Launching my E-book/Guide, Need Suggestions

I'm not an author but can answer two points.

1/ You do not need anyone to convert the ebook into a PDF (though it does need to be in that sort of format rather than just a word doc) You can do it yourself, it's really simple, just export it as a PDF from word and save as PDF.
2/ Why not also sell it as a kindle ebook? I know the formatting is different and I'm sure someone here could direct you to a formatter that is free and simple to use.

That's about the extent of my knowledge on a game guide.

I assume the reason why "unofficial" is used is because of trademarks, my knowledge of this subject is zero because I only create my own products. However creating PDF books that look professional is easy and all you need is Openoffice or Google docs where you can create a great looking ebook and export to pdf. With regards to the sales page, it makes sense to go with what works, you might not like those pages but they exist because they convert and have been thoroughly tested.

You can hire someone on Odesk or Elance and create a well designed and polished version for all platforms - including Kindle, iBooks and PDF. It will cost you less than $100.

Good proofreader/editor is also highly recommended. Most complains are usually from customers finding multiple grammar or logical errors.

You can't use trademarks and you can't use copyrighted images. This means that, per your example, having the words "Super Marios Bros." in your title is risky.

Note that this includes images of the game itself, and Nentendo is notoriously snappy about this. They recently claimed a bunch of YouTube content as their own because the videos contained images of their games. Now they get a % of the revenue before the video creator sees any of it.

You can't claim fair use on anything since this is a publication for profit, so you need to be very careful.

Basically, you're risking being sued. If you are selling online, you are probably ok unless it becomes huge.

I would definitely use "unofficial."

It's OK to output directly from Word, but of course it's better to pay someone to create a nice looking PDF via InDesign if you can afford it. It won't necessarily help with initial sales, but it can help you build a brand and can generate repeat sales.

You don't have to have a sales page with all the hype if you can tell a good story. A story which gets the attention of your readers and which makes them curious to know more about it. If you can do that then all the hype isn't necessary.

It is true that video game publishers like the exposure that they get from Let's Plays and guides. On the other hand, they can excercise their rights at any time. It's a risk. Bummer, I know.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they would send you a cease & desist before actually going after you. Unless you make millions from it you are probably small fry to them.

Just download Calibre, you can easily convert it to epub , mobi or whatever e-book mobile format you need. No need to pay anyone.

I'm guessing that this target market knows what they want and don't have to be overly sold on it. I would just focus on identifying the problems your book will solve. As long as you don't price it too high, I imagine it will be a no brainer sale. Different from the IM market, I think.

The example you cite, Zygor, is excellent at tapping into the frustrations and desires of the average gamer:
* Never get lost again
* Don't think. Just play.
* Become an unstoppable leveling machine, etc

Kim

Before I have any input, I would like to mention that I have not yet tapped into the gaming niche.

But I imagine that it is very similar to any other niches out there. First thing first, you need to know your target audience.

Yes, there are many overly hypey sales pages out there that works BUT needless to say, it doesn't work for all niches. It really depends on your audience and how they interpret what you have to offer. The main purpose is to point out their pain and offer them a solution (your guide).

Now, as for the presentation for your eBook. May I suggest you invest in a little more $$ for good looking designs and graphics. Although the info you give might have really good content but you want to position yourself as a professional - an authority, straight off the bat. I can't stress enough how important it is, quality always trumps. Of course, I wouldn't go overboard with it but it's a lot better than just plain ol' text.

Lastly, make sure you speak your audience's language. Since you play the game yourself, you probably won't have much to worry but it really helps build your positioning and authority if you write it the common lingo. Help your audience understand your guide easier and it also makes it really easy to read.

Hope that helps

Some points to bring up.

1. Whether names, images, and even original works using content owned by someone else; using them without express permission or paying licensing fee will get you sued. Like Getty Images, they will just send you a bill for what they feel is fair fees. This can reach high 6 figures depending on the "used" contents amount and length of time publicized. It is a pain, but you really should at least get permission or pay the licensing fees or run the risk of getting a nice letter saying you owe them. Remember, they own the game, the name, all the images, and content and using them without their permission is risky any way you slice it. I know too many people who have been slammed with suits like this and they have no defense - they stole the property and had to pay the piper.

2. The gaming niche is SUPER competitive and have you looked to see if there is similar works to what you are planning already online for free? Game guides are pretty much a dime a dozen and few games have the longevity to keep people interested to actually buy something. Most game guides are bought when they buy the game. Unless it is a MMO, then it has to be very different than the hundred other "gold guides" out there. It needs to be flashier and just better than others out there.

3. The trick in games (and most other markets to make money without spending a fortune) is to be "known" to your market. Even using a pen name or gamer handle. Gamers are a sharp and untrusting bunch. If you already have a presence, in a large community you will have a start. If you are unknown - it is a tough row to hoe. It can be overcome with spending a lot on publicizing the book, but it sounds like you won't have those funds available.

4. I had to read your last paragraph a few times to make sure I read it right. You have definitely put yourself in a bad position. I would have at least wait to quit the job until I had a solid, steady income coming in. Unless you have a lot of savings to fall back on, it is not fun. I have done the same before and found out the hard way. Though you can pay your Visa with your Mastercard...if you have a limit left.

You are also assuming they have not gotten permission or paid a licensing fee. You are also assuming the game companies won't take action against people who use their content without licensing or permission.

Even with the "unofficial" guides, if you look very carefully at the fine print at the front of the book (some have it at the end) will be something like, "Photos, content, blah, and blah used with permission from XXX" or "licensed by XXX" or both for multiple parties. Since there are many parts to a game, and many "owners" of the content, it sometimes gets confusing who owns what.

Companies are very funny about someone they don't know putting their name on something. Knowing the difference between a copyright and a trademark is helpful also.

The one thing most should do, and don't, is consult a lawyer to make sure they don't get sued.

Here are some links that may help show you the landscape a bit:

'I almost got sued for knitting a Firefly hat': The legal risks of pop-culture fan art | TechHive

$8k in Image Copyright Infringement Penalties: Bloggers, Beware!

The Messy World of Fan Art and Copyright - Plagiarism Today

Many in IM play it fast and loose and hope they don't get caught. It is all fun and games until someone loses their house and everything they own.