How to Publish Image Based eBooks
Have you heard the buzz about low and no content eBooks? They’re hot stuff in the world of self-publishing! These eBooks are super popular, super fun to create, and they’re making authors everywhere excited to jump into the world of self-publishing.
Picture Book VS Picture eBook
Image-Based Book:
This is like a regular printed book, but instead of words, it’s filled with pictures or images. Imagine flipping through a book, and on every page, there’s a beautiful drawing or photograph that tells a story or shares information. It’s like reading a storybook, but without any words—just pictures.
Image-Based eBook:
Now, think of an eBook as a book that lives on a computer or a tablet, like the ones you might use for school. An image-based eBook is like an image-based book, but it’s on a screen instead of on paper. You can swipe or click through the pages, and each page is still full of pictures, not words. So, it’s like having a digital picture book right on your device.
In both cases, whether it’s a printed image-based book or a digital image-based eBook, the main thing is that they rely on pictures or images to tell a story or share information instead of using words. It’s a fun and visual way to enjoy a book!
What is an Image Based eBook?
You might be wondering, what exactly is an image based eBook anyways?
Let’s start by discussing two of the most popular image based eBook niches:
- Coloring Books for Adults: Coloring books aren’t just for kids anymore! Grown-ups love them too, and they’ve become super popular, especially on places like Amazon. So, if you have a creative idea for a coloring book for adults, you’re on the right track to creating a picture book without a lot of words.
- Children’s Picture Story Books: Kids adore stories, and pictures help them understand and enjoy stories even more. Imagine all the exciting image-based books you can create to spark the imagination of young readers.
Unlike books with lots of words, image-based books rely on pictures to tell the story and make you feel things. So, your pictures must be super-duper cool! If you’re not great at drawing, that’s totally okay. You can focus on coming up with ideas for your book and then ask a talented illustrator to help you bring those ideas to life.
And don’t forget, the cover of your book is like the super important first impression, so make it eye-catching! It’s like designing a superhero costume—make it epic!
Create an Image Based eBook
Creating an image-based eBook is a bit like baking a delicious cake. You need the right ingredients!
Let’s break down the recipe for success:
1. Focus on a Specific Group of Readers:
Just like when you make a special dish, you want to know who you’re making it for. There are lots of picture-rich eBooks out there, so you need to make yours unique. Start by thinking of a general idea and then narrow it down.
It’s like choosing your favorite ice cream flavor—chocolate is great, but chocolate with caramel swirls and whip cream? Now that’s a treat!
2. Add a Special Theme:
Imagine your niche (a.k.a. a special group of readers) as a canvas, and now it’s time to paint a masterpiece by adding a theme.
Let’s use a “LEGO” coloring eBook for example, think about all the fun angles you could explore; Lego City, Lego Star Wars, Lego Friends, Lego Harry Potter……ask any kid, the list goes on!
Themes can make your image-based eBook extra special.
3. Find Ideas in Other Books:
Did you know that even the most famous artists and creative folks often get inspiration from things that already exist? It’s true! You can do the same for your image-based books.
Go to a bookstore or library and check out the top image-rich books in different categories: coloring books, children’s books, and coffee table books. See if you notice any cool patterns or ideas.
You can get some great ideas for an Image based eBook, from the following picture books:
- Coloring Books: What themes do people like the most? Funny coloring books? Scenic landscapes? Animals? It’s like picking your favorite flavor of chips—do you go for cheesy, spicy, or something totally unique?
- Children’s Picture Books: Look at the characters in popular children’s books. Think about the stories they tell and how the pictures help tell the story. It’s like taking a trip to a magical land, and each book is a different adventure!
- Coffee Table Books: These books aren’t just stylish; they usually teach you something cool or tell you about pop culture stuff. Look at the best-selling coffee table books for ideas about topics you can explore in your book, like history, geography, nature, or different cultures. It’s like going on a journey around the world without leaving your living room!
Is It Hard to Make a Picture eBook?
Now, you might be wondering if it’s difficult to create a picture book. Well, the answer is mostly no.
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, such as software and self-publishing platforms, publishing a picture book has become more accessible than ever before.
You don’t need a big publishing deal or tons of money to get started. It’s like having a treasure map in your hands, and all you need to do is follow the path.
That being said there are a couple of challenging parts to publishing an image-based eBook.
1. Getting started
Like most things, just taking that very first step to take action will be the hardest part. I know it sounds so cliché really, but it still stands true!
The best thing you can do is start by making a list of 10 things you need to do on Day 1. #10 should be “Make a list for Day 2”.
Make it very simple and basic; getting too detailed will cause you to feel overwhelmed. Feeling overwhelmed is the #1 reason people give up and fail before they even hit the ground running. Keep it simple stupid.
2. A unique idea
Like any creative endeavor, publishing a picture eBook can have its challenges. You must come up with a unique idea. Create stunning visuals and ensure your image-based eBook stands out in the market.
It’s like climbing a mountain; it can be tough, but the view from the top is worth it!
How to Publish a Picture eBook
Now that you’re all fired up to create your own picture eBook, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to publish it. Remember, picture eBooks are a bit different because they don’t have words to tell a story—just images that do all the talking. So, let’s dive into the exciting world of picture eBook publishing:
Step 1: Plan Your Picture eBook
- Decide on the Format: The first step is to decide on the format for your picture eBook. The most common formats are PDF and ePub. Think of this like picking the canvas you’ll use to create your masterpiece.
- Outline Your eBook: Even though there aren’t words, you should still plan how your eBook will flow. Consider the order of your images and the story you want to convey visually. It’s like sketching the blueprint for your adventure.
Step 2: Create Your Picture eBook.
- Illustrate or Assemble Your Images: This is where your creativity shines. Whether you’re an artist or you’ve collected stunning visuals, make sure your images are high-quality and captivating. It’s like gathering all the ingredients for your favorite dish.
- Layout and Design: Arrange your images in a way that tells your story effectively. Think about how each image connects to the next. It’s like arranging puzzle pieces to create a beautiful picture.
Step 3: Convert to eBook Format
- Use eBook Creation Software: To create a picture eBook, you’ll need specialized software. Programs like Adobe InDesign or eBook creator tools can help you format your images correctly. These tools are like your trusty camera for capturing moments during your adventure.
- Add Metadata: Fill in essential details such as the eBook title, your name, and a brief description. This information helps readers find your eBook. It’s like labeling your artwork in a gallery.
Step 4: Proofread and Edit
- Check Image Quality: Ensure that your images are of high resolution and display well on various devices. This is like making sure your photographs are clear and vivid.
Step 5: Publish Your Picture eBook
- Choose a Publishing Platform: Select an eBook publishing platform like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Apple Books, or Smashwords. Each platform is like a different gallery where you’ll showcase your artwork.
- Set Your Price: Decide whether you want to offer your picture eBook for free or set a price. You can also explore promotional opportunities on these platforms. Pricing is like deciding the value of your artwork.
- Upload Your Picture eBook: Follow the platform’s guidelines to upload your eBook and cover image. It’s like preparing your artwork for an exhibition.
Step 6: Market Your Picture eBook
- Create an Eye-Catching Cover: Your cover image is crucial because it’s the first thing potential readers see. Make it visually appealing and relevant to your eBook. It’s like creating a poster to advertise your art show.
- Promote Your Picture eBook: Use social media, a personal website, or email marketing to spread the word about your eBook. Share snippets of your images to pique interest. Promotion is like inviting people to your art gallery opening.
Step 7: Monitor and Adjust
- Track Downloads and Feedback: Keep an eye on the number of downloads and any feedback you receive. Monitor which images are the most popular. It’s like reviewing the reactions of visitors to your art exhibition.
- Update Your Picture eBook: If you want to make improvements or add new images, you can update your picture eBook and republish it. It’s like adding new artwork to your collection.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’re now equipped to publish your picture eBook and share your visual storytelling with the world! These picture eBooks are like virtual art galleries waiting for you to curate and display your unique vision. Remember, there are no words, just breathtaking images.
Remember, the key ingredients are a niche, a theme, inspiration, and exceptional visuals. With these tools in your kit, you can create image-based ebooks that captivate readers and bring your imaginative visions to life.
So, whether you’re designing coloring ebooks for adults, crafting captivating children’s stories, or curating coffee table wonders, there’s a place for your unique ideas in the self-publishing world.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to image-based ebooks.
Book Publishers
Here are 5 of the most reputable Image based eBook platforms to consider.
✔ Amazon KDP: Amazon controls 80% of the eBook market worldwide.
✔ Olympia Publishers: They’re one of the top-rated book publishers on Google.
✔ Barnes & Noble: Barnes & Noble is the largest book-selling company on the planet.
✔ IngramSpark: They offer print-on-demand and distributes to all the major retailers.
✔ Apple Books: Australian residents must have an ABN and GST documents.