Author Topic: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?  (Read 3587 times)

Chris86

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 26
Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« on: July 21, 2016, 09:11:22 AM »
Hi all,

I was considering writing an e-book and was wondering if anyone has experience and willing to share their insights on the entire process.

I have a fairly unique experience of going through an 18 month program that traditionally has a 50% attrition rate, which doesn't have a lot of exposure in the media. I'm considering writing about it. Not only the situation as a whole, but I also kept a journal while going through the program and have access to the other individuals that also went through the program for their input as well.

I was originally thinking of publishing through Amazon Kindle's services (which offer 35% royalty for a $0.99 listing, or 70% royalty for $2.99 listing) but was hoping to tap into the experience of this board and get your thoughts.

Thank you in advance :)

MandalayVA

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1569
  • Location: Orlando FL
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2016, 09:25:10 AM »
Your best bet is to go here:  http://www.kboards.com/index.php?board=60.0

Lots of experienced writers with good tips and advice.

Good luck!

Moonwaves

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1940
  • Location: Germany
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2016, 09:50:56 AM »
Chris86 has asked a question I've been wondering about, too. There are lots of people here who have published e-books and/or self-published and I've seen mention someone of a group of forum peeps collaborating on a novel or two. Is there a thread here were all of this stuff is gathered? I know there's some information in the sidelines thread. Where else?

I will check out the kboards link as well but am interested in what has been happening here, too. 'Cos, you know, even though I may not post a lot here, I do feel nice and comfy so it's always nicer than venturing out into the wider web. :-)

Trede

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 120
  • Age: 54
  • Location: WI
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2016, 10:56:26 AM »
There is a meetups thread but it doesn't seem very active:
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/meetups-and-social-events/mmm-writers'-support-group-for-fun-and-profits/

As for answering questions, I'm always happy to.  My husband writes scifi, and I do all the ebook formatting and website maintenance work.  We publish on Kindle and Nook directly, and through Smashwords to reach all the other major ebook outlets.  For print-on-demand we use Createspace.  Currently working on his sixth book, so I have some experience under my belt.

DeltaBond

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 530
  • Location: U.S.
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2016, 01:01:05 PM »
Trede, would you mind sharing how much money you've made doing the e-books?

Trede

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 120
  • Age: 54
  • Location: WI
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2016, 02:26:22 PM »
Trede, would you mind sharing how much money you've made doing the e-books?

I should tread carefully since I'm not sure Mr. Trede would want hard figures out there, but I'd say annual revenues average a low five figures number.  I'm optimistic about improving that performance, as we only expanded beyond Kindle and Nook this year.

engineermom21

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 93
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2016, 02:50:05 PM »
Following this thread, as I've been throwing around some ideas to generate more passive income, and writing an e-book was one of them.

arebelspy

  • Administrator
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *****
  • Posts: 28444
  • Age: -997
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2016, 06:08:22 PM »
Hi all,

I was considering writing an e-book and was wondering if anyone has experience and willing to share their insights on the entire process.

I have a fairly unique experience of going through an 18 month program that traditionally has a 50% attrition rate, which doesn't have a lot of exposure in the media. I'm considering writing about it. Not only the situation as a whole, but I also kept a journal while going through the program and have access to the other individuals that also went through the program for their input as well.

I was originally thinking of publishing through Amazon Kindle's services (which offer 35% royalty for a $0.99 listing, or 70% royalty for $2.99 listing) but was hoping to tap into the experience of this board and get your thoughts.

Thank you in advance :)

I don't see any questions here.

Yes, we've self-published stuff.

It's quite easy.

:)

I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

Chris86

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 26
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #8 on: July 22, 2016, 02:39:44 PM »
It was meant to be a sharing of insights/experiences, rather than a linear yes-or-no question. It's hard (at least, for me) to ask specific questions when you know close to nothing about the entire process.

:)

Hi all,

I was considering writing an e-book and was wondering if anyone has experience and willing to share their insights on the entire process.

I have a fairly unique experience of going through an 18 month program that traditionally has a 50% attrition rate, which doesn't have a lot of exposure in the media. I'm considering writing about it. Not only the situation as a whole, but I also kept a journal while going through the program and have access to the other individuals that also went through the program for their input as well.

I was originally thinking of publishing through Amazon Kindle's services (which offer 35% royalty for a $0.99 listing, or 70% royalty for $2.99 listing) but was hoping to tap into the experience of this board and get your thoughts.

Thank you in advance :)

I don't see any questions here.

Yes, we've self-published stuff.

It's quite easy.

:)

arebelspy

  • Administrator
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *****
  • Posts: 28444
  • Age: -997
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #9 on: July 22, 2016, 03:37:30 PM »
Haha, okay.  Well, it's very easy.

There are tons of online tutorials on the actual publishing part, the trickier part is the advertising, growing your reader base (assuming you want to write multiple, not just a one-off), etc. There are some good books and podcasts around that though, but it does take quite a while to learn.  Plus a lot of times it involves blogging, which is extra work, but one of the better ways to monetize it.

The publishing part is super easy though.

What exactly are you looking to do?  Make lots of money?  Become a writer full time?  Publish a single story you've had kicking around?  What genre are you thinking?
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

Wolf_Stache

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 920
  • Age: 43
  • Location: Portland
    • Flower's Fang
Re: Anyone experienced with publishing E-Books?
« Reply #10 on: July 22, 2016, 07:04:21 PM »
Revenue really really depends on your genre and a healthy dose of luck. I've been self pubbing fantasy books for a few years. First few books I paid for covers and formatting, this latest book I did everything myself.

arebelspy is right, we can't tell you what you need to know because there is so much! I'd say read a bit ad come back with specific questions.