Create and Publish a Low Content Book without Spending a Cent
I have a soft spot for those who truly cannot afford to spend a dime on books, classes, training, and products because I’ve been there. So one thing I wanted to do was show you how you can create and sell a low content book without spending one cent.
In this post, I’ll talk about why you want to consider investing in some training and products but you don’t have to when you’re starting out. However, doing so will save you lots of time that you’ll have to devote to trial-and-error and experimentation.
I’ll start off by showing you how to use Google Slides to create and save your interiors and covers.
But since I use PowerPoint and some of you will already have this program, I’m sharing those steps, too.
This post only covers actually creating your book. I do not cover niche selection and keyword research, which are both critical to your success.
Let’s get started!
” /> First Things First – Create Your Interior
The first thing you’ll need is an interior, so think about what kind of book you want to create.
For the sake of getting started, I recommend starting with a simple lined notebook.
But if you have some experience with document creation, you could create a dot grid notebook, sketchbook, or weekly planner.
” /> Save time!
I’ve actually created one of each of these types for you and they’re all in PowerPoint format (because creating notebooks and journals in PowerPoint is super quick and easy!), which means you can open them in either Google Slides or PowerPoint.
If you don’t already have it, you can buy PowerPoint as part of the Microsoft Office Suite of tools here when you’re ready.
When you sign up, you’ll get a 120-page 6×9 template for:
- blank lined notebook
- blank lined notebook with space for the day’s date
- dot grid notebook
- sketchbook
- undated, one-page-per week weekly planner
And each one comes with and without a vanity page for writing in a name.
If you’re using Google Slides, the only one you’ll have trouble with is the dot grid – those slides don’t format correctly and I can’t figure out how to fix it.
You’ll just need to save your finished interior as a PDF.
In Google Slides, you do this by going to File > Download As > PDF.
In PowerPoint, you do this by going to Save As > PDF.
Create Your Book Cover
Now that you have your completed interior, it’s time to create your cover!
Sign in to KDP and download a cover template for a book that’s 6×9, 120 pages, with white paper.
Amazon is going to give you a PDF or PNG file.
For those working in Google Slides:
- Download the cover template as a PDF
- Convert the PDF into a PowerPoint file either with Acrobat PRO or SmallPDF
- Open the converted template in Soogle Slides
- Create a cover using elements, images, and fonts
- Save the finished cover as a PDF by going to
File > Download As > PDF.
Since I do all my books in PowerPoint, here’s what I do:
- Download my cover template as a PDF
- Convert the PDF into a PowerPoint file either with Acrobat PRO or SmallPDF
- Open the converted template in PowerPoint
- Create my cover using PowerPoint elements, images, and fonts
- Save the finished cover as a PDF by going to Save As > PDF.
Points to Remember
” /> The title of your book must be on the cover – either the front or the spine (and to put the title on the spine, you MUST use the KDP Cover Creator!)
” /> You can really make your cover stand out with great fonts and images. I like Pixabay for free images. And I REALLY like using these free fonts and images:
” /> Whenever you purchase images, fonts, or clipart make sure that it includes a commercial use license.
Selecting Keywords for Your Journals and Notebooks
Keyword and niche selection is an art in itself but I can share a few tips to help you target an audience. When you target well, you’re more likely to actually sell your books.
” /> When choosing a niche – or target audience – consider what kinds of people would like your book.
- Adults
- Children
- Women, Men, Girls, Boys
- Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Other Relatives
” /> Then consider fandom and favorites. What are people passionate about?
- Hobbies and Interests
- Sports
- Careers
Next, ask yourself, “What words and phrases would I type in a search box if I were looking for my book?” Make a note of those words.
Then, take your search to Google and search using the words and phrases you’ve brainstormed.
Google has an autosuggest feature that will help you come up with more words and phrases and you’ll also find other related search phrases at the bottom of a search results page.
And you see that data displayed to the right of the list of related search terms? That’s from a Chrome extension called Keywords Everywhere.
I definitely recommend adding this extension! It does require a small fee, but it’s well worth it {and super cheap.}
To do so, open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the browser window. Then click “more tools”, then “extensions, and search for Keywords Everywhere and toggle the switch to enable.
” /> See the images below for the steps.
” /> You get 7 keyword boxes and 50 characters in each box. Here are some quick tips on how to use that prime real estate:
- Fill them up – don’t just use one or two words, use a whole string of words
- Don’t repeat words – any keywords you have in your title and subtitle don’t need to be repeated
- Don’t use “stop words” like the, and, for, it, to, of, and the like
” /> Remember: think about what people would be searching for and use those words!
Publish Your Low Content Book on KDP
By now, you should have your interior saved as a PDF, your cover saved as a PDF, a list of keywords, and you’re ready to begin uploading your book!
Woo hoo! :o)
” /> I’ve covered the low content publishing process in detail and it’s step-by-step!
Wrapping Up
I truly hope this helps you get started in low content publishing and that you see how it can be done without any upfront investment.
I highly recommend rolling your first sales into more training so that you can level up your journal creation and create beautiful journals!
” /> Have questions? Drop me a comment below. Or let me know how your low content publishing journey is going!
