ebook writing questions

[mgkimsal]

Hello all:

When writing an ebook, what do you include about yourself, if anything?

How many pages do you look to include in an ebook, on average?

Is there some guideline for price/page that's out there someone could point me to?

Thanks...

[TommyBussey]

It depends on a lot of different variables.

If the knowledge you're putting into the book has been gained through real-life experiences then include as much about yourself as you need to in order to get your point across.

Usually, when I write e-books, I will call up a transcriber. Basically, I put an outline together of what I want to be in the book and then talk haha Usually I know if I have talked for 1-2 hours then the book will be sufficient.

Don't put a bunch of "filler" info in their just to make it longer.

People would much rather you give them the "meat and potatoes" within 75 pages, rather than sit around reading a 200 page book wondering what the point is.

Hope this helps.

- Tommy

[mgkimsal]

Originally Posted by TommyBussey

It depends on a lot of different variables.

If the knowledge you're putting into the book has been gained through real-life experiences then include as much about yourself as you need to in order to get your point across.

Usually, when I write e-books, I will call up a transcriber. Basically, I put an outline together of what I want to be in the book and then talk haha Usually I know if I have talked for 1-2 hours then the book will be sufficient.

Don't put a bunch of "filler" info in their just to make it longer.

People would much rather you give them the "meat and potatoes" within 75 pages, rather than sit around reading a 200 page book wondering what the point is.

Hope this helps.

- Tommy

It does some. What's the transcriber service you refer to? Thanks. Does someone fill in the gaps for you, or do you just get a rough outline back and you then clean it up?

Thanks.

[jacktackett]

mgkismal,
Tommy has given some good information - but to re-iterate its the information or content that drives the price. Since you seem to be a developer have you ever seen the reports from Gartner, Forester, and others that can cost 8,000 for a 5 page report?

Lots of folks in the IM field will put together short reports from anywhere from free to 7+ bucks as a way to get folks on their lists to upsell them later on.

As Tommy suggested though please don't think you have to add a lot of fluff to justify charging a higher price.

I see you're in Raleigh so if there's anything I can do to help out just let me know.

best,
--Jack

[mgkimsal]

Originally Posted by jacktackett

mgkismal,
Tommy has given some good information - but to re-iterate its the information or content that drives the price. Since you seem to be a developer have you ever seen the reports from Gartner, Forester, and others that can cost 8,000 for a 5 page report?

Lots of folks in the IM field will put together short reports from anywhere from free to 7+ bucks as a way to get folks on their lists to upsell them later on.

As Tommy suggested though please don't think you have to add a lot of fluff to justify charging a higher price.

I see you're in Raleigh so if there's anything I can do to help out just let me know.

best,
--Jack

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I know the Gartner stuff - insanely overpriced to get a 'beat on the street' pulse that is (ime) wrong as often as they're right in predictions

I'm so sorry I missed the event a couple weekends ago - would have been great to get together and meet so many of you!

Yes, I've got a development background, and am struggling with how (if?) I can monetize that information, and how to market it, and so forth.

I could do with getting together for a coffee some time to do a bit of brain picking, but am not sure if there' a local group that meets up. Is there? I'm actually up north of Wake Forest, so if by any chance there's something in north raleigh, that's great, but there rarely is

Thanks again

[jacktackett]

Teddy Garcia has a meetup mastermind group and we meet once a month in N. Raleigh at a local restaurant. Here's his thread in the meeting forum:

Raleigh NC Internet Marketing Mastermind Group

The last time I looked I think Nov's meeting is filled up, though he can usually accommodate one or two extra.

I work from home so can meet for lunch anywhere in RTP or out at Triangle Town Center etc so just PM you contact info and lets set up a time.

Best,
--Jack

[mgkimsal]

Originally Posted by jacktackett

Teddy Garcia has a meetup mastermind group and we meet once a month in N. Raleigh at a local restaurant. Here's his thread in the meeting forum:

Raleigh NC Internet Marketing Mastermind Group

The last time I looked I think Nov's meeting is filled up, though he can usually accommodate one or two extra.

I work from home so can meet for lunch anywhere in RTP or out at Triangle Town Center etc so just PM you contact info and lets set up a time.

Best,
--Jack

Thanks. I've added it to my calendar, though it looks 'full' right now. Strange, but meetup won't let me 'join' the group. :/

In any event, I'll ping you when I know I've got some free time and could meet up - coffee/whatever. I have to be in Chapel Hill about once per week, and could probably schedule a time to meet on the way back.

Thanks again!