How to Create and Sell Ebooks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking to create and sell ebooks for passive income? Digital publishing has become incredibly popular in recent years, and ebooks are now a legitimate way to make money online—even while you sleep. With the right strategy, you can explore popular subjects, publish quickly, and reach millions of readers.

This guide will walk you through the exact process of creating and selling ebooks on Google Books. We'll cover everything from finding trending topics to publishing and promoting your book. You'll also discover how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline content creation, making the process faster and less daunting even if writing isn't your strong suit.

Why Google Books?

Platforms like Amazon Kindle are saturated with competition. It can be challenging to stand out when everyone is vying for attention. However, Google Books presents a unique opportunity:

• You can reach an audience of over 3 billion users across more than 75 countries.
• There is lower competition compared to other platforms, giving your ebook a better chance at visibility.
• The approval process is quick and straightforward.

By focusing on popular topics and utilizing powerful AI tools, you can launch ebooks rapidly and potentially generate streams of passive income. Are you ready to explore the world of ebook publishing on Google Books? Let's get started!

Step 1: Setting Up Your Google Books Publisher Account

Getting your eBook business started begins by setting up your presence on Google’s publishing platform. Here’s a straightforward walkthrough to register on Google Books and get your publisher dashboard ready for action.

1. Access the Google Books Partner Center

• Head to Google and type Google Books Partner Center or register on Google Books.
• Click the first result, which should take you directly to the official Partner Center page.
• Look for the Get Started or Sign Up button—this launches the registration process.

2. Select Your Publisher Type and Enter Details

You’ll be prompted to provide some basic information:

• Publisher Type: Select Self-published author unless you’re representing a company or publisher. This is perfect for solo creators aiming to publish under their own name.
• Personal Information: Fill out your name, country of residence, and accurate phone number. Double-check these details—they’ll be tied to your account and future payments.
• Tip: Leave any optional checkboxes (like promotional emails) unchecked if you want a cleaner inbox.

3. Verify and Complete Registration

A quick captcha check ensures you’re not a robot. Once verified:

• Agree to Google’s terms by checking the relevant box.
• Submit your registration; this instantly sets up your publisher dashboard.

4. Payment Setup for Earnings

With access to your publisher dashboard, it’s time to make sure you get paid:

• Navigate to the payment section within your dashboard.
• Enter your preferred payout details—Google supports direct bank deposits in most regions.
• Make sure all information matches your bank records for smooth transfers.

The registration process is user-friendly and can be completed in just a few minutes. Once finished, you’ll have full access to features like book uploads, sales tracking, and analytics—all from one intuitive platform.

Step 2: Selecting Trending Topics for Your eBook

The secret to consistently selling ebooks on Google Books is picking the right topic. Instead of guessing what people want, use Google Trends to access real-time data. This free tool shows you exactly what’s popular worldwide or in your target country, allowing you to create content that meets current demand.

How to Use Google Trends for Content Ideas

Here’s a quick workflow for finding high-potential ebook topics:

1. Visit Google Trends
2. Type in broad categories related to your interests or expertise—think “personal finance,” “fitness,” or “technology.”
3. Click on “Trending Now”
4. This section highlights current search spikes. You’ll spot everything from world events (like the Olympics) to seasonal interests.
5. Refine Your Search

• Country Filter: Choose a specific country if you have a target market.
• Time Range: Use “Past 7 days” or even “Past 30 days” to catch both short-term and long-term trends.
• Category: Drill down by selecting categories like Health, Business, Sports, or Entertainment.

1. Spot Long-Term Winners
2. While some keywords explode overnight and fade quickly, look for topics with steady, rising interest over several weeks or months. These are more likely to drive consistent sales.
3. Identify High Search Volume Keywords
4. Make note of recurring phrases or questions—these become your ebook’s main keyword targets and title ideas.

“Don’t just settle for generic topics; check what people are actually searching for today. This is how you ride the trend wave instead of missing it.”

Why Trending Topics Matter

Choosing a trending topic with high search volume instantly boosts your ebook’s visibility. With less competition on Google Books compared to Amazon Kindle, jumping onto a hot trend can help your book appear in front of thousands—or even millions—of potential buyers faster.

Example:

If “2024 Tax Brackets” is surging in searches, an ebook about tax planning for 2024 will catch attention right when people are hungry for info.

Selecting relevant, currently searched topics isn’t just about traffic—it’s about tapping into buyer intent at its peak. Once you’ve identified your winning idea using Google Trends, you’re ready to move on to creating compelling content tailored exactly to what readers want next.

Step 3: Creating Your eBook Content Using AI Tools

Cranking out a full ebook can sound intimidating, but with AI-generated content tools like ChatGPT and dedicated ebook creator apps, you can streamline the entire process. No need to stare at a blank page—these tools help you generate detailed outlines, write chapters, and customize your content for any audience in just minutes.

How to Use ChatGPT & Ebook Creator Apps

1. Book Outline Generation

Start by asking ChatGPT (or a specialized GPT-powered app) to create an outline based on your chosen topic. For example, prompt it with:

"Write a detailed outline for an ebook titled 'Mastering the 2025 Tax Brackets' aimed at beginners."

The AI quickly returns a structured table of contents and chapter breakdowns, setting a clear blueprint for your project.

2. Generating Chapter Content

Once you have the outline, direct ChatGPT or your ebook creator app to write each chapter. You can specify:

• Desired length ("Write 700 words explaining Chapter 1")
• Tone ("Make it conversational and easy for someone with no experience")
• Style preferences (casual, professional, or tailored to age groups; e.g., "Explain this for readers aged 50+").

If the tool pauses before finishing, just prompt it to continue. Repeat until every section is complete.

3. Interactive Edits & Customization

Not happy with how something reads? Simply ask the AI to revise or expand specific sections. Commands like "Rewrite this chapter in a more casual tone" or "Summarize this section in bullet points" give you control over your book’s voice and depth.

Preparing Your Manuscript

1. Copy & Paste into Google Docs

When all chapters are done, copy the text into Google Docs for final formatting. This step helps you:

• Standardize font styles (choose something professional)
• Arrange chapters—one per page works great
• Add elements like title pages and tables of contents

2. Final Touches

Google Docs makes it easy to spot awkward formatting or typos that slipped through. Adjust headings, fix line spacing, and make sure everything flows smoothly from start to finish.

AI content tools turn the process of "How to create and sell ebooks" from daunting into doable—even if you’ve never written a book before.

Step 4: Designing an Attractive eBook Cover

The ebook cover design is your first and best shot at grabbing a reader’s attention. A well-crafted cover can make a huge difference between someone clicking through—or scrolling right past. Thanks to AI, you don’t need to be a professional designer to create something eye-catching and unique.

Start with ChatGPT for Cover Prompts

Kick things off by asking ChatGPT to generate a cover prompt tailored to your ebook’s title or topic. For example, if your book is about “Mastering the 2025 Tax Brackets,” you could prompt ChatGPT like this:

“Generate a detailed book cover prompt for an ebook titled 'Mastering the 2025 Tax Brackets: How to Maximize Your Savings and Avoid Overpaying.' The style should look modern, trustworthy, and appealing to adults interested in finance.”

You’ll get rich descriptions you can copy directly into your image generator.

Generate Visuals With Leonardo AI

Head over to Leonardo AI—a free, user-friendly platform perfect for creating cinematic or realistic images. Paste your ChatGPT cover prompt into Leonardo’s image creation tool. For best results:

• Select the 2:3 aspect ratio, which matches standard ebook dimensions.
• Experiment with styles like “cinematic” or “Kino” for a polished look.
• Generate several options until you find one that fits the vibe of your book.

There’s no need to settle on the first try—just hit regenerate until you’re happy.

Polish Your Cover in Canva

Once you have your base image, bring it into Canva for finishing touches. Canva’s editing tools let you:

• Add your ebook title at the top using bold fonts.
• Position text for maximum visibility—move the image slightly lower if needed.
• Use effects like neon glow or add an ombre background behind text to make it pop.
• Adjust colors and layout so everything feels balanced and professional.

Keep things clean; avoid cluttered visuals. Readers should instantly understand what your ebook’s about just from looking at the cover.

A sharp, custom-designed cover gives your ebook instant credibility and stands out on Google Books’ digital shelves. With these tools, anyone can create covers that look professionally made without hiring a designer.

Step 5: Finalizing Your PDF eBook File

Bringing everything together for your ebook means nailing the details of PDF formatting and ensuring all legal bases are covered, especially when using AI-generated content. Here’s how to make your final PDF look polished and professional:

Combining Content and Cover with Google Docs

• Importing Material: Copy your finalized chapters from Google Docs and insert your completed cover (from Canva or Leonardo AI) as the very first page.
• Organizing Pages: Structure the document so you have:
• The title/cover page
• A blank page (optional, for aesthetics)
• Table of contents
• Main chapters (one per page for easy reading)
• Exporting as PDF: Head to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf) in Google Docs. This process preserves formatting, images, and links.

Adding a Copyright Disclaimer for AI-Generated Content

It’s smart to be transparent about AI involvement. Use ChatGPT to generate a succinct copyright disclaimer, something like:

“This ebook was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. All rights reserved by the author.”

• Place this statement at the very end of your manuscript—just before or after any “About the Author” section.
• Disclaimers help clarify authorship and avoid confusion or copyright issues related to AI-generated material.

Applying Final Touches with SDA PDF Editor

Sometimes you spot a typo, need to update a link, or want to tweak layout after exporting from Google Docs. This is where the SDA PDF editor comes in handy:

1. Upload Your PDF: Go to the SDA website and upload your ebook file.
2. Make Adjustments: Use editing tools to fix minor formatting problems, add or remove pages, or drop in last-minute graphics.
3. Insert Your Disclaimer: If you forgot to add the AI-generated content disclaimer earlier, paste it into the final page using SDA’s text tool.
4. Save & Download: After edits, download your polished PDF—ready for publishing.

A well-formatted PDF not only looks professional but also helps you stand out on Google Books. With your ebook file finalized, attention shifts next to getting it listed on the marketplace where readers can find and buy it.

Step 6: Publishing Your eBook on Google Books

Getting your ebook live on Google Books is where things get real. Here’s how to smoothly upload your ebook file, dial in the book metadata, and use SEO tags for maximum discoverability.

Uploading Your eBook File and Cover

1. Log in to your Google Books Partner Center dashboard.
2. Click “Add your first book” or the “Add Book” button if you’re uploading more.
3. Choose “Sell ebook on Google Play” when prompted for selling options.
4. For Book ID, either let Google generate one or enter your own unique identifier.
5. Upload your finalized PDF file (which includes your content and cover) by following the prompts. Also, upload the standalone cover image if required—Google sometimes asks for a separate high-res cover file.

Book Metadata Entry & Subtitle Optimization

Metadata is what helps readers find your book. Attention to detail here means better search results and more sales. Here’s what matters most:

• Title: Paste your main book title exactly as it appears on your cover.
• Subtitle: This is prime real estate for SEO optimization. Use keywords that describe the topic, such as “2024 Olympics Explained for Beginners” or “Mastering 2025 Tax Brackets – Save More, Pay Less.” AI tools like ChatGPT can help brainstorm subtitle variations that are catchy and keyword-rich.
• Description: This section drives clicks and sales. Generate a compelling summary using AI prompts—focus on what readers will learn, who the book is for, and why this ebook stands out.
• Author Info: Add your name or pen name as you want it to appear publicly.

Pro tip: Be exact with page count and publication date—fresh releases often perform better in search rankings.

Setting Price Range & Usage Permissions

You control how much buyers pay and how they interact with your ebook:

• Pricing Strategy: Stick to a price between $5 and $9. This range tends to convert well for digital content while still reflecting value—especially if your topic is trending or solves a real problem.
• Preview Options: Allow readers to preview 10–20% of the book (title, table of contents, intro). This builds trust and entices purchases without giving away all your content.
• Usage Permissions: Set buyer permissions so purchasers can access their copy anywhere after purchase but prevent downloads if you want extra security against redistribution.

Once everything looks good, hit publish. Your ebook will go through a quick review process before hitting the virtual shelves. With accurate book metadata entry and smart subtitle optimization using SEO tags, you boost visibility right from launch.

The next step is getting eyes on your newly published ebook—promotion methods are up next.

Step 7: Promoting Your eBook for Maximum Sales

Publishing your ebook is just the beginning—real results come from getting your work in front of as many eyes as possible. Here’s how to turn your freshly published ebook into a sales magnet using smart, automated promotion strategies.

Boost Visibility with SEO Blog Post Promotion

An SEO-optimized blog post acts like a beacon for search engines and readers hunting for information on your ebook’s topic. Automation tools make this step painless:

1. One-click blog generator tools (like SEOwriting.ai or similar) let you input your ebook’s title or focus keyword and instantly generate a well-structured article.
2. Select an appropriate language level (many creators prefer conversational or sixth-grade reading level for broad appeal).
3. Adjust the length and tone to match your target audience, making sure the blog post feels informative yet approachable.
4. Integrate targeted keywords related to your ebook naturally within headings, intro paragraphs, and throughout the text. Think of terms potential buyers might type into Google.

Example: If your ebook is about “Mastering the 2025 Tax Brackets,” use related keywords such as “personal finance tips,” “tax savings strategies,” and “2025 tax guide” sprinkled thoughtfully throughout the content.

Drive Traffic with Medium.com Publishing

Medium.com remains a powerhouse for reaching readers interested in fresh ideas and digital products:

1. Create a free Medium account—no investment needed.
2. Copy-paste your SEO blog post directly into Medium’s editor.
3. Add an enticing headline (pulled straight from your optimized blog post), relevant tags, and a clear link to your Google Books page (or wherever you’re selling).
4. Make subtle tweaks if needed to tailor the article to Medium’s audience.

Medium articles rank well in search engines, so even if someone doesn’t know about your ebook yet, they might discover it through these posts.

Layer on More Exposure

• Share links to both your original blog post and Medium article across social channels.
• Consider repurposing snippets or visuals from your ebook as micro-content for Twitter threads, LinkedIn posts, or Pinterest pins—all pointing back to your sales page.

Strong SEO-focused content paired with strategic publishing on high-traffic platforms like Medium creates multiple entry points for new buyers. As you roll out additional ebooks or update older titles, repeat this process using trending keywords discovered during your research phase—keeping momentum going as you move on to fresh opportunities in digital publishing.

Additional Tips for Success in eBook Selling

Building a profitable digital publishing business is all about momentum, testing, and staying sharp with market trends. If you’re serious about passive income strategies and want to master how to create and sell ebooks for the long haul, check out these proven tactics:

1. Publish Consistently in Trending Niches

• Don’t settle for a single title: Successful Google Books sellers keep rolling out new ebooks, each one targeting a different trending or evergreen topic.
• Diversify your portfolio: Cover a mix of time-sensitive hot topics (like upcoming sporting events or tech launches) and evergreen areas (such as self-help, finance, or productivity) to maximize reach year-round.
• Set a publishing schedule: Whether it’s one book a week or one per month, having a consistent publishing rhythm keeps your catalog fresh and your audience engaged.

2. Leverage Keyword Research Tools

• Stay on top of trends: Use tools like Google Trends, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify what people are searching for right now. This lets you spot untapped opportunities before they become saturated.
• Refine your topics: Regular keyword research helps you pivot quickly if interest shifts, ensuring that every new ebook has solid demand behind it.
• SEO isn’t set-and-forget: Update old book descriptions and blog posts with new keywords to keep them ranking high.

3. Experiment With Pricing & Promotion

• Test different price points: A/B test your ebooks at various prices between $5-$9 to see what converts best for your niche and audience size.
• Try limited-time discounts: Short sales can boost visibility and encourage more downloads—perfect for launching new titles.
• Use social sharing & ads: Promote each ebook on platforms like Twitter, Facebook Groups, or even via paid ads if the ROI makes sense. Social buzz can drive that crucial early traction.

“The more value-packed ebooks you launch—backed by smart keyword research and active promotion—the greater your potential for sustainable passive income.”

Consistent action pays off in digital publishing. Keep learning from your analytics, listen to reader feedback, and stay open to experimenting with new strategies. The formula for how to create and sell ebooks that actually earn? Test, tweak, repeat—and never stop publishing.