talkmagic.co.uk

I just wanted to get an opinion on something. I'm thinking about putting some more of my ideas into print and was wondering if to put them all into one big book or release them in a number of smaller, more specific books.

The upside of the smaller books is that I can keep the prices lower as well as supplying everything that might be needed with it.

The bigger book will obviously have to cost more but will hold alot more information.

I was just wondering which of the two aproaches people prefer?

Thanksy

Thinking out loud here.... do both.

How about doing it as series of small books at a reasonable price.
but then give an offer of 'buy 2 get one free.'
Also they could buy the whole lot (one big book, or the complete set) for something much cheaper than buying all the individual books. Put the extra information into one final book/chapter that is only sold with the full book/set)
hope that makes sense.


This way people can buy what they can afford, and they will want to buy more later, or jump in for the whole lot.

I agree. You may find that people will buy one booklet, then be so impressed that they want the full set. 13 Steps was sold like that, and if it was good enough for Corinda...

Barry

I think that if you are a 'known' author then magicians will buy your Big Book.
But if you are not so well known then they are more likely to buy, smaller books on specific effects/routines/advice on etc.

If the smaller books are successful, there is nothing to stop you issuing an'Omnibus Big Book' later.
FIRST consideration for You, I would have thought would be:
'Is it less expensive for Me to have smaller trial books printed rather than a Big Investment in publishing a Big Book?'
Allen Tipton

I like Discombobulator's idea of offering separate small booklets AND one big one. The big one should be a bit cheaper than all the little ones separately, and it would be nice if it had a bit of bonus material, but that's not absolutely necessary.

(Assuming you have the resources to bring out all of the above, of course!)

If you find yourself in need of editing, proofreading, layout design, etc. you know where to come...

Thanks everyone, the smaller books were the way that I was thinking of going but putting them all into a bigger book at a later date or a bundle deal is a nice idea.

Thanks for your thoughts and Robbie, I may well take you up on that offer, thanks

I agree regarding booklets. They're more manageable in pdf, and I think most of the more contemporary bibles of magic are collated booklets - 13 Steps, MM&M, Artful Mentalism, Theatre of the Mind...

I suspect you'll also benefit from feedback more from a series of small projects than you would one mighty behemoth.

My vote goes for a series of smaller booklets. If appropriate at a much later stage you could release a compendium of all those books but stick with the smaller ones at reasonable prices - a more affordable way to buy IMHO. Let us know when you burst into print, that 'Submit' button is very easy to click !!

Smaller books are the way to start for all the reasons mentioned above. Plus if they take off, some publisher may want to put out a 'big book' of your stuff at a later take, taking all the headache out of you having to produce.

I'd also be happy to offer some layout assistance, if you're interested.

Smaller booklets it is then, thanks everyone who's offered to help too I might well take you up on those offers

Nah go with a large and make it memorable and a nice addition to my shelf...I hate these silly little pdf styl books that everyone feels the need to do...go for a derren, and make it a piece of art, lovly hardback and good paper : )