How to Start a eBook Store Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Hey there! Thinking of starting an eBook business? I’ve got the inside scoop.
Selling eBooks online is easier than ever these days. I should know — I launched my own eBook store last year and it’s been awesome.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to start your own eBook business, step-by-step. I’ll share what worked for me, what didn’t, and how to avoid common mistakes. Sound good? Let’s dive in!
Should you sell your own eBooks or others’?
First big decision — will you sell eBooks you wrote yourself or sell other authors’ books?
If you’re an author, I’d start with your own eBooks. Once you get the hang of it, add other authors’ books later to expand your catalog.
If you’re not an author, an eBook marketplace selling many authors’ books may be the way to go. More hassle, but you can offer readers more variety.
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Don’t forget the legal stuff!
I know, paperwork is no fun. But take care of these essential legal steps first:
- Register your business name
- Form an LLC or corporation
- Get sales tax permits and licenses
- Review eBook selling laws — yes, there are special ones!
Better to get it over with now than scramble later.
What’s the best sales platform?
You need somewhere to actually sell your eBooks. Here’s how to decide:
Your own website — more control, but lots of work to build. Shopify and WooCommerce are good options.
eBook marketplaces — easier to start on Amazon, Apple Books, etc. But they take commissions.
Mix of both — what I did. Start on Amazon, then add your own site later.
No right or wrong answer, just personal preference!
Creating eye-catching eBook files
Now for the fun part — making awesome eBooks!
For your own eBooks:
- Format your manuscript professionally
- Design an amazing cover
- Convert to proper eBook file types
For other authors’ eBooks, ask them to provide their files. Most will be happy to share!
Pricing — find the eBook sweet spot
How much should you charge? Consider:
- Book length
- Your costs
- Competitor pricing
- What readers will pay
For fiction, $2.99 — $9.99 tends to sell well. Testing different prices helps!
For others’ eBooks, ask their suggested retail price. Adjust if needed for your audience.
Get the word out!
You’ve got eBooks ready to go — but they won’t sell themselves! Marketing time:
- Optimize eBook listings for search engines
- Run promotions and advertise on social media
- Send newsletters with deals to email subscribers
- Get reviews from book reviewers and influencers
- Pitch guest articles and interviews to blogs
It takes work, but it pays off. Slowly build your audience!
Keep growing your business
Once you gain traction, sky’s the limit! You can:
- Release more eBooks
- Add more authors and titles
- Offer box sets, audio books, subscriptions
- Create physical products based on your eBooks
- Build a full ecommerce website
- Partner with traditional publishers
The more books you sell, the more you can expand. Onward and upward!
I hope this beginner’s guide has you excited to launch your own eBook empire. Let me know if you have any other questions — I’m happy to help!
Wishing you huge success selling eBooks online. You’ve totally got this!
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eBook Store Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting an online eBook store does come with some common questions. Here are answers to some of the key FAQs:
Q: Do I need any special tech skills or experience to start an eBook business?
A: The great thing about eBook stores is that you don’t need extensive technical knowledge to get started. The platforms available handle most of the backend work for you. You’ll just need basic computer skills. Some familiarity with marketing online is helpful but you can always learn as you go.
Q: How much does it cost to start an eBook store?
A: One of the appeals of an eBook business is the relatively low start-up costs. Especially if you begin selling your eBooks on a major marketplace, you may only need a few hundred dollars to cover initial expenses like book production and advertising costs. Starting your own ecommerce store will require more investment but can still be done fairly affordably these days.
Q: How do I get eBook files from authors to sell in my store?
A: Most indie authors are excited by the prospect of getting their eBooks distributed to new audiences. You can reach out to them directly to request their files and authorization to sell their titles. Many will already have eBook files ready to go. Establishing a straightforward legal agreement upfront is recommended to make this process smooth for both parties.
Q: Is it difficult to get eBooks approved on big marketplaces like Amazon and Apple Books?
A: The good news is the major eBook platforms have streamlined the process for sellers in recent years. Especially for fiction eBook titles, the approval process is typically fast and straightforward. Just make sure your eBook files are properly formatted based on their guidelines. Non-fiction eBooks with more complex elements may require a closer look.
Q: How much can I expect to make from eBook sales?
A: Earnings will vary based on the number of titles you have available, your marketing efforts, and more. Many independent authors make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a month from their eBook sales through various distribution channels. With consistent promotion and building your catalog over time, your earning potential can keep growing.
