MobileRead Forums - View Single Post

SigilBear · 05-03-2017, 09:05 PM

(I hope this is the right forum. If it isn't, maybe the moderator can move it to another forum.)

There are two classic references on state symbols that are found in lots of libraries. (I don't have a clue about the books' popularity among the general public.)

The first book (by George Earlie Shankle) was written before World War II and doesn't even include Alaska and Hawaii. However, it features a lot of good research into the origins of some of the older state names and symbols.

The second book (by the Shearers) was last published about ten years ago, making it also somewhat outdated. It's a "plain vanilla" reference, with few pictures or aids. The general design is very plain, not at all attractive, and it does nothing more than list the names of the majority of symbols.

The first book (by Shankle) is sold on Amazon as a hardcover for $50. There are apparently used books that sell for as little as $1.00, but there is no ebook available.

The Shearers' book is available in both hardcover and ebook formats. The ebook sells for $100.

I turned Shankle's book into an ebook, at the same time reorganizing it, adding some new content, and replacing the images from the original book with nicer images. In the appendix are complete, current lists of certain categories of symbols that Shankle only touched on (e.g. state trees). I've also put a lot of work into the navigation.

I then started working on my own book about state symbols. It's about sixteen times better than the Shearers' book.

OK, maybe three times better. But I began by defining the term "state symbol," then put together a much more thorough reference. There's more content, far more pictures, far better navigation and on and on.

So here's my question: How much would you recommend charging for these books?

Again, Amazon sells the Shankle book as a hardcover only for $50, the Shearers' book as an ebook for $100. (To my surprise, Apple iBooks doesn't have either book.)

Based on comparative quality, I'd be tempted to sell my books for $75 (Shankle revision) and $200 (my book). But $200 seems a little extreme; even $100 is a lot of money for a book. Moreoever, the Shankle book may not have a huge market; it's more of a collector's item or something that might appeal to hard core researchers or Americana buffs.

I turned the Shankle book into an ebook largely so I could use it to publicize my book. If I'm unable to sell it, I'd consider giving it away to libraries, just to get it out there.

Tentatively, I'm thinking of selling my books for the same prices as Amazon - $50 and $100. At that price, either book would be a bargain - more content and far better quality for the same price. If they don't sell well, I can then always lower the price.

I just wondered if any forum members might have some insights into the pricing of reference books, or books in general. Does my plan sound OK, or do you have any suggestions for fine-tuning it or changing it altogether?

I should mention that I'm going to sell both books via my website for a couple weeks before I connect with Amazon and iBooks, partly as a learning experience and partly to give me some time to iron out any kinks. I have seen some books sold on Amazon for outrageous prices, so I suppose I could always price the second book @ $200 and just see what happens.

Thanks.

05-03-2017, 09:05 PM	#1
SigilBear Banned Posts: 244 Karma: 2112680 Join Date: Jan 2017 Device: iBooks	Pricing Tips on Reference Books? (I hope this is the right forum. If it isn't, maybe the moderator can move it to another forum.) There are two classic references on state symbols that are found in lots of libraries. (I don't have a clue about the books' popularity among the general public.) The first book (by George Earlie Shankle) was written before World War II and doesn't even include Alaska and Hawaii. However, it features a lot of good research into the origins of some of the older state names and symbols. The second book (by the Shearers) was last published about ten years ago, making it also somewhat outdated. It's a "plain vanilla" reference, with few pictures or aids. The general design is very plain, not at all attractive, and it does nothing more than list the names of the majority of symbols. The first book (by Shankle) is sold on Amazon as a hardcover for $50. There are apparently used books that sell for as little as $1.00, but there is no ebook available. The Shearers' book is available in both hardcover and ebook formats. The ebook sells for $100. I turned Shankle's book into an ebook, at the same time reorganizing it, adding some new content, and replacing the images from the original book with nicer images. In the appendix are complete, current lists of certain categories of symbols that Shankle only touched on (e.g. state trees). I've also put a lot of work into the navigation. I then started working on my own book about state symbols. It's about sixteen times better than the Shearers' book. OK, maybe three times better. But I began by defining the term "state symbol," then put together a much more thorough reference. There's more content, far more pictures, far better navigation and on and on. So here's my question: How much would you recommend charging for these books? Again, Amazon sells the Shankle book as a hardcover only for $50, the Shearers' book as an ebook for $100. (To my surprise, Apple iBooks doesn't have either book.) Based on comparative quality, I'd be tempted to sell my books for $75 (Shankle revision) and $200 (my book). But $200 seems a little extreme; even $100 is a lot of money for a book. Moreoever, the Shankle book may not have a huge market; it's more of a collector's item or something that might appeal to hard core researchers or Americana buffs. I turned the Shankle book into an ebook largely so I could use it to publicize my book. If I'm unable to sell it, I'd consider giving it away to libraries, just to get it out there. Tentatively, I'm thinking of selling my books for the same prices as Amazon - $50 and $100. At that price, either book would be a bargain - more content and far better quality for the same price. If they don't sell well, I can then always lower the price. I just wondered if any forum members might have some insights into the pricing of reference books, or books in general. Does my plan sound OK, or do you have any suggestions for fine-tuning it or changing it altogether? I should mention that I'm going to sell both books via my website for a couple weeks before I connect with Amazon and iBooks, partly as a learning experience and partly to give me some time to iron out any kinks. I have seen some books sold on Amazon for outrageous prices, so I suppose I could always price the second book @ $200 and just see what happens. Thanks.