I write e-books for others, and just finished writing, editing, and formatting my first e-book. I am learning how to start everything from scratch, because I knew nothing before I started. Now I know everything, and I have a lot of regrets. However, I haven't given up and my area does not compete with yours I'm sure - it is only spiritual types of books I write. My outline may go something like:
You can use Smashwords, for free to create your e book, as long as you go by their formatting rules. It is also best to write more than 1 or 2 e books in order to be noticed. This will only cost you your time, that is unless you have someone like me write them for you. Also, remember to start marketing before your book is released, and use free social media to accomplish that. Create a brand for yourself and your e books so that people will remember you. Use cheap or free companies that would be willing to create press releases for you. You can also contact reporters who are desperate for information to interview you and mention your name in their reports. Many famous people also don't mind being interviewed if you are going to include them in your e books; this gives them attention as well. Give away a certain percentage of your first e book for free, and let people give you reviews on amazon, then put a price on your book.
That is what I would start with to make a kindle empire. There is so much more.