Tips to Make Your eBook Stand Out in 2020 by Experts
Let’s be honest—publishing an eBook today is easier than ever, but standing out among thousands of titles? That’s the real challenge. Whether you’re a new writer or a seasoned content creator, your eBook needs more than just good writing—it needs strategy, design, and personality.
In this post, I’ll share expert tips that actually worked in 2020 (and still matter today) for making your eBook unforgettable. From cover design to marketing hacks, these are insights that top authors and digital marketers swear by.
1. Start With a Unique Hook
The first rule of making your eBook stand out is simple: you need a unique idea or angle.
Every topic—from self-help to marketing—has been written about before. What makes readers click on yours is how you present it.
Expert Tip:
Copywriting expert Joanna Wiebe says, “Your eBook’s hook should make readers stop scrolling.”
Ask yourself:
-
What’s the one problem I solve differently?
-
What’s the fresh perspective I bring?
-
Can I describe it in a one-sentence hook that sparks curiosity?
That’s a hook people remember.
2. Nail the Cover Design — It’s Your Billboard
People do judge a book by its cover, especially online. In a crowded digital marketplace like Amazon Kindle or Apple Books, your cover needs to pop.
Expert Advice:
Professional designer Derek Murphy says, “Your cover is not art—it’s marketing.”
Here’s how to get it right:
-
Use clear fonts: Sans-serif or modern fonts are easier to read in thumbnails.
-
Stick to 2-3 colors: Too many colors can look amateurish.
-
Focus on contrast: Make your title readable even on small screens.
-
Hire a designer if possible: A $100 cover can double your sales.
Remember, your cover’s goal isn’t to look pretty—it’s to make people click.
3. Write a Title That Hooks Emotionally
Your title is your eBook’s first impression.
Expert marketers often test multiple title versions before publishing.
Tips from copywriters:
-
Add numbers if possible (e.g., “7 Steps to Mastering Your Mind”).
-
Use power words: Proven, Ultimate, Secret, Guide, Unlocked, Blueprint.
-
Create curiosity: “What They Don’t Teach You About…”
-
Keep it short and keyword-friendly.
Example:
“Master Productivity” → “The 30-Minute Productivity Blueprint That Doubled My Output.”
See the difference? Emotion and curiosity sell.
4. Craft a Killer Introduction
Once someone opens your eBook, your introduction decides if they’ll keep reading.
Expert formula:
-
Start with a relatable story or pain point.
-
Explain what the reader will gain.
-
Promise transformation (“By the end of this book, you’ll know how to…”).
Example opening:
“I used to hit snooze seven times before work. My mornings were chaos—until I found a simple 3-step system that changed everything.”
That’s how you pull readers in emotionally.
5. Make It Visually Engaging
A wall of text is a one-way ticket to “delete.”
Even in 2020, visual appeal became one of the biggest factors for eBook success.
Experts recommend:
-
Add visuals: Infographics, charts, and icons break up text.
-
Use short paragraphs: 3–4 lines max.
-
Include pull quotes: Highlight key takeaways to keep readers engaged.
-
Choose clean formatting: Consistent headers, bullet lists, and spacing.
Design matters—even for nonfiction.
6. Focus on Storytelling, Not Just Information
Readers don’t just buy books; they buy stories and emotions.
Even if your eBook is educational, stories stick better than stats.
Expert author Seth Godin calls this “emotional resonance”—the secret ingredient that makes readers connect and remember.
Here’s how to add storytelling:
-
Open each chapter with a mini story or real-life example.
-
Use characters or “you vs. me” scenarios.
-
End chapters with a takeaway that ties the story to the lesson.
Example:
Instead of writing “Time management is important,” tell a short story about how you missed an opportunity due to poor time management—and how your system fixed it.
7. Edit Like a Pro (or Hire One)
No matter how creative your eBook is, sloppy grammar or poor flow will kill your credibility.
Experts recommend a 3-layer editing process:
-
Self-edit: Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway App to fix basic issues.
-
Peer review: Ask a friend or fellow writer for honest feedback.
-
Professional edit: Hire an editor if budget allows—it’s worth it.
Remember, clarity beats complexity. Keep sentences simple and your tone conversational.
8. Build an Author Brand Around It
In 2020, readers didn’t just buy eBooks—they bought authors they trust.
Expert branding advice:
-
Create a consistent visual identity (cover design, colors, fonts).
-
Build a simple author website with your bio and other books.
-
Share valuable content on LinkedIn, Medium, or Instagram related to your book’s topic.
-
Offer a free chapter or checklist in exchange for email sign-ups.
Your goal: turn first-time readers into lifelong fans.
9. Promote Smartly — Don’t Just “Publish and Pray”
Even the best eBook won’t sell without smart marketing.
Experts agree—promotion matters as much as writing.
Here’s what worked for successful authors in 2020:
Leverage Social Media
-
Share behind-the-scenes posts about writing your eBook.
-
Create teaser quotes or short videos.
-
Use trending hashtags (#ebooklaunch, #selfpublishing).
Run Limited-Time Offers
-
Offer your eBook free or discounted for 48 hours.
-
Use Kindle Countdown Deals or BookFunnel giveaways.
-
Ask readers for honest reviews during the promo period.
Build a Launch Team
-
Recruit 20–30 early readers to help spread the word.
-
Give them free copies and ask them to post reviews or mentions online.
Use Email Marketing
Send 3–4 launch emails:
-
“Something exciting is coming…”
-
“Exclusive sneak peek!”
-
“It’s here—launch day!”
-
“Last chance for the bonus chapter.”
Consistency beats shouting. Build trust and hype together.
10. Get Reviews and Social Proof
No matter how great your eBook is, reviews sell books.
In 2020, algorithms on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads favored books with early engagement.
How to get reviews ethically:
-
Offer free review copies to bloggers or influencers in your niche.
-
Ask your email subscribers politely after they finish reading.
-
Include a simple line at the end: “If you enjoyed this book, your review helps others discover it too.”
Bonus Tip:
Display reader testimonials on your website and social profiles. Nothing builds credibility like genuine praise.
11. Keep It Evergreen
One expert hack for standing out in 2020 (and beyond) is creating evergreen content—books that stay relevant for years.
Here’s how:
-
Avoid using specific years or outdated stats unless necessary.
-
Focus on timeless principles rather than short-lived trends.
-
Update your eBook once a year to keep it fresh.
This way, your book keeps selling long after launch day.
12. Offer Bonuses or Extras
Want to boost engagement? Add bonuses that make readers feel they’re getting extra value.
Ideas:
-
Free workbook or printable checklist
-
Private Facebook group or Q&A access
-
Audio version or companion video series
-
Exclusive discount for your next book
Experts say bonus content increases reader loyalty—and repeat purchases.
13. Optimize for Keywords and SEO
If you’re selling online, your eBook needs to be search-friendly.
Keyword tips:
-
Use keywords in your title, subtitle, and description.
-
Research Amazon and Google Autocomplete for trending terms.
-
Write a keyword-rich book description that still sounds natural.
Example:
Instead of “A book on productivity,” use
“A step-by-step productivity guide to help you focus, save time, and get more done every day.”
That’s how you attract the right readers organically.
Final Thoughts
Making your eBook stand out in 2020 wasn’t just about luck—it was about strategy, creativity, and authenticity. Whether it’s your first eBook or your tenth, the secret lies in blending good storytelling, great design, and smart marketing.
Focus on creating real value, write from experience, and keep refining your process. Remember, the digital world rewards consistency and connection, not just one-time hype.