Why E-Books Often Fail to Succeed
The medium of e-books is a good vehicle for sharing knowledge and expertise. Yet many authors who venture into this space do not find the success they expected. Most of us likely have a friend or friend-of-a-friend who has authored an e-book. More often than not, these individuals have not attained bestseller-level status, nor have they made a dent in the royalty checks that spill forth from the publishing treadmill.
1. Types of E-Book Distributors
The three main types of e-book distributors are these: – Generalists: They deal with a wide array of subjects and have no specific niche. – Trend Followers: They write about what they think is trending rather than what they love or know well. – Passion-Driven: They write about what they love and know really well, often taking the advice of online experts about what to write. Despite the merits of each type, they often fail to connect with readers because their books lack focus and, more importantly, relevance.
2. The Importance of Unique Content
To produce an e-book that catches the eye, it is essential to set it apart from the usual “how-to” manuals found on the internet. Writers should strive to incorporate an offbeat angle or some sort of “bait” that lures in prospective readers. This could entail tackling problems that are more or less common to all of us at some time or another.
3. Targeting a Helpless Readership
Numerous people are searching for answers to their problems—be they financial, deeply personal, or related to the professional sphere. Authors can address the following issues and hit the sweet spot of a market that’s hungry for the answers they provide:
– Financial Struggles: Subjects like foreclosure, bankruptcy, or credit repair can bring in readers in desperate need of help.
– Pet Training: Solutions for common pet behavior problems can appeal to many fed-up pet owners.
– Weight Loss: This perennial topic remains one of the most popular out there, and the combination of various diet strategies can fill a compelling e-book.
– Cost-Cutting Strategies: E-books that just offer plain ol’ good advice on how to cut costs and save money can resonate with a financially pressed audience.
– Selling on Amazon: Many people want to make money in e-commerce; do e-books on this topic make any sense?
– Legal Guidance: This is another one of those invaluable, “This might save my life (or at least a lot of money)” topics.
– Investment Advice: Newbies looking for someone to hold their hands through the stock market strategy jungle might prove a good opportunity for you.
– Relationship Help: Many people want help in making sense of their love lives.
– Personal Issues: Many e-books dealing with personal problems can and do sell quite well.
4. Understanding Audience Needs
Various demographics have specialized sets of informational needs. For example: – Adolescents: Might look for advice on gaming or relationships. – Young Professionals: Often seek wisdom on career advancement and stress management. – Parents: Frequently look for a compass when it comes to raising children or dealing with a myriad of parenting challenges. – The Baby Boom Generation: Looks for all kinds of retirement planning advice.
5. Creating Relevant Content
E-books that deal with urgent matters and offer sound, actionable solutions are the ones most likely to succeed. Readers purchase e-books in large part because they promise to help them solve the problems that currently plague them. Put another way, aspiring e-book authors should invest their time and energy in producing content that is not just good but also addresses the really “urgent” needs of their e-book’s specific target audience. By plumbing the depths of the “really common” problems that a certain group of people faces and then surfacing with viable, valuable solutions, would-be e-book authors can greatly enhance their e-book’s chances of achieving success.
