Question for those who have written eBooks

[mlcraggs]

Greetings and salutations,

First off, I think I have a viable idea for a muse. I am a video editor by trade and constantly get the same question asked by people wanting to get into the business: How do I get a job in television or film?

I am planning on penning an eBook which will initially cost me nothing but time as I plan on using my own experience and notes taken from my schooling. These notes will be quite useful as when I went to school one course was specifically geared towards starting your career post-graduation.

I have fairly good web design skills and am very capable of setting up a website where payment and delivery of this content is automated.

My problem is that I know very little about what an eBook is all about. I have a couple of questions, and would appreciate some insight from those with experience as eBook authors.

1. What is your estimate of average wordcount for an eBook?

2. What kind of price can I expect to charge? Is there a specific formula for choosing the price compared to a paper book? For example, do you take the average cost of a softcover book and then divide it in half?

3. How did you deliver the product? PDF download? PDF on CD?

Any advice or answers would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

[PhilnCedarPark]

eBooks are getting slicker all the time, so the bar to entry is getting higher. For costs, etc - you at least have to beat similar titles at http://www.ebooks.com/ - and that isn't a no-cost solution.

You might want to look at http://www.pdf995.com/why.html or even adobe if you are concerned about digital rights management. And a decently-produced MP3 may even be a better solution than an ebook. You can have a 10-minute overview for free, then the whole audio for purchase.

Considering the subject matter, an online video for purchase may also go better.

Lets face it, an ipod/quicktime video showing your expertise - both a free short form and a paid long form - could be listed for $35-$40. They could also get a username/password for your insider tips, etc on your site.


And just google your search terms to find the competition. For example:

http://www.getatvjob.com/index.php

For viral marketing, you can create something a bit humorous or insightful - less than two minutes - and pop it up in youtube (something like "How to NOT Get A Job in Movies and TV").

Also support it by creating a Lens in Squidoo; a blog on Blogger, and start a link-baiting strategy to drive content. Take 60 days and skip the PPC - looks like you could have a unique offering if you are a bit more creative.

Sure, its a bit more work and cost - but given the competitive landscape and all the "noise" you find on search engines, a few $$ - with your expertise you can save a bundle probably because you can do a lot. I know the idea is to be 'quick' - but invest a little more and the payoff on your idea be a lot bigger.

[mlcraggs]

I must admit, I like your alternatives to an eBook (MP3 audio, video podcast, etc)

I know the idea is to be 'quick' - but invest a little more and the payoff on your idea be a lot bigger.

Don't get me wrong, I realize that any successful venture takes time and effort. Also, when I say writing the book will cost me little, I am referring to the financial cost of creating content. I realize that it will cost me much time and hard work which I am more than happy to put in. My first priority is creating a quality production and create a solid marketing plan. I am simply trying to get a feel of what the going rates for an eBook are, average length, etc. Once I learn the formula, I can expand upon it and get creative.

Thank you very much for your ideas and suggestions. It is very much appreciated.