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Ask HN: Free online eBook + sell PDF/ePUB, or just sell PDF/ePUB eBook?
If you were writing a technology centric eBook, would you publish it free online and sell a digital eBook (PDF/ePUB/etc.) and Print on Demand version, or just have it for sell with a free sample chapter like most traditional publishers? I'm noticing many online eBooks that are available fully free online but with for pay extras, http://railstutorial.org being a good example. The free content would obviously be a great way for people to discover your writing, but also lowers the likelihood of them paying. Then again, a for-pay eBook that no one knows of won't get sold either. Most of all, there's no reason we need to stick with only the most traditional sales methods with eBooks.
What's your feelings about each method, and which would you choose? I've almost decided what I want to do, but would be interested to see the general thoughts on both models.
- J3L2404 16y agoCory Doctorow has some thoughts and numbers: http://craphound.com/walh/about/the-process http://craphound.com/walh/about/the-process http://craphound.com/walh/2010/10/monthly-financials http://craphound.com/walh/2010/10/monthly-financials
- maguay 16y agoThanks. What are your thoughts about releasing a free web-based eBook and selling a download copy? This would be similar to 37signals' Getting Real: you can read it free online, or purchase a PDF copy. Do you think this would be an effective marketing strategy, especially for an author's first book?
- shaunxcode 16y agoI would have it all online/freely available but w/ the ability to purchase a lulu physical copy.