How to Write an eBook with No Prior Experience

When I finally sat down to write my first book, I didn’t have a fancy writing degree. I didn’t even know what a copyright page was supposed to look like. I just had an idea. A story. A problem I wanted to help someone solve. That was it.

I had no clue where to begin, but I knew one thing: I wanted to get it done. And not just write it. I wanted to publish it. I didn’t care about book publishers or traditional paths, I just wanted it out there. Make a little income from it, even if it was just enough to buy my favorite coffee.

This guide is everything I’ve learned and everything you need to know to go from idea to eBook with no background in publishing. Let’s get into it.

Start With the Rough Draft of Your Story

This part is going to feel messy. And that’s okay.

You are not going to open up a blank document and magically write the perfect book in one sitting. Nobody does. What you need is a draft. And not even a good one.

Just type. Let your brain spill out everything it’s thinking about the book. It can be bullet points, half-written scenes or notes like “insert funny joke here” or “this part sucks.”

If you’re stuck wondering how to write an ebook, this is where it starts.

Ask yourself a few simple questions to get the ideas flowing:

• What would I love to see happen in this book?
• What excites me about this story or topic?
• What’s interesting about my character or theme?

Step Back Before You Edit

Once the rough draft is out, step away from it. Seriously. Then come back and look at your draft with fresh eyes. This is the stage where you start shaping your words into something a reader could enjoy. 

Read it out loud. Does anything sound weird? Does something make you pause or get confused? Highlight those parts.

Pro Tip: Don’t nitpick every word. You’re building structure now, smoothing it out. Be gentle with yourself here.

Refine It Into the Final Version

Your messy draft is slowly becoming a book.

Now edit in layers. Don’t try to fix everything at once. Read, pause, tweak, reread. Use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway App, or even ask a friend to read a few chapters.

And don’t forget: you can hire help. Beta readers, editors, or even ghostwriters are just a few clicks away if you’re stuck. 

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

One of the biggest myths out there is that you need to be a professional writer or have a publishing background.

You don’t.

If you can talk to a friend about your favorite hobby or share tips with a coworker, you can write an eBook. You just need to organize your thoughts and stay consistent.

Pick a Topic That Actually Sells

If your goal is to sell your book, you need to find a topic people care about.

Start by listing things you know well or love to learn about. Parenting, budgeting, skincare, anxiety tips, etc. Then check Amazon, Google, or even Pinterest. What are people searching for? Where do you see questions being asked?

Format It So It Looks Professional

Readers judge a book by its cover and its layout.

• Use clear fonts. 
• Create a title page. 
• Add a clickable table of contents. 
• Make sure each chapter starts on a new page. 
• Use formatting tools like Atticus or Vellum if you’re doing it yourself.

You can also hire someone from Fiverr to format it for you. 

Design a Cover That Actually Attracts Clicks

Your cover is your book’s first impression.

You don’t need flashy graphics or bestseller stickers. All you need is something clean and on-theme. Use Canva if you’re doing it yourself, or hire a designer.

Note: Please don’t skip this step. Even the best book will be ignored if it looks messy.

Publish It Where People Can Find It

The easiest option is Amazon KDP.

It’s beginner-friendly, free to use, and your book will show up in searches almost immediately. But it’s not the only choice. You can also publish on:

• Apple Books
• Kobo
• Google Play
• Barnes & Noble
• Draft2Digital (to distribute everywhere at once)

Set the Right Price

For most eBooks, $2.99 to $4.99 is the sweet spot. It’s affordable for readers and gives you up to 70% royalty on Amazon.

Check similar books in your niche to see what they charge. You can always change the price later. Start smart and adjust as you go.

Learn the Basics of Copyright and ISBNs

Your book is automatically protected by copyright when you write it. If you want extra protection, you can register it, but it’s optional.

Marketing (The Part You Shouldn’t Skip)

Publishing your book is only half the journey. You need to tell people about it.

Start simple:

• Share your writing journey on Instagram or TikTok
• Create a landing page with a free chapter or tip sheet
• Join Facebook groups related to your topic

You just need to show up, share your book, and stay consistent.

Final Tip: Avoid Perfection Paralysis

If you’ve been researching for months and still haven’t started, pause. Ask yourself:

What am I afraid of?

You don’t need to know everything before you begin. Your first book won’t be your best. And that’s okay. It just needs to be done.

Don’t compare yourself to authors with 12 titles and years of experience. 

You Can Do This

If you’ve made it this far in the blog, then you already have what it takes to write and publish your eBook in 2025. Avoid perfection. Be brave enough to start, patient enough to finish, and smart enough to learn along the way. Your story or message is worth telling. And your first book might be the beginning of something bigger than you imagine. So don’t overthink it. Write an eBook