What you need to publish an e-book

An eBook comes with advantages like reduced costs and the potential of reaching a wider audience. [Photo: Courtesy]

Any author looking to get published has two main options: approaching a publisher and producing a hard copy; or publishing a digital copy, an eBook. An eBook comes with advantages like reduced costs and the potential of reaching a wider audience. There are also numerous online platforms through which you can market your book. We spoke to Kaari Magara, the author of Jipange Jikoni, an eBook, for tips on getting started.

What you’ll need

1. Capital

The cost of publishing your eBook will depend on how much you’re willing to outsource and how much you do yourself.

For a design that’s not too complicated and a topic that doesn’t need specialized editing, you can expect to spend about Sh60,000 for a 150-page eBook.

2. A strong topic

Write on a topic you’re knowledgeable or passionate about. “I’ve always been interested in creative food recipes, so I decided to put my ideas down in a book,” says Kaari, who sells her book at Sh500.

She adds that there are two crucial factors that push book sales: author authority and credibility. Therefore, it’s important that you know your topic well and can prove your credibility. Consider building a following on social media to showcase your authority before launching your eBook.

3. Editing

“If you choose to edit your eBook, do it in phases. After the first edit, step away from the book for a couple of days, and then do a second edit. Follow this up with a third edit if necessary. This allows you to approach the book with fresh eyes,” Kaari says.

You can also outsource editing services to freelance editors who charge anything between Sh200 and Sh2,500 per page, depending on the topic. You can also find editors on online sites like Fiverr or Up work, where you pay per hour.

4. A quality cover

Your book will be judged by its cover, and Kaari advises that you make it a good one. Have any photos and the design professionally done. Again, you can hire graphic designers off online sites or contact one locally. Kaari says her book cover design cost her Sh2,500.

5. eBook formatting

For the book design, if you know how to, you can do the layout yourself or hire someone. The charges will depend on the designer you get, but you can expect to pay Sh30,000 for a 150-page novel, or Sh80,000 for a full-colour magazine where the designer comes up with the concept and layout.

Publishing platforms require that you upload a formatted file, which your designer will give you. The most common file extension is. ePub; on Amazon, go for .mobi.