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"Report" vs "Book"

by newxxx
35 replies
for giving away a lead magtnet pdf

how many pages are considered to be a report?

and how many pages are considered to be a book?

does putting a fancy cover on a 5 page report make it a book?

to me, a free book has more appeal than a free report, but i don't know
what length of pages differentiates a "report" from a "book"

thank you !!!!1
#book #report
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  • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
    It's actually quite subjective.


    I have a free eBook that's 82 pages. I was told by several that it would be too long, that people wouldn't read it. But, I have more testimonies for it than any of the short ones.


    I have other lead pages that give away free eBooks that are 7 to 10 pages.


    If it was under 7 pages I would feel embarrassed to call it a book and would call that a report.


    But, 7 pages or more with a great cover and I think you can call it a book.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
    Originally Posted by newxxx View Post

    how many pages are considered to be a report?

    and how many pages are considered to be a book?

    to me, a free book has more appeal than a free report, but i don't know
    what length of pages differentiates a "report" from a "book"
    If it is organized into "chapters"... it's a book.

    Otherwise, it's a report.

    An appropriate cover (IMHO) is needed for either. In my mind, if it isn't worth the effort for you to create a cover... it certainly isn't worth my email address.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
    Banned
    Good question. Sometimes it's not the length of a Report/eBook ... Rather the quality of the information.

    2C
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    • Profile picture of the author yukon
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

      Good question. Sometimes it's not the length of a Report/eBook ... Rather the quality of the information.

      2C

      Agreed, counting pages isn't important.

      One page of useful content could be more valuable than 10 mediocre ebooks with dozens of pages.

      OP, the key is to transition traffic from the free content into the paid content/service/product. The free content needs to compliment and build up to whatever you're selling.

      Example, If you're selling shirt ties, give away free instructions on how to tie multiple types of knots for shirt ties...
      • Four-In-Hand Knot
      • Half Windsor Knot
      • Full Windsor Knot
      • Nicky Knot
      • Bow-Tie Knot
      • Kelvin Knot
      • Oriental Knot
      • Pratt Knot
      • etc...

      This way, you've qualified traffic to buy shirt ties which is your ultimate goal. These are now warm leads.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        Originally Posted by yukon View Post

        One page of great content could be more valuable than 10 mediocre ebooks with dozens of pages.
        Exactly. I wouldn't go to say that far ... However I agree that a good "Report" could be more valuable (and profitable) than a eBook of 60 pages.
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        • Profile picture of the author yukon
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

          Exactly. I wouldn't go to say that far ... However I agree that a good "Report" could be more valuable (and profitable) than a eBook of 60 pages.

          I said that because a lot of people around here act like all content is equal... or worse, everyone needs to write articles. Which is wrong.

          Each niche has different needs, webmasters need to be creative in how they funnel traffic and use the giveaway as a pre-sell, not just filler to con people into subscribing. That free content sets the stage for what to expect in the future.

          The shirt tie example above could be all images. It's only an example of how niches have different needs, Everyone doesn't want/need an ebook.
          • If I'm learning basketball, I want a video I can replay in slow motion.
          • If I'm learning woodworking, I want material list and drawings.
          • If I'm cooking I want a book full of recipes with photos.
          • etc...

          The niche itself can sometimes help determine what's needed (ebook, video, newsletter, images, etc...).
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          • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
            Banned
            Originally Posted by yukon View Post

            I said that because a lot of people around here act like all content is equal... or worse, everyone needs to write articles. Which is wrong.
            Yeah good point. One of the problems I see is that many People/Marketers think "their" way is the only way. (When many times it's not.)
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            • Profile picture of the author yukon
              Banned
              Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

              Yeah good point. One of the problems I see is that many People/Marketers think "their" way is the only way. (When many times it's not.)
              That's absolutely true.

              We can give examples but each person has to be creative on their own, either they sink or swim, that's up to each individual.
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  • Profile picture of the author Goran Zinic
    I usually stick to the number of words, not the actual pages.

    Report - 5000+ words
    eBook - not less than 12000 words, usually 16-20000
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  • Profile picture of the author provenbusinessmodels
    It doesn't matter how many pages as long as it's useful and the landing page is well designed.
    You can even show an image on the landing page and omit it in the actual eBook or report.

    I wish you good luck and much success!
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Give away value your audience wants - either via report or eBook - and they gobble it up. Keep it short and sweet though. Folks like brief free solutions. Follow with a more robust eBook, or full blown course.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by newxxx View Post

    "Report" vs "Book"



    The definition of report vs. book is totally subjective. You call whatever you produce whatever you want to call it. Most people would probably agree that reports and usually shorter than books, but assigning a certain number of pages to one or the other is personal opinion only.


    More important than length, IMO, are three considerations:
    1. Does the writing cover the topic adequately?
    2. Does the writing spur the reader to want to know more?
    3. Is the format one that your readers want to digest?
    Other than that, you call your report or book whatever you want.


    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      I could be wrong ... However I think the term "Report" sounds more "serious" (if that makes sense) and valuable. For instance Google defines the word as:

      "An account given of a particular matter, especially in the form of an official document,
      after thorough investigation or consideration."

      Just a thought.
      : )
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  • Profile picture of the author crackhouse
    Yes, it is quite subjective, but anything other 30 pages i wouldn't consider a book.

    In any case, the value to your customers isn't going to be based on whtehr you name it a "book" a "report" or a "whitepaper" - it's the content that it contains and how you choose to promote that content.

    Calll it a "study" if you want, it won't make a difference unless you're actualyl promoting the content in it and not the name of the concept of what it is
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  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    Well, the Warren Commission Report was 888 pages long. But perhaps that isn't the best example.

    In general, I call anything 7,500 words or less a report and anything over 10,000 an ebook. The number of pages will vary based on font size and the number of graphics included.

    Add a cover but that doesn't make it a book.

    As others have said, it's subjective so it's up to you what you call it.

    The important thing is it answers a question or provides information that your readers need. If they're impressed with your giveaway they're more likely to buy your paid products. Don't think that because it's a freebie it can be junk. First impressions are important.

    Rose
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  • Profile picture of the author alliance
    Report 5-10 pages with cover, ebook 10+. If you're goal is to build a relationship with the prospect via a Lead magnet, I would suggest that the key is producing quality that a Reader will find of interest.
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by newxxx View Post

    does putting a fancy cover on a 5 page report make it a book?
    No. It makes it a five page report with a fancy cover.

    Too many people calling it a "book" is part of why ebooks are devalued in so many markets.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hafiz Akinde
    Look at it this way: if you want to sell a product using a presell page, you may choose to use a free report. However, for your optin page, it is better to use an ebook as your lead magnet.

    Although there are no hard and fast rules, it depends on what works for you and your target audience.
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    technically it does not matter if you make it good, and create curiosity people will lap that chit up.

    i like report or journal.
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  • Profile picture of the author ashwinsd
    What I understand is, a book is well organised with Index and chapters. Number of pages wont matter. Also I have seen Both book and Reports with cover, but book always has a cover and report may or may not have a cover.
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  • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
    Putting on my marketing hat I tend to call written works these days "Guides", "Systems", "Checklists", "Cheat Sheets", "FAQ's", "Programs", etc... depending on the exact content. I always like my products to clearly demonstrate they are a stepping stone to achieving a desired end result...there are better ways to represent your information than a book or report in my experience.

    Jeff
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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      Originally Posted by jbsmith View Post

      Putting on my marketing hat I tend to call written works these days "Guides", "Systems", "Checklists", "Cheat Sheets", "FAQ's", "Programs", etc...
      Interesing. Thanks Jeff. : )
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    • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
      Originally Posted by jbsmith View Post

      Putting on my marketing hat I tend to call written works these days "Guides", "Systems", "Checklists", "Cheat Sheets", "FAQ's", "Programs", etc... depending on the exact content. I always like my products to clearly demonstrate they are a stepping stone to achieving a desired end result...there are better ways to represent your information than a book or report in my experience.

      Jeff
      The default in Mail Order, for about a century was FREE INFO. That got you a folio, report, brochure, publication, hotsheet, Chart (forerunner to infographic), circular, flyer, handbill, booklet, handout, pamphlet, instructions, plan, outline, pattern, or instructions.

      U-bild sold tens of thousands of PLANs, to the point, call it what will work as the best match for your target market.

      I like hotsheets with time important info, but what is most important, is your target gets what they are expecting, and are delighted or satisfied with the INFO, whatever you call it.

      Maps are good for getting a person from point A to B.

      Paulette Ensign has done well with her TIPS BOOKLETS.

      I've written 10 page books and 100 page reports. Jeff, I and your google search thesaurus will fill in any blank spots we might have missed.

      Today, if targeting a younger market, I like infographics and cheats, they are time strapped people.

      GordonJ

      PS. My latest work is mostly cartoons, I may call it a Biz Manga.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        Nice post: Thanks Gordon. Just a quick thought:

        Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

        Today, if targeting a younger market, I like infographics and cheats, they are time strapped people.
        They may be "time strapped" however if what you're providing is interesting and valuable ... They will read it all day long.

        2C
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  • Profile picture of the author IGotMine
    how many pages are considered to be a report?
    Exactly 4.375.

    and how many pages are considered to be a book?
    Anything over 4.375.

    does putting a fancy cover on a 5 page report make it a book?
    According to the above formula, it's already a book.

    You must get it right or you're a total loser.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zeyankhan
    Sometimes it's not the length of a Report/eBook
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  • Profile picture of the author amuro
    It depends entirely on your niche and market demand for it.

    Most importantly, how well you know about that niche / topic that you can share and help others indirectly.

    One thing I do learn it is not the quantity but quality of content that matters.

    Here is a video that might enlighten and give you a better understanding of what I am talking about.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg6YWs5xXCI&t=3s
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by newxxx View Post

    for giving away a lead magtnet pdf

    how many pages are considered to be a report?

    and how many pages are considered to be a book?

    does putting a fancy cover on a 5 page report make it a book?

    to me, a free book has more appeal than a free report, but i don't know
    what length of pages differentiates a "report" from a "book"

    thank you !!!!1
    It's all just marketing, you could call it either regardless of length.
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  • Profile picture of the author amuro
    It depends on 3 factors

    What topic / niche are you writing?

    How much you know and

    If there is a demand for it?
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  • Profile picture of the author jt120651
    The most important part is value. Whether it's a book or report. When you can show your traffic you're giving away something that can help them with a particular problem and over deliver on VALUE, then you will develop a list of leads that will stay with you for the long run, as long as you continue to deliver extreme value. Whether that is a free report or book, and in the long run, with Value, you can sell a product that cost $10,000.00. If you present real value, you can go a long way...
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Depends on the value you place on it. My "books" are around 60 pages. My "reports" are around 15 pages. But logic can always be defied. You could write up a 10-page "report" and sell it for alot of money - just depends on the absolute value of the content you assign to it.
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  • Profile picture of the author zsoltsalat
    Hi newxxx


    Doesn't matter if it's called report, book, white paper, cheat sheet, blueprint, etc, etc ...

    There is only one thing that matters: VALUABLE AND USEFUL CONTENT. On 5 or 50 pages ...


    Regards,

    Zed
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  • Profile picture of the author Suddengreen
    If it's below 10 pages, I would definitely call it a report. My eBooks are usually 20 - 40 pages. Another condition for me is that a book should be well organized into Chapters and should have a Table of Contents.
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  • Profile picture of the author MartinBuckley
    online i wouldn't use the word book and even report is getting out used to much. I personally use the word guide if it shows how to do something, it sounds better and it's not used as much and it's working for me.

    I hope this helps!

    Marty Buckley
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  • Profile picture of the author UncannyJo
    This is a very interesting question. It does really depend on the market that you're in in regards to people preferring a book over a report. You can simply make a basic cover page with a title and a subtitle with your name or the name of your website. The best thing to do is focus on the quality of the content and try to have enough as possible to make it at least 7 pages. You can always use diagram images to get your point across but you need it more pages around great content. Also, you can use your report as outline for a book that you may want to sell. The report could just simply give The Who what where and why of something and the book can give the how. The best thing to do is to make certain that you search your Market to see what people respond to the most in terms of a book or a report. If possible, try to download some of the free giveaways in your market and compare and contrast how those PDFs and ebooks are put together to give you an idea how to put yours together.
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