Need help - New project by an author (but techno-idiot)

5 replies
Hey everyone,

YEARS ago, I first posted on Warrior forum about wanting to create an ebook called 'the Happy Slob's guide to Housecleaning.' I had such a positive response, and so much help and guidance that I've never forgotten this place! My original goal was to prove to editors/publishers that the book was one worthy of being printed. I decided that if I could sell enough ebooks, then I'd make a very strong case. I also had an accompanying blog.

It worked! That book - renamed No Hassle Housecleaning - was indeed published, and then I had an opportunity to write another book for the same publisher. It was a dream come true for me to become a traditionally published author.

Now, I'm taking my experiences and writing a new book about how bloggers can use their blogs to get noticed and land a book deal. I'm sharing how I did it, and how others can achieve the same goal. (And yes, I'm choosing to self-publish this as an ebook. I like the freedom of that, and how quickly I can get the book to market as opposed to traditional publishing.)

My questions for you guys are:

1. Pricing: I'm thinking of between $19.99 - $24.99 for what I believe will end up being an 80-100 page ebook. Does that sound reasonable?

2. Website page: I just need a basic sales page. Does anyone know of where I could get a simple template? (Like I mentioned in the title - I'm a techno-idiot!! lol) Then, I'd write my own copy for the sales page.

3. ebook delivery: I really like the idea of e-junkie.com, and have read plenty of positive reviews about it. Do you guys have any feedback on that?

I guess that's it for now. I'm thanking you SO much in advance for your advice and knowledge. I'm really excited about this project, but am feeling a little overwhelmed.

Thanks again all,
Christina Spence
#author #ebook #project #technoidiot
  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Christina,

    First, I have to ask, have you considered Kindle publishing and Amazon as your distributor? It seems to me that the greatest challenge to book authors is how to get your book "out there" - noticed and reviewed for additional publicity so it can be sold to interested buyers.

    Putting up your own web site, sales page, and product fulfillment process is a lot more difficult and more work than publishing on Kindle. With Amazon, you get a huge marketplace of potential buyers. With you own web site - you get a huge challenge to drive traffic to your offer.

    Originally Posted by happyslob View Post

    My questions for you guys are: 1. Pricing: I'm thinking of between $19.99 - $24.99 for what I believe will end up being an 80-100 page ebook. Does that sound reasonable?
    If you compare those prices you've mentioned with the average Kindle books, which sell millions, they are more than double the Amazon price. While your book could certainly be worth that price, when it's self-published and probably going to be compared with other ebooks available online, I think your price is too high.


    Originally Posted by happyslob View Post

    2. Website page: I just need a basic sales page. Does anyone know of where I could get a simple template? (Like I mentioned in the title - I'm a techno-idiot!! lol) Then, I'd write my own copy for the sales page.
    There are lots of options. WordPress templates are plentiful, not too difficult to work with, and there are lots of examples of "book selling" product templates out there, both free and paid.

    Originally Posted by happyslob View Post

    3. ebook delivery: I really like the idea of e-junkie.com, and have read plenty of positive reviews about it. Do you guys have any feedback on that?
    e-Junkie is as good as any for product financial transactions and digital delivery. There are many other options. A couple that come to mind are ECWID and GumRoad.

    The very best to you on this project.

    Steve
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    Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
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  • Profile picture of the author happyslob
    Thanks Steve, awesome answer!
    I'm definitely going to ponder what you've said, especially
    about Kindle publishing on Amazon. Thanks for taking the
    time for such a great answer.
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    http://www.happyslob.com/cleaningbook.html - The Happy Slob's Guide to (NO-Hassle) Housecleaning
    http://moldremoval.blogspot.com - Mold Removal Tips
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  • Profile picture of the author dgiles63
    Here is a free Wordpress Sales Page theme that is really simple to use.

    WordPress Sales Page Theme 1.0 Free Download

    Hope that helps.
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    Dean Giles
    Instant Profit with Step-by-Step Books
    Or Profit with
    Google Keyword Planner Exploited

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  • Profile picture of the author happyslob
    Just wondering if anyone else had any further suggestions?
    ~Christina
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    http://www.happyslob.com/cleaningbook.html - The Happy Slob's Guide to (NO-Hassle) Housecleaning
    http://moldremoval.blogspot.com - Mold Removal Tips
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