How To Get eBooks To Sell Online

Introduction.

eBooks are everywhere. They’re convenient and accessible, and for those interested in selling online, they represent a low-cost, high-potential way to build an income stream.

But if you’re just starting, you might wonder: how exactly do I get eBooks to sell online? And once you have them, what’s the best way to sell them effectively?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from sourcing and creating eBooks to selecting platforms and optimizing your sales approach. I’ll even go over some of the common questions that pop up along the way.

Whether you’re an author looking to self-publish or a savvy entrepreneur planning to build an eBook shop, this guide has something for you.

How Do I Get eBooks To Sell Online?

1. Write Your eBooks

Creating your eBook has a few advantages, like total ownership and customization, allowing you to sell it across platforms without licensing restrictions.

Plus, the control over branding, style, and content means you can cater to a specific niche and even update it whenever necessary.

However, writing your eBook requires a solid understanding of the topic, time for research, and perhaps some writing skills or outsourcing for editing and design. Here are the steps to create one:

Research Popular Topics: Use tools like Google Trends or Amazon’s Best Sellers to see what topics are in demand.
Plan and Write: Outline the structure, then start writing.
Design: Invest in a cover and layout design (Canva offers user-friendly tools, while Fiverr and Upwork have affordable designers).
Format Properly: Most eBook platforms require formats like EPUB, MOBI, or PDF.

2. Buy Private Label Rights (PLR) eBooks

Another option is to purchase Private Label Rights (PLR) eBooks, which you can edit, rebrand, and sell as your own.

This option is faster than writing from scratch but be mindful—PLR content can be low-quality or overused, so it’s important to tweak it for originality.

Where to Find PLR eBooks:

IDPLR: One of the largest PLR sources, offering packages on various topics.
PLR.me: Specializes in self-help and wellness topics.
ThePLRStore: Offers PLR content in diverse niches.

Cost: Prices can vary from as low as $10 to over $100 for certain bundles.

3. Partner with Authors or Purchase Licensing Rights

Partnering with independent authors or purchasing specific licensing rights allows you to sell higher-quality eBooks without writing them yourself.

You can work out a royalty or commission-based arrangement, which often proves mutually beneficial.

Where Do I Sell eBooks Online?

Once you’ve got your eBooks ready, it’s time to choose the right platform to sell them. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon’s KDP platform is the largest eBook marketplace globally, making it a great choice for new sellers.

KDP lets you reach a massive audience, and its ease of use means you can upload and start selling within days.

Pros: Huge customer base, streamlined publishing process, flexible royalty options.
Cons: Highly competitive, and Amazon takes a significant commission (35–70%).

2. Etsy

Though known for handmade crafts, Etsy has grown popular for digital products, including eBooks. Etsy allows you to target niche markets, which can be great if your eBooks cover unique topics or interests.

Pros: Ideal for niche markets, supportive community, relatively low competition for digital products.
Cons: Requires active marketing to stand out, transaction fees can add up.

3. Your Website

Selling eBooks directly from your website gives you complete control over pricing, branding, and customer interactions. Shopify and WooCommerce are popular tools that integrate eCommerce with your website.

Pros: Full control, no commissions, and you can build an email list for future marketing.
Cons: Requires more setup and maintenance, plus marketing efforts to drive traffic.

4. Gumroad

Gumroad is a simple-to-use platform specifically designed for creators selling digital goods. It takes care of payment processing, file delivery, and customer management, making it a good choice if you want a hassle-free solution.

Pros: Easy to use, good for beginners, customizable pricing.
Cons: Gumroad takes a small percentage of each sale, and customization options are limited.

How To Price eBooks

Setting the right price can be tricky. Here are a few factors to consider:

Research Your Market: Check competitors’ prices on platforms like Amazon and Etsy to gauge a reasonable range.
Consider Your Value: If you’re an expert or have niche knowledge, a higher price may be justifiable.
Experiment: Many sellers find success by testing different price points and tracking sales.

A popular starting point is around $2.99 to $9.99, which keeps it affordable for readers while allowing you to earn decent royalties.

Marketing Tips for Selling eBooks

Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are great places to showcase snippets or benefits of your eBook.
Email Marketing: Building an email list allows you to engage directly with potential buyers. Tools like MailChimp and ConvertKit can help.
Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords in your title, description, and promotional content to improve visibility on search engines.

Pros and Cons of Selling eBooks

Pros:

Low Overhead: No physical inventory or shipping costs.
Passive Income Potential: Once published, eBooks can generate income with minimal upkeep.
Scalable: Sell as many copies as you want without additional costs.

Cons:

High Competition: Especially on platforms like Amazon, standing out can be challenging.
Marketing Required: To achieve steady sales, a consistent marketing strategy is essential.
Quality Standards: With low barriers to entry, buyers expect high-quality content, so investing in editing and design is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to create an eBook?

A: Costs can range from $0 if you do everything yourself, to $100–$500 or more for professional design, editing, and formatting. PLR eBooks typically cost around $10–$50 per title.

Q: How much can I make selling eBooks?

A: It depends on factors like pricing, niche, and marketing. Some creators make a few hundred dollars a month, while top sellers earn six figures annually. Building a reliable audience and sales funnel is key.

Q: Are there specific niches that sell better than others?

A: Popular niches include self-help, personal finance, health and wellness, business, and technology. However, even small niches can be profitable if there’s a dedicated audience.

Q: Do I need an ISBN to sell my eBook?

A: An ISBN isn’t required on platforms like Amazon KDP, but having one can be beneficial if you plan to distribute widely or offer the eBook on multiple platforms.