A white paper on eBook selling trends, techniques and requirements. To learn more and start selling eBooks, visit https://www.payloadz.com

1. PayLoadz
The Business of Selling EBooks
A white paper on eBook selling trends, techniques and
requirements
www.payloadz.com
3/24/2013

2. Table of Contents
TRENDS DEFINING EBOOK SALES 3
WRITING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS 4
MARKETING FOR BETTER SALES 4
Get the Packaging Right 5
Concentrate on Social Media 5
Generate and Utilize Reviews to Your Benefit 5
Use Multiple Sales Options 5
SELECTING A SALES PLATFORM 5
BIBLIOGRAPHY 7

3. Trends Defining EBook Sales
Some of the factors fueling the growth of eBooks and their sales are the availability of affordable titles,
increased penetration of e-reading devices, accessibility along with mobility and ease of self-publishing.
According to a survey by Pew Research Center, nearly one-third of the U.S. adult population uses either
an eBook reader or a tablet.
The popularity of e-readers will increase steadily and, it is estimated that by 2015, there will be 57
million people with e-readers,which will be almost a quarter of the U.S. adult population (eMarketer,
2012).
EBooks are gradually taking a lead over other forms of media, including hardcover books According to
Online Publisher Association, 35 percent of tablet owners bought eBooks, much more than any other
form of media such as movies, TV shows and newspaper subscriptions.

4. A major factor in the rising sales of eBooks is the availability at affordable prices, thanks to the
tremendous growth in self-published books. Between 2006 and 2011, self-published books increased by
a staggering 287 percent, with more than 211,000 self-published titles coming out in 2011.
Self-publishing allows authors to keep their prices much lower than traditional publishers.Because
buyers perceive eBooks as having lower value than physical books, keeping a lower price helps increase
sales. Today, most self-published eBooks are available for less than $2.99, and some bestsellers are
available for under $10.
The growth of eBooks is not just a U.S.-based phenomenon. The eBook market has expanded to China,
Russia, Japan and India, opening more doors for publishers and self-publishers to make money by selling
eBooks.
As indicated by these trends, the future seems promising for eBooks. In fact, the entire eBook
ecosystem, right from authors to sellers and e-delivery platforms to e-reading devices, is poised for
tremendous growth in the years to come.
Writing for the Right Reasons
A writer creates for a reader; however, writing for your own benefit is just as important. Roughly, 81
percent of Americans believe they have a book they could write or have someone write for them
(Herther, 2013). The reason is simply fascination. Everyone has a story to share, and many people wish
to record it for future generations. Before you start writing, consider what story you have to tell, the
meaning behind the story, whether it's a learning experience you want to share or whether you want to
record an important moment in your life. If you can find a lesson, theme or value for your eBook
content, someone else can too. Authors are successful when they have a story that brings readers in.
Comedic situations, heartwarming tales or a niche topic means a successful book.
Picking the right title and genre for the story you have to tell are the next challenges you need to
overcome. Does the title fit the book's content? Will the title catch a reader's eye? Did you place the
book in the proper genre? A semi-autobiography with names and certain events changed for more
reader interest requires a fiction genre. Use your experiences to choose a proper genre, which includes
mysteries or sci-fi thrillers.
Before you seek publishing avenues and marketing, it is essential to gain feedback. Writer's conferences,
seminars and writing courses show you whether there will be interest in your eBook. Fellow writers can
also suggest grammar and style corrections. Let the participants in seminars tell you whether the title,
genre and content work for them.
Marketing for Better Sales
Marketing is the key to achieve greater sales for your eBook. Creating a great eBook with a proper title is
only the beginning.

5. Get the Packaging Right
Packaging an eBook refers to creating an attractive cover to draw attention and using a well-written
description to convince people to buy the eBook. The cover is what most buyers will see before they
look at the title or download a sample chapter. EBook descriptions are as necessary as the cover
because they give the reader a clear idea of what the eBook is about. Write a professional description to
let people know why they would enjoy the book.
Concentrate on Social Media
People often rely on recommendations before they buy books. When you have a new eBook ready for
sale, announce it on social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Take that a step further
by offering the first chapter for free. The first chapter should also be available on your website. Even
famous authors, such as Nora Roberts, offer the first chapter on their official websites. A good example
of shares on Twitter would be 160 characters of your most interesting or attention-grabbing line. You
remember Charles Dickens’ opening sentence, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," for a
reason: it was intriguing and contained an extreme contrast between the two subjects. J.K. Rowling used
"The Boy who Lives" as her first chapter title, which gained the attention of many people. The title is
interesting and captures your attention. Use your writing skills on social media activity to make people
notice.
Generate and Utilize Reviews to Your Benefit
People look for reviews before buying a book. It’s no different with eBooks. Reviews can be a great
advantage, particularly if you have an influential person review your book before it is released for sale.
The comments can become part of the eBook and can act as a convincing tool. Reviews can also be
secured from bloggers who review books and from buyers who have bought and read the book. The
reviews should be highlighted on your website and sales pages. Reviews should be genuine; otherwise,
the buyers will be turned off, and the credibility will be lost.
Use Multiple Sales Options
One important component in marketing is placement. You need to get as many eyeballs as possible to
sell eBooks successfully. The way to achieve that is to be present at most of the websites frequented by
eBook buyers and not just be limited to selling on your website. This works similarly to selling hardcover
books in several stores. Some of the most popular eBook stores include Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, eBay,
iTunes Store, Google Play and the PayLoadz Store. By being present on all or most of these stores, you
ensure that you are not losing any opportunity for selling your eBook. While it may sound confusing and
complex to maintain presence on multiple stores, sales platform are available that can help you do that.
Selecting a Sales Platform
A sales platform helps you sell eBooks, process payments and deliver eBooks to buyers.

6. A sales platform makes it simple for your customers to buy eBooks. At the beginning, you may have only
one or two eBooks to sell. But you can always add more eBooks as you get them finished. Whether the
buyer finds your eBook on your website or through your listing on eBay and other web pages, you need
tools to make the purchase process functional.
With automated delivery, the buyer receives the eBook immediately instead of waiting on you to
process the purchase request.
The sales platform that you choose should have the following features:
 An easy-to-use process to upload and publish your eBook sales listing
 A way that allows selling an eBook on your website, other sites and popular eBook stores
 Marketing tools for increasing popularity and sales
 Automated delivery of eBooks
 Multiple payment gateway choices
PayLoadz is one of the sales platforms available to you. It is a full-service sales platform for selling
eBooks as well as other digital content such as audiobooks and videos. With PayLoadz, uploading your
eBook, creating a store listing and marketing the book are easy and quick.
Writing an eBook takes time and dedication. To ensure your hard work is not lost, you need a sales
platform and marketing techniques that help readers find and buy your eBook. You can then become
successful making money selling eBooks.
Find us at www.payloadz.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/payloadz Twitter:www.twitter.com/payloadz

7. Bibliography
eMarketer.com. (2012, 8 14).Epublishing Rapidly Expands Uncertainty. Retrieved 3 18, 2013, from
eMarketer.com: http://www.emarketer.com/newsroom/index.php/epublishing-rapidly-expands-
uncertainty/
eMarketer.com. (2011, 6 15).Growing Device Markets Mean Opportunities for Publishers, Marketers.
Retrieved 3 18, 2013, from eMarketer.com: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Growing-Device-
Markets-Mean-Opportunities-Publishers-Marketers/1008442
Herther, N. (2013, 1 17).Ebook Trends 2013-The New World of Ebook Publishing. Retrieved 3 18, 2013,
from Information Today, Inc.: http://newsbreaks.infotoday.com/NewsBreaks/Ebook-Trends--The-New-
World-of-Ebook-Publishing-87181.asp
Herther, N. (2013, 1 10).Ebook Trends 2013-The Transformation Accelerates. Retrieved 3 18, 2013, from
Information Today, Inc.: http://newsbreaks.infotoday.com/NewsBreaks/Ebook-Trends--The-
Transformation-Accelerates-87062.asp