie authors benefit from the digital publishing revolution by being able to bring their eBooks to market without the hoop-jumping required of print book authors, but being an indie author can feel rather isolating. Instead of having agents and publishers at your beck and call, you are pretty much going it alone, and that can be frustrating. Writing is already an independent effort, and devoid of outside support, it can be easy to feel disconnected from the rest the world.

How Much Does It Cost to Write an eBook?

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 20:22:21 +0000

The cost to write an eBook varies from indie author to indie author. Of course, the actual writing of the eBook costs nothing. If you already have a laptop and word processing software, you can simply sit down and begin writing. There are costs, however:

EditionGuard: A One-Stop Resource for Indie Authors

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:33:57 +0000

EditionGuard is in the business of helping indie authors be more successful, both by providing the technology that allows you to sell your eBooks yourself and by providing the resources you need for strategy, marketing, and selling your eBook successfully. Here is a round up of some of our best advice.

What Do the Most Successful Indie Authors Do to Succeed?

Wed, 04 Jun 2014 19:38:28 +0000

If you talk to any writer who is selling well, you’ll discover that they have followed a recipe of sorts that has contributed to their success. We’ve talked to hundreds of indie authors, and what we’ve found is that three core principles successful writers adhere to, no matter what.

A World without Maya Angelou

Wed, 28 May 2014 18:00:26 +0000

All writers, whether print or digital, mourn the passing of Maya Angelou. Is there a person in the world she did not touch or inspire in some way? Her manner of inspiring hope and her ability to work magic with words will be missed.

Advice from Indie Authors Who’ve Made It

Fri, 23 May 2014 08:00:18 +0000

We have compiled some great advice from indie authors who have had success with digital publishing. One of the things we advise indie authors to do is learn from those who have blazed the trail!

eBook Writing: Better Writing = Better Selling

Wed, 21 May 2014 08:00:25 +0000

While it’s not always true that better writing leads to better selling, in most cases, the effort you put into your writing will pay off in terms of loyal fans and readers who evangelize about your eBook.

The Biggest eBook Mistakes

Fri, 16 May 2014 18:38:37 +0000

The biggest eBook mistakes – the ones that cause readers to stop reading and move on to the next author or skip your eBook entirely – have less to do with what format you choose or what your cover looks like and more to do with grammar.