Write an Ebook: How Are Books
and Blogs Alike?

How do business bloggers write an ebook? The same way a chef creates a gourmet meal or a singer delivers a concert. One step at a time.

Anytime I think about starting a large project, however,  I start to put it off because – well, it’s just so huge! One way to go around this is to break it down to simple chunks. That’s why it’s easier for me if I think of it like blog writing…

Blog writing (and ebook writing and cooking and concerts) starts with passion, connects with an audience need, involves planning and revision, collaboration with technicians, and finally the project is delivered.

To me, writing a blog post is a micro version of ebook writing. It looks like this:

1. As a professional, I feel a passionate drive to broadcast an important message to my readers
2. I know the people in my audience tell me they are frustrated about something
3. I usually write a list of solutions that help with this problem
4. I research to find out more about this
5. I write a new post, optimize it for keyword phrases, format it, add an image and write a catchy title
6. I publish the blog post
7. I update my social media sites, usually by asking people an evocative question and linking back to the blog

So what’s holding you back from writing your expert ebook? I know you have the passion, most of you have clearly defined purpose… so where do you get stuck?

I’ve had a few phone calls lately from some very accomplished consultants who all feel passionate about their expertise. They know they need to write and publish a book. They all have a strong message. But they simply don’t find the time to take action steps. I understand.

So I ask them to chunk it down: write a list of three to five messages or stories. I usually know which people are serious about writing a book. It’s easy for them to make a list.

Others never call me back. Or they email with their reasons they can’t do it now.

I’ll close with a great quote from a new book by Judith Briles, founder of AuthorU, Snappy Sassy, Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers:

“Stop stabbing yourself in your author back! You cannot afford to kiss off one more day with Internet book marketing denial. The cyber gods have made it so easy for you to be so outstanding.” ~ Judith Briles, AuthorU.org.