There’s a tendency to over-complicate the creation of an ebook. Whilst there are many things we can do with an ebook that we can’t do with a traditional book, at its most basic creating an ebook requires just three simple steps.

1. You need an idea.
2. You need some software to get it onto the page.
3. You need some more software to turn it into the ebook.

I can’t help you with number one, but then you probably wouldn’t be here if you needed the idea! Numbers 2 and 3 shouldn’t be a problem either because you can get both of them for nothing.

If you don’t have Word or another word processor on your computer you can get a free and very competent one from Openoffice.org. That deals with getting your ideas onto “pages” which are in fact just a text document.

To create an ebook from your text document you can get free software to turn it into a PDF. Just do a search online for free PDF maker and you’ll find several.

You may find people who will suggest other formats for you ebook than PDF. Don’t listen to them. There are other programs which will create different kinds of ebooks. You do not want them, they can only restrict your potential readership.

There are only two formats you need to worry about and that’s PDF, because it can be read by just about every computer in the world, and the original text file if you’re going to have your book available for other ebook reading devices like the Amazon Kindle.

As your ebooks develop you might want to put your hand in your pocket for Adobe Acrobat which will allow you extra functionality and features but there’s no need to do so at the start if you don’t want to.

So that’s it. Your three simple steps to how to create an ebook. Off you go. Fame and fortune are just around the corner.

In truth it would be misleading to suggest that it’s that easy. It is simple, you really don’t need anything more than I’ve mentioned to create your ebook, but making a success of it and making a good living from it requires some work.

The great advantage when you create an ebook is that you can handle everything yourself, you don’t need the OK of some massive publishing company who might be more lead by financial forecasts than the actual merits of your work.

The great disadvantage when you create an ebook is that you have to handle everything yourself!

I’m joking slightly because I don’t view it as a disadvantage but the fact is that unless you pay a professional service to promote it for you, you not only have to write your ebook but you have to handle all the marketing and selling as well.

I don’t know an easier way for the average person to make a very good income than writing and selling ebooks – but you’re not going to be a millionaire overnight. If you’re looking for a relatively easy way to provide yourself a very comfortable living then I believe ebook writing is the answer. If you’re looking for “the lazy man’s way to riches” you better keep looking – this isn’t it.