Does eBook length matter?

by Cash37
19 replies
If an ebook gave you information that would make you thousands.. but was only a few pages long, would you care if it was high priced given it's rather short length?

Kicking the idea of a new ebook around, but I can't give it away for what it will make those who get it.. I want to charge about $47 but the method can be written in about 10 pages no fluff.. should it matter?
#ebook #length #matter
  • Profile picture of the author jgabiger
    It shouldn't....

    If its quality, the length should be irrelevant. I'd rather have a short, quality book, than a long book filled with repetative nonsense.

    I understand your concern though... some people may feel cheated at first.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lambert Klein
    I say it has to be just long enough to do what it's suppose to.
    Why add fluff? If it's a good product NP.

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  • Profile picture of the author Marian Berghes
    believe it or not...there are ALOT, and I mean ALOT of people that consider that if the ebook is 20-30 pages long it should be 17$ or something...if its 60 pages...27$...etc...

    Besides that there are alot of people that think like: "Oh man, this guys gives me 10 DVD's full of marketing advice....that HAS to be good if it SO BIG"....

    To me..it doesn't matter...it can be 10 pages long and cost 50$...if the info really changes something in my business...ill have it.
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    • Profile picture of the author sylviad
      Some people make an absolute fortune selling mini-reports for $1000. It depends on the topic - how technical, how unique, how hard to find, how professional, etc. If it's written by an expert who knows what they're talking about (like Donald Trump) people would pay an armload for that valuable tip.

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      • Profile picture of the author Nato Guajardo
        Originally Posted by sylviad View Post

        Some people make an absolute fortune selling mini-reports for $1000. It depends on the topic - how technical, how unique, how hard to find, how professional, etc. If it's written by an expert who knows what they're talking about (like Donald Trump) people would pay an armload for that valuable tip.

        Sylvia

        The majority of my reports are less than 30 pages. I've sold several small reports for $97+. It really just depends on the market.
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  • Profile picture of the author innocent07
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Cash37 View Post

    If an ebook gave you information that would make you thousands.. but was only a few pages long, would you care if it was high priced given it's rather short length?

    Kicking the idea of a new ebook around, but I can't give it away for what it will make those who get it.. I want to charge about $47 but the method can be written in about 10 pages no fluff.. should it matter?
    Does eBook length matter?? Make it 6 miles long ...

    naa, try and pad it out a bit, but length shouldnt matter aslong as you provide value.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Taylor
    You can use the short length as a marketing point in your sales letter.

    Use the "painfully honest" tactic to turn a potential deal breaker into a tempation to buy.

    I would say something like:

    "I have to warn you...the information contained in this report is brief and to the point. In fact, it's a mere ten pages. You don't need hundreds of pages of filler to put cash in your wallet...but you do need a solid plan of action. And plans of action like mine are brief but powerful. When you first put my plan into motion, you'll notice how quickly it..." Etc.

    Let them know what they're getting for their money, but don't be shy about the brevity of your report. Make it a selling point.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kunle Olomofe
    Don't sweat so hard over this. Length does not matter if content is superb.

    Here's what you need to do...

    1) Locate and ethically capture the contact info of interested prospective buyers/readers first.

    2) Write your 10 page report (call it a report not an ebook).

    3) Write (Or have someone else write) a compelling sales letter.

    4) Add an eye catching graphic or don't (this is not compulsory).

    5) Make it brain dead easy for people to pay you.

    6) Send a notification that your product is now online to the people you met while doing step 1 above.

    And just as Michael says just above, you could even use the short length as a powerful selling point.

    Cheers,

    Kunle
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  • Profile picture of the author mudmat
    The content should be of quality.

    If it takes to you just 10 pages to tell them exactly what to do, so be it.
    If it takes you 50 pages to tell them exactly what to do then, 50 pages it is.

    Usually people relate more pages mean more pricey.

    What some "gurus" will tell you is to add videos, audios so that you charge a higher price. If you feel adding a video will benefit your readers better, why not.
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    While what Marian said is true there are a LOT of people who also HATE to be given the daunting task of consuming a large eBook/course/whatever. They'd prefer to have it with the fat cut off. Just make sure you stress that point in the sales copy. Make them see it your way.
    tiff
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    • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
      From what you are saying, i believe you still have a winner. You can create an audio version of your ebook.

      So you have an Ebook...........10 pages and Audio book same version........something minutes

      This will then add value to your people and is convinient.

      You can even go to your local printers and get it printed. Let your clients pay for postage and packaging. Then sent the printed book together with the cd.

      While they are waiting they could be reading your ebook. Which they finish in 2 hours anyways. But they will have a printed copy on their shelve at home and cd in their cars or something.

      Well that is adding value

      My own 2 cents
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      • Profile picture of the author JazzOscar
        I think such a relatively high price pr. page is ok if the pages are filled with value.

        Originally Posted by Kunle Olomofe View Post

        -----
        2) Write your 10 page report (call it a report not an ebook).
        -----
        I agree on calling it a report. I don't quite know where the limit between a report and an eBook goes when it comes to pages and content, but perhaps calling it a report will make it seem even more valuable at that price.

        Be open about the length of the report in the sales letter. I don't think it'll scare serious buyers away if you're able, at the same time, to tell them about it's value.
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  • Profile picture of the author RichardDean
    Length does not matter it is how you use it.

    ask any woman Wink Wink

    Richard
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  • Profile picture of the author ragstworiches
    The value is based on what the information is worth. If you have a secret that is worth $1000, then that is what you can charge for your ebook, although this always reeks of bs as far as I am concerned. In some niches some people moan about length due to the fact that they can buy a real book on amazon on the same subject for far cheaper. I guess your ebook is worth whatever you can get away with charging. Personally I have made a fortune with free ebooks, profiting on the back end. I am personally insulted if someone expects me to pay for an ebook, lol.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoeyAtlas
      I just released and 8 page product on CB - and I call it an 'e-Manual' ($49.95 price) - so far everyone is very happy... BUT, I know the product and support materials are a big value and delivers the RESULTS - thats why I'm ok doing this.

      There are 160 page ebooks that shouldn't cost a dollar...

      If it delivers on the promise - call it what you want and price it how you want.

      Joey
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  • Profile picture of the author Dontrell Lyons
    No Fluff, No Filler...

    Stick with providing nothing but solid information, it saves everyone's time in the end!
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  • Profile picture of the author Spike SpiegelIM
    Quality content merits the price as opposed to length. I prefer to get to the good stuff than to beat around the bushes with fillers..
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  • Profile picture of the author write-stuff
    I'll go along with what most have said - I'd prefer a short "ebook" over an arbitrarily longer one if both deliver the same message effectively.

    In the software business, we refer to a product's "thump factor" and people really do buy books based on their covers. Thus, a longer book may have a stronger sales appeal, but if it's just fattened with fluff, you'll end up with PO'ed buyers.

    One thing that really makes me grind my teeth are the eBooks written double-spaced in overly large fonts. Some argue that this makes them easier to read, but I'm not buying that nonsense. Whether I'm reading on my screen or printing it out, a nice 12-point font, single-spaced seems just about optimum.
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  • Profile picture of the author Leanne King
    I think it depends on the market and the value inside those pages.
    I've paid $47 for books that are just 11 pages long but what was inside those 47 pages was valuable to me

    Leanne
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