'Unreal Life' - Ready to publish but I need opinions

[RingworldFan]

Hi all,

Well I completed my memoir of 30 years in the hobby/industry 'Unreal Life: A Tale Of sex, Dragons And Rock 'N' Roll' and punted it out to a selection of agents and publishers.

The rub is that I want it to be accessible and priced right. Therefore, before I commit to a publishing contract (which I have on my desk) I am seeking some feedback on how YOU the potential buying public would like to see it formatted. The thought of signing a pact with the devil that screws the reader is not a pleasant one.

The choices that I'm considering are as follows:

Paperback (£9/$15)

Kindle (£3/$5)

Other electronic format (as Kindle)

Electronic and then a very limited and 'interestingly bound' paper version later


I know that buying trends differ in the U.S from the U.K and so your opinions really do count, so please get involved.


Thanks

[aurak_merc]

First off, a hearty "Congratulations" on getting published. It is a really hard market for writers, so you just conquered a mountain.

For me personally, I very much prefer physical books over e-books, even if the price is more. Out of my little group of co-workers and friends who are avid readers, there are 2 of them that generally only buy e-books. The rest (8-10) buy physical copies. The e-book readers are also the two oldest people in the group (late 30's) and do so because it does not take up any more room in their homes.

If it were possible, I would suggest doing both formats. There are some people who do not have Kindle/Nook, etc. and then there are some who will happily purchase digital copies like crazy since the price is often cheaper and they feel there is little risk involved.

Good luck with it, and let us know when it officially becomes available.

[astrosmash]

This sounds pretty cool!
If your book has lots of pics the gaming community might gravitate towards a physical book for the nostalgia factor. (like that history of dungeons and dragons book)
Even text only I would be much more likely to buy a physical copy, since it would probably be something I would read more than once.
I buy ebooks if it's something I know is a one time only read.
Anyway that's my 2 cents- let us all know when it's available and congratulations!

[RingworldFan]

Thanks for the input guys.

I now have 3 offers of publishing and have to make the final choice alone


Thanks again

Mark

[Ironhide]

$15 for paperback sounds a bit high to me, but the $5 for a Kindle version sounds right. Is it just Kindle, or will other electronic formats be supported? Might also want to check to see how the book will be publicized and placed.

[RingworldFan]

I had a choice of 3 publishers, I am going with one which pays me 2% less but which has the best contract release and publicity

[CMSheats]

That's great man! When can we expect it to be coming out?

[GIJoeSteve]

Personally, I think I buy MORE books now that I have a Nook - as opposed to when I didn't. But I agree with the others here - if it's a book with lots of pictures, I think there is a definite disadvantage in the eBook arena. But it's not something to be ignored either. A local large chain went under just recently because they didn't jump on the eBook bandwagon soon enough. Kindle and Nook are by far the leaders - but their formats are very different. Nook is more diverse, though - with the ePub format, as opposed to Amazon's proprietary format. More readers use the ePub format or can convert it from that. Not so for Amazon's format.

If it's a "coffee table" book - I'd definitely purchase the hardbound though. Just my 2 cents...

[RingworldFan]

Ok...

It's not a picture book...

It's going to roll out as Kindle, Nook, Ipad and traditional copy but not as a hardback edition.

Hopefully it will be out, this side of Xmas, but to be honest I have about 6000 words that I want to add in and I don't want to get into the habit of a 'revised and expanded edition' mentality.

It should be a simultaneous European and North American launch.

I am however, planning a more coffee table type wargaming book for the future with lots of pictures.

[calebh124]

Contests on getting published, I hope to pic up a copy when it comes out

[MagickalMemories]

Contests on getting published, I hope to pic up a copy when it comes out

"Contests" or "congrats?"
lol

Eric

[RingworldFan]

It's early new year.

I have just signed to the Wargames History Project which means I am there with Donald Featherstone, Charlie Weisencraft and the like.

I make a fraction less, but I 'keep it in the hobby' which is VERY important to me after 30 years.

[RingworldFan]

Sorry for not updating the thread but two bereavements over the Summer meant I was a bit preoccupied chaps.

[RingworldFan]

Well, I signed and delivered the contract and final 43 chapter MMS today...

So early 2012 you'll be able to order the hard copy and iPad versions with Kindle following shortly behind.

Thanks to all of you for you input and feedback. Hopefully I've written 'one for the team' which captures the UK scene in the Golden Age and tells a good yarn along the way.

Happy New Year to you all


Mark

[CMSheats]

Thanks for the update man, I'm really looking forward to it!

Chris