Comments on: E-books – After the Writing

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:50:01 +0000

Erik, PDFs actually do quite well on the screen due to their adaptability, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular e-book format. It’s also a format that allows for easy printing, and I know several people who do that with e-books with no problem. On top of it, PDFs are also commonly used with POD publishers, meaning the format is certainly adaptable to what you’re talking about – the issue with these kinds of services, however, would be rights-related. While there’s no issue with someone simply printing a document they’ve purchased, there could be issues if they’re uploading that file to any kind of site or service without permission to convert it into other formats (like a print book) not authorized by the copyright holder.

By: Erik Hare

Erik Hare — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:19:12 +0000

pdf is not a format meant for the screen. ebooks will always have a limited reach as long as they are exclusively on a screen. We need a format that allows the user to print a real book that they can hold in their hands and take with them.

I’m close to having such a thing. Email me if you want to know more.

By: A Little Early Autumn Weekend Link Love | Freelance Writing Jobs

A Little Early Autumn Weekend Link Love | Freelance Writing Jobs — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:33:54 +0000

[...] with her information when we discussed ebooks on FWJ Radio, continues the discussion with “E-Books After the Writing” at All Freelance [...]

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:42:43 +0000

I did hear that about Office 2007, so thanks for confirming Latoya. I still use 2003 – I’m notoriously slow about upgrading anything coming from Microsoft.

And you’re right about the backend products. That’s one of the things I’m hoping to have through releasing a series as opposed to a single e-book this time – if they like one, they’ll be able to buy others. With my previous one, if they liked the e-book, they often ended up hiring me to write their press releases – so services can actually serve a similar role.

By: LaToya Irby

LaToya Irby — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:34:59 +0000

I have Office 2007 which has an option to save documents to PDF. That’s what I use to covert ebooks. (I’ve ghostwritten a few and sold a few number a pen name.)

As a buyer, freebies won’t convince me to buy an ebook I’m on the fence about, but they can make me disinterested in an ebook I’m already skeptical about. You can tell with some freebies that they’re just free products the seller found somewhere and threw in as a selling point. Those kinds of freebies make me doubt the product. I also believe that freebies written by someone else hurt your credibility and your chances of repeat buyers.

I wholeheartedly agree with Jenn about creating your own freebies that are specific to that ebook. The freebies she listed are right on point with creating extra value for readers. Those types of freebies further solidify her credibility as someone who knows about making money from writing and encourages customers to buy her next ebook.

I’ve also read that you should have a backend product to sell to readers who read your ebook then email you asking what else you have for sale.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:04:10 +0000

I look at the bonuses this way – if you’re offering something attractive, it might be what pushes someone off of the fence between buying and not buying. Any incentive can help.

And thanks Leigh. I’m glad you have some bonus ideas in mind.

By: Leigh

Leigh — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:55:18 +0000

Great job on FWJ Radio yesterday, Jenn. I never thought of bonuses either, and now I know exactly what I will add to my e-book package to enhance the content for readers. Thanks!

By: Avid Writer

Avid Writer — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:16:40 +0000

Now I hate to admit it, but I’d never really considered adding bonuses to an ebook for sale. Like you I’ve gotten some completely useless bonuses with ebook purchases, and some really valuable bonuses from others.

I am working on a free report to give away to clients right now, but I am also brainstorming to develop an ebook for sale. I really want to make it useful and not generic. There’s a lot more to think about than I’d originally thought.