ebook has been written but there are some questions
tboneman
I'm new here, and I'm not sure where this question ought to go. If it's in the wrong section, please move it to where it needs to be. Thanks.
I need some advice on writing an e-book, my first.
It's done as far as research and writing the various chapters is concerned (now penciled in at 8)
The topic is not 'desperation'. It's more like, make life easier at a sharply reduced cost. I plan to market the book on eBay, maybe Amazon, maybe put up a website and try to drive traffic to it using SEO, forum posts, and Youtube.
Question: This may not be answerable, but how much material is enough, and how much is too much? As it stands now, I've got more than 50 pages. A lot of the information is generally relevant but not critical.
The fact is, I could state the essence of the book, the information people will be looking for when they buy it, in two pages. It's simple but unknown to most people. Once they learn the information, and if they apply it, it could change the way they do certain things.
I've pretty much decided I can't sell an ebook for. say, $9.98, and it only has two pages. Yes, I understand about not selling it by the pound. Still, I'm not comfortable with that. I'd much rather over deliver in terms of information, even though most people reading it will probably not be interested in the other stuff.
I guess what I'm asking is, how much is fair? Is there any kind of a yardstick that provides guidance on where value starts and stops? Or is it a case of, use your best judgement, put it out there, and see what happens?
Will appreciate your thoughts.
Wes
Posted on: 6:10 pm on June 21, 2010
EllenViolette
You could just call it a special report or white paper then you wouldn't have to worry about the size.
What bothers me is you say it's relevant but not critical. Why not? When you write something you want it to be unique information that they can't get, anywhere else that makes a point and will make their lives easier or better.
Having said that, people are generally satisfied-given it's great information-anywhere from 50 or 60-180 pages. Most people won't read over 200 pages.
I hope that helps!
Posted on: 5:48 am on September 19, 2010
rlemire
Great advice Ellen;
Author's need to realize that (especially for Internet marketing) content is king and that's the only thing readers are interested in. If you have unique information on any subject -- there are readers searching for that knowledge.
Many authors get sidetracked worrying about decoration (the length of pages, number of words, the best font and whether they should "flip" the pages). However, if an author focuses his attention on covering the subject -- then everything else falls into place.
I think authors should spend most of their time crafting the content and not the image. Writing should be plain and easy to understand and, unless you are writing a "story", you should never leave the reader wanting more.
Keep in mind -- readers looking for information do not care about "bells and whistles". On the other hand if you are writing a book for children (or adults who think like children) -- let your imagination run wild.
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