The idea of answring your FAQs with an e-book is great. It's exactly why I put together the Worthy Writer's Guide and the Query Writing Workshop. It's just less time consuming. I answer those same questions all the time, and I like helping, but it can suck up my day if I get too many questions.

I love the idea of giving it away to clients. Super idea!

Cathy — My first paid e-book was a 20 page e-book on press release writing specifically for online distribution. It was 18-20 pages long. It sold for $17 at the time. And it was set up less for the money and more to clear my inbox.

I got tired of answering the same questions over and over again (and dealing with the same misconceptions) from clients and prospects back when I ran the PR firm. So one day I decided I'd save myself some headaches and bring in a few extra bucks by selling a short e-book on the topic instead of addressing the issues via email anymore. It brought in more money than I expected, but also drastically increased the demand for my press release writing services.

Now I give that e-book away for free as a marketing tool simply because I don't want to be bothered with continual updates dealing with the ever changing online PR landscape. It still brings new prospects to me regularly about freelance writing work.

So if you want to figure out a nonfiction e-book topic based on the area where you provide the most value, I'd suggest looking at your own FAQs. What do people always seem to want to know? How much time do you spend answering those questions on an individual basis? If it's more than you'd like, consider selling a report or e-book on the topic instead.

There's also absolutely nothing wrong with free e-books as marketing tools (no moreso than any other marketing-related writing you might do). The trick there is to come up with a plan that will still let you earn from the e-book even if not directly. In the case of freelancing, that's usually through service contracts where the e-book generates leads. You can increase those conversions by treating them almost like white papers — keep it informational throughout and not self-promotional, but tack on a one-page at the end with info about your services, a special discount, etc. that might entice people to contact you.

The "secret" is that you need to teach readers something valuable and things they can act on themselves. That's what shows them how difficult doing your job right really is, and it makes hiring a pro much more palatable once they've given it a go on their own with less than ideal results.

Jake — Oh wow. That used to be my favorite book. Lost my old copy in a house fire years ago and it was just one of those things that never got replaced. Might be time for a new order and a re-read. 🙂

Lisa, I'm glad I surprised you. 🙂 I think you've hit on your own value quite well, too. Those interview skills and that specialty are something to build on.

Anne, great minds indeed. 🙂 I think we're linked cosmically anyway, so this doesn't surprise me.

hugs

Although I'm nowhere near monetizing my content in the form of an e-book or web course, I do think I have a decent grasp on my value as a writer. Most of my expertise lies in writing for the real estate industry. Plus, I've honed my interviewing skills down to a science. I very rarely have to call a source back for follow-up questions.

I love posts like this, Lori. You do a great job of getting us to think about seemingly straightforward topics in a new and interesting way.

When it comes to what I like doing best, I strive to live in the moment. At the risk of sounding Pollyannaish, I love learning about all the interesting businesses out there, and seeing what works and what doesn't, who's successful and why. Frankly, it's easier for me to define the things I don't like (PR, high-maintenance clients). I can't remember if I've cited Still Life with Woodpecker here before, but anyway: "There are two mantras: Yum and Yuck. Mine is Yum."

Paula, that's an interesting take, and I increasingly notice that effect in the high schoolers I coach in rowing. But, the good thing is that rowing, as with freelancing, will teach you humility in a hurry.

Ashley, I think maybe the answer is that not everyone has an e-book in them. Reliability is a HUGE benefit. I remember my first job on a newspaper. The editor kept calling me for more work. Her words – "You're reliable." I didn't have to be the best writer. I just needed to be the one who did what she promised every time. There's your value, too. 🙂

Devon, let me guess – you're 3/4 of the way through, aren't you? I remember reading a post by Tess Gerritsen. She said that it was the point in each book manuscript where she would start to doubt herself or struggle with her story. Her agent pointed it out. 🙂

You are excellent at engaging readers. And that's a great way to put it – "Make the personal universal and the universal personal." I'm embroidering that on my pillow so it's on my mind when I go to sleep and wake up.

I'd pick you first, Paula. 🙂

I'm all for writers wanting to make money off their knowledge, but to many it seems they put out their shingles just because it seems like an easy thing to do. I struggled with the decision for a few years before making the leap. I had to be pushed. A few friends kept saying "You need to stop giving it away!"

I can't. It's how I'm wired. 🙂

Yeah. I was the kid who was always last to be picked for teams in gym class. That may color my perspective on the subject.

I'm good at engaging readers with interesting characters. That's what sells my fiction, and that translates well into business writing. Make the personal universal and the universal personal.

And I deserve to be paid a living wage for that skill.