First, do some preliminary research and get an idea of what sells well on Amazon, it's time to choose your topic. Hopefully, you’re feeling pulled toward a particular topic already since you’re fresh off your research.

You may want to double-check yourself, though. Is your chosen topic going to be profitable? Are there plenty of opportunities for you to write additional books related to the topic?

Do you enjoy the topic enough to write about it consistently? If you're passionate about a topic and have some knowledge on the topic even without research, that will shine through in your writing. It will also make it easier and faster for you to write. This is easy for me to write because I enjoy inspiring new writers and because I've written so many books over the years that the process is like second nature to me.

It can also be helpful if the topic you choose can be easily expanded into a series of books. Series books tend to sell well because people feel compelled to buy the next one in the series. At the very least, make sure the topic you choose has room for multiple book releases even if they aren’t in a series.

If you do choose the series route, I do caution you to approach your series with the knowledge that each book should be able to stand on its own. The books should complement one another, but not be incomplete without one another. The book you’re reading right now is part of a series. Each one stands alone yet they pack an even more powerful punch when you read them together.

Also remember to try to be specific with your topic for these shorter books. For example, if your topic is “weight loss,” that's way too broad. You should be focused on finding one problem your audience has and offering one solution or a few solutions for them within your book.

So you might target weight loss but a more specific topic would be getting a flat belly. An even more specific topic would be getting a flat belly by using the Paleo diet. It goes without saying that if you’re in any sort of health niche that you need to pay close attention to the advice you give and whether you’re qualified to give it—the flat belly niche is just an example of how specific you can get within any broader topic.

Focus on a narrow interest, passion, or subcategory. That’s the best way to break through on Amazon as a new author because there is less competition that way. It also makes it easier to write these shorter, yet extremely helpful books. Just make sure there’s a buying audience and similar books that are doing well.

The Brainstorming Stage

You can breathe a sigh of relief now that you've chosen your topic. It may have felt like the decision was a long time coming, but you can rest assured that you’ve chosen the right topic and you're well on your way to releasing a successful book on Kindle.

Now, it's time to brainstorm angles and topics for your book and get your thoughts down on paper. Brainstorming is an extremely valuable yet underrated creative process. Don't think you have to just stick to the same old stuff all the other writers are sticking to when you write. No one wants to buy a dry, copycat of a book. They want something written in a unique voice that helps them or touches them in a way no other book can.

Take a look at what other authors are doing and brainstorm ways you can make your book and content unique and different. What unique angle can you take to stand out? Some authors like to brainstorm book titles first as a way of finding a unique angle. This can be a fun and motivating exercise. Get inspired by related book reviews on Amazon, social media chatter, and the questions and things people are talking about on related niche forums.

Go ahead and write down everything related to your topic you think your audience would want to know. Reflect on their problems, passions, and desires.