In the first article of this series, you chose the topic of your ebook. Now it’s time for the next step in the writing process: researching your topic.
You might be thinking, “I don’t need to research the subject. I’m writing an ebook to show my expertise.” While this may be true, we need to remember research isn’t always about learning something new.
Realistically, research falls into six categories:
- Assembling what you have.
- Evaluating related, or competitive, material.
- Determining audience expectations.
- Roughing an outline.
- Identifying gaps.
- Doing the work of research. (Or paying someone to do it for you.)
At first glance, this might look like a lot of work. In reality, you (or you and your team) should be able to do the first five steps in a couple of hours. Steps one through five are really about organizing what you know and uncovering what you might need to know.
The time you need for step six will vary. You might find it an involved process if you find you do need to do a little added research. Alternatively, you might find you have everything and can skip it altogether.
Let’s take a closer look at each of those six categories.
Step 1. Assemble What You Have.
Since you’re already knowledgeable or an expert on the subject, you already have a wealth of knowledge available. Your first step is to gather it.
Your knowledge exists in three places: the material you’ve already written, research and corresponding notes you’ve already done and organized, and your brain.
So, collect every piece you’ve written on the subject first. Next, get any relevant research material you’ve used in the past. Now, review it.
Make notes and even itemize every topic. Once you have, look at what’s there and see if anything is missing, any updates are needed, or if maybe there is material needed that you haven’t written yet. If so, type that information into a document (or even write it on a pad of paper) until you see everything you know on the subject in front of you.
(I like paper because it is available even if the power goes out.)
Step 2. Evaluate Related and Competitive Material.
Unless you are breaking ground on an entirely new idea, someone somewhere has written something in some way related to your topic. Seek out that material and read it.
You want to know what others have said for two reasons. One, you don’t want to repeat what’s already been written. Two, you will find opportunities to add new insight, adding value to your work.
Now, if you’re writing on a popular topic (as is the case for many in marketing), seek out the content of your competition. You’re doing it for the two reasons above plus two more. It tells you what your audience expects. You’ll find it also helps you craft your point of view (POV) into a more unique presentation.
Step 3. Determine Audience Expectations.
You may have a great idea and extensive knowledge, but that doesn’t mean your audience will be wowed by your brilliance. Of course, the ebook must be written so that it always answers the reader’s question, “What’s in it for me?”
Your ebook must also:
- Fulfill the promise that inspires a reader to download it in the first place.
- Be understandable.
- Entertain.
The definition of each of these depends on your audience. For example, if you’re writing a technical manual, you better be clear and on-point. If you’re writing fiction, it needs pace, detail, and relatable characters.
Related or competitive material (as noted above) can help guide your work here. If you’re writing a business ebook, do SEO research. As I note in this article on SEO, search terms, keywords, and other search engine data is a free and unlimited source of information on your audience. Use it.
Step 4. Rough an Outline.
At this point, you want to create a quick outline of your ebook based on what you have. Start with chapters. Then create subheads. Finally, plug in the material you have where it belongs.
You might also find it beneficial to write a short one- to two-page summary of the entire ebook. This exercise can inspire better ideas for organization and reveal any material or detail that may be needed. Taking the time to do a rough outline can save a lot of time later on and give direction as you are researching your topic.
Step 5. Identify Gaps.
With an outline and/or summary, you may find you need additional material to fill out a section or two. Maybe you need more statistics, to interview another expert, or survey your own audience. Ultimately, the gaps you identify depend on what you determine your ebook needs to meet audience expectations
Step 6. Researching Your Topic.
You know how to do research. After all, that’s how you became an expert in your field and why you want to write your ebook.
If, however, you find the work that needs doing, such as interviewing someone, is more than the time you have or even outside your skillset, it may make sense to hire a researcher or professional writer. Good writers know how to interview.
Should you hire a writer, it is always on you to check their sources. Always use original sources; avoid citing secondary sources.
And one note on researching in the age of the internet…protect your time by setting time limits for any internet research time. It’s easy to get distracted online and setting a fixed research time is a good way to keep you on task.
Ready for the Next Step in Writing Your Ebook?
Once you’ve completed researching your topic, you’re ready to start the writing process. That doesn’t mean it’s a green light to start writing though. More on that in the next article…
Have an idea for an ebook and want to talk? Contact me now for a no obligation conversation.