How long should my ebook be?

by Jack7
8 replies
Hey Warriors,

So here's the thing. In the past week, I had a sudden realization of what my first ebook should be about, and I started writing it. I'm sure many of you will remember the enthusiasm and excitement of writing your first product .

Anyway, as I'm writing it, a question comes to mind. How long should it be? Is there an average length to an ebook, and what would be an average price on it? Obviously there is no real "average" here, but from your experience, what was the length of your first ebook and how much did you sell it for?

I'm just looking for an overall picture here. For now, I intend to write about 20 pages of solid content (not including images, and 2 bonus guides). Does that sound like something that I could sell for, oh I don't know, $15-$20 a pop?
#ebook #long #shoud
  • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
    Originally Posted by Jack7 View Post

    Hey Warriors,

    So here's the thing. In the past week, I had a sudden realization of what my first ebook should be about, and I started writing it. I'm sure many of you will remember the enthusiasm and excitement of writing your first product .

    Anyway, as I'm writing it, a question comes to mind. How long should it be? Is there an average length to an ebook, and what would be an average price on it? Obviously there is no real "average" here, but from your experience, what was the length of your first ebook and how much did you sell it for?

    I'm just looking for an overall picture here. For now, I intend to write about 20 pages of solid content (not including images, and 2 bonus guides). Does that sound like something that I could sell for, oh I don't know, $15-$20 a pop?
    As long as it needs to be...

    BUT

    The length and structure of the product itself actually plays a pretty big part in how you market it, and how your sales copy speaks to people.

    For instance - If your product is 20 pages long - strictly the facts or is just very direct and straight to the point...you can market as a "no fluff blah blah blah"

    But, if the product is a bit longer and in great length (read: more small details) you can market it as some sort of "system" which very well could increase the amount of money that you can sell the product for.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

      As long as it needs to be...

      BUT

      The length and structure of the product itself actually plays a pretty big part in how you market it, and how your sales copy speaks to people.

      For instance - If your product is 20 pages long - strictly the facts or is just very direct and straight to the point...you can market as a "no fluff blah blah blah"

      But, if the product is a bit longer and in great length (read: more small details) you can market it as some sort of "system" which very well could increase the amount of money that you can sell the product for.
      Here is the BEST way to do this....

      Take your general topic, and extract ideas and subject matter (that could probably go into the Main book), but make them into separate books....

      Get cover graphics for each individual book.....and, like the OP mentioned, package it as a "System"....and, throw in a few bonuses that relate, in some way, to your System, and you are set.....

      Pulling out a piece of notebook paper, and write out your ideas....seriously, something like this needs a little planning....
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  • Profile picture of the author jonbeebe
    I also recommend creating a short "companion" eBook (report) that you give away free, before you go to sell your other ebook (could be as little or as long as it needs to be--5 pages even).

    I'd build up a list that you know is interested in the subject matter, use the report to get them wanting your paid eBook... and then follow-up with them (the right way, that is--the whole process explained in great step by step detail in the free report in my signature).

    As far as length goes, make it as long as it needs to be to deliver. That's what people care most about, in fact, you may have a higher percentage of people actually read it if it's a little shorter than average.

    Hope that helps!
    Jonathan Beebe
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  • Profile picture of the author grafx77
    I like the idea of the "companion book". This will even serve as a Lead magnet at your site.

    Size matters. Of course content is very important. If you use lots of illustrations, your book could be longer and more interesting. Hard solid facts do not sell. People want to relate to what they experience everyday.

    The longer, relevant and interesting, the pricier.
    Wish you the best.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashley Wright
    Like the saying goes "as long as a piece of string" and also "quality over quantity" hope that helps
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  • Profile picture of the author mfleisch
    Hi Jack7... I've written a number of ebooks anywhere from 12 - 85 pages. What you charge depends on a number of factors. Those factor include: topics covered, competitors products, and pricing.

    If you are covering a single topic that includes a good deal of subtopics, you'll need to be well over 20+ pages. However, if you are covering a single topic that's smaller in scope, you can get away with something around a dozen pages.

    Before you build out your ebook, look at your competitors or those products that you think others in your niche are buying. How long are their ebooks? What will be different about yours?

    Once you have an idea of product, think about how yours will differ. How will it be unique? Can you charge a premium?

    If you consider all of the above factors, that should help you size your manuscript an price it appropriately.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack7
    All great suggestions. Thanks a lot guys.
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