There are a thousand and one reasons for wanting to write an eBook without writing it: being devoid of literary talent or experience, not having sufficient spelling skills, lack of time or desire… The list is long! However, the case is heard: a good white paper sometimes allows you to gain the confidence of your prospects if you give it away, sometimes to obtain passive income if it is bought from you.
Offering or selling eBooks without writing a line is therefore tempting. Rephrase, dictate, delegate: this article offers you three options for writing an effective eBook while avoiding typing hours on your keyboard. Are you curious to know which one is the most enticing? So much the better; Let’s go.
1 – Create a white paper from existing texts
You master your subject and you know your potential client like the back of your hand. In short, you are about to make a hit with your e-book! Yes, but now, the time to write arrives and its hell (or boredom): the white page syndrome overwhelms you. What to do? The first option is to use existing content and reformulate it.
Content reformulation: an art
This method can be broken down into three steps. First, you will do research in other electronic texts or in paper books: the contents that you will retrieve there will be used to fill your own eBook. Then, you will take care to classify the selected extracts according to a plan that you will have previously defined. Finally, you will strive to use synonyms and different turns of phrase to transform the text: this is the heart of the reformulation. OK, but is it that simple?
The answer is no. Contrary to certain promises of dream merchants, it is better not to take this exercise lightly: reformulation is an art. In fact, even if you rely on what others have written, it will indeed be a question of writing your eBook. Summarizing, saying things differently, finding your style: this requires time, skills and a taste for words that are not given to everyone.
Advantages and disadvantages of reformulation
So, let’s list the positive and negative points of this first option. The advantages are obvious:
- you do not spend a euro;
- you are in control of the production of your eBook, from A to Z.
However, the disadvantages are just as clear:
- you spend a considerable amount of time doing research (possibly in the library);
- you risk plagiarizing other authors;
- you have to do the proofreading yourself.
As tempting as it seems a priori, this option is therefore the one that least responds to the proposal of this article: write a ghostwriters without writing it. Among the disadvantages cited, it is the question of plagiarism that should particularly concern you. Never forget that this is punishable by law, as well as by Google which penalizes duplicate content. If you still decide to try the experiment, take a look at free online software like Dupli checker or Palfium. At a minimum, these will help you verify that your whitepaper is free of content known to Google. However, they will remain silent about physical books and many unreferenced eBooks. Be careful, then!
2 – Write an effective eBook with the help of software
Why not just dictate the ideas that come to mind? From the outset, this second option seems even more attractive. Armed with your plan, you know precisely what you want to say. So just talk to voice recognition software and you’re done. Yes, but at what price? And then, is it really that easy?
Getting started with voice recognition software
There is very good voice recognition software available today that will allow you to compose your white paper without writing a line. The most recognized software is called Dragon (the version for individuals is called Dragon home and will cost you 159 €). The company also offers a professional version (Dragon Professional Individual at €699) and even versions specialized in legal or medical transcription.
There are obviously cheaper online solutions, and even free ones. However, let’s be transparent: voice recognition is a tricky technique. It is not for nothing that Dragon has spent several years of research and development before obtaining convincing results. Admittedly, free programs are easier to learn, but they are also much less effective. Results? You may spend several hours cleaning up the many typos in your text. However, here are two software that you might want to try: Express Scribe and transcribe. Also consider the Google Docs voice input tool.
Advantages and disadvantages of audio transcription
Is this second option therefore more attractive? Among the benefits of such an approach, we certainly check:
- saving time compared to writing on the keyboard (once the software has been mastered);
- the great convenience of use (you can dictate sitting, standing or even lying down).
Be aware, however, that you risk losing a few feathers at:
- the cost of quality software;
- learning and configuration time;
- of the fix.
Note: you can reduce the proofreading task as much as possible by acquiring software that will help you check for grammatical, syntactical, spelling and typographical errors. The Antidote software (€119 for the standard version) tops the list of software used by writing professionals. Don’t want to spend too much? Be aware that there are also free formulas online that are more or less convincing (Scribes or Bon Patron, among others).
3 – Write an eBook without writing it with La Redact’ du Web
Who knows: the transcription software option may pay off. If you lack inspiration, you can even combine it with the first option. However, a problem remains: what to do if you don’t want to write anything at all (or even dictate)? Then remains the last option. To write an effective eBook without writing it, simply consider delegating the writing.
The call for a web editor
In itself, the design of an eBook and its publication is already a complex project, which will require several hours of reflection: choice of persona and subject, development of the plan and graphic design, putting it online, etc. To stay calm, using the services of a professional copywriter can be particularly useful. You will then have to find the rare pearl who will be able to understand your intention and magnify your ideas in a flawless text.
You can find web writers through digital strategy agencies or freelance platforms (404Works, Coeur or Malt, for example). Of course, the talents of Web are also at your service. Selected on the basis of their spelling level, trained in natural referencing techniques, our freelancers are able to handle a wide variety of topics with ease. If you want, you can even assemble a team in just a few minutes.
Advantages and disadvantages of a web writing service
Going through a quality web writing service ensures you:
- original content free of duplicate content;
- writing that perfectly reflects your world or area of expertise;
- fluid writing adapted to the user experience (UX);
- impeccable finishing of the text (spelling, grammar, etc.);
- A great time saver.
However, it requires:
- a budget that will be used to pay the editor with dignity;
- absolute confidence in whoever will write your document.
Here as elsewhere, selecting the low-cost offer could quickly cost you more than expected. To write an effective eBook, choose your author instead based on their portfolio, specific skills, and style. If you get to know each other and the feeling is present, go for it! Then you can sleep soundly.
Let’s do the accounts: if there are a thousand and one reasons for not wanting to write your white paper yourself, there are only a few credible options for writing an eBook without writing it. You’ll either have to rephrase pre-existing content yourself, dictate your ideas using voice recognition, or delegate your valuable project to a trusted writer. The most attractive option? Ultimately, it will depend on your abilities, availability and budget. But at least now you’ll know that Web is here to help you. 😉
