feedback

[martin ewen]

I'm working on my new website, [12 years, things change]
So as most of you know I pen the odd story.
Part of my site will be focused on presenting this.
Here's what I need advice about. I have decided to sell initially one book.
26 stories, each about a town or city I've worked in starting with each letter of the alphabet. This is the 'object' that I am most happy having people purchase.
Now what are peoples thoughts, I thought obviously being on my site they are free to read/download. I could also put a mp3 library of stories up for the audiobook demographic.
Should I make those free and let that be a marketing tool for the book/s rather than a singular revenue stream in itself?
Should I restrict some, the best IMO, and offer only excerpts free?
I want to strike a balance. The purist in me just wants to give everything but the book objects away. What are the advantages and disadvantages of trying to make people buy online content.

I have a reasonable quality voice in broadcasting terms. Sell that? or use it to seduce potential bookbuyers?

Thoughts?

[martin ewen]

so far 40 views and not a peep. I'll give it another 24 then I'm going to go NZ arts council on your ass.

Check my pnet blog [which never turns up in the 'new posts'] for NZ arts council context.

*sigh* don't you just hate that, "this is funny because..."

[Jim]

Lighten up, Francis.

I've never sold anything digital online. I wish I had, but I don't have a product. Are you talking about having a PHYSICAL printed book? Or a digital book?

I think you should publish your p.net library-style stories for free (they've been free online for years, anyway) but keep the 26 book stories for purchase only.

I think a printed book, with historical, relevant images (and autographed) would be VERY cool. A downloadable audio version could be available separately. I would probably price the printed book at (for example) $10.00 plus shipping, the audio book for $10.00 for download, or BOTH for $15.00 or something like that.

Your voice should DEFINITELY be the one reading the stories. NO QUESTION.

I'd do like amazon or iTunes does and offer a 2 minute audio sample of a complete book. For a physical book, I'd offer a chapter online for free, or something like that.

[elbonko]

damn it Jim. i just spent 10 minutes re-clicking on this thread to get the view count high enough to get Martin to blow up. so close...

[RiffRaff]

We'd have more luck playing pickup sticks with our butt-cheeks than we will getting a flight out of here before daybreak.

...Oh, sorry. I thought this was the random movie quote thread.

[gav]

Not a single Australian will buy the audio book.
We can't stand the kiwi accent !!
Why should i have to listen people calling me Givun ?