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How many words and pages is a good ebook?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by ScottHughes, Nov 5, 2007.

  1. #1
    I apologize if this question has already been asked or if this is the wrong category, but I couldn't find the answer and this seems like the best category to me.

    How many pages does a good ebook usually have? How many words per page?

    I'm going to create a few ebooks, and I just want to make sure they aren't too long or too short. A page measurement is not the only measurement I need, because different text-sizes and fonts will cause the page count to be different. So, I also need to know a good word length for an ebook. If you know what text-sizes and fonts are usually used that would help.

    Thanks,
    Scott
     
    ScottHughes, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  2. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #2
    There's no correct answer to that. You can find them at around 10 pages (more of a long report), and as long as 200 pages. You just have to know your target readers and your niche. That's what's going to determine the best length (their attention span, the depth of the material, etc.). As for font sizes, 12-14 at most is what I'd suggest - I usually go with arial, but verdana is another option that works.
     
    jhmattern, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  3. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #3
    It's complete when your subject has been properly covered.

    All word and page counts do is tempt you to not write in a concise manner.

    Writing an e-book about building a time machine will probably be longer than one about how to download a song from iTunes.
     
    marketjunction, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  4. ScottHughes

    ScottHughes Peon

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    #4
    Yes, but nobody would make an ebook about those two topics. The first would be too long, and the second would be to short. Instead, you might make the first topic more specific (e.g. first thoughts in trying to start building a time machine) and make the second more general (e.g. ways to download music online).

    Thanks,
    Scott
     
    ScottHughes, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  5. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #5
    It was an example to illustrate the difference in content needed between two randomly selected topics.

    And I believe I've seen an e-book or two about using iTunes.
     
    marketjunction, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  6. The Emirates Gallastico

    The Emirates Gallastico Banned

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    #6
    Short is sweet IMO.

    I have a really poor attention span, so don't expect my readers to have a good one :)
     
  7. latoya

    latoya Active Member

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    #7
    Yep, like marketjunction said, you need to write enough to cover your topic. No more, no less. If you try to meet an arbitrary word count, you'll either leave some things out trying to make the ebook short enough or you'll cover too much information trying to make it long enough. Neither is good.

    I always start with an outline and estimate how many pages it will take to cover each section.

    If you're not sure whether you've covered enough information, have the ebook reviewed before you release.
     
    latoya, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  8. deepower

    deepower Well-Known Member

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    #8
    Most hard copy book contracts from commercial publishers specify a word count. The contract is awarded based on a book proposal. The proposal includes an outline of the book, chapter by chapter. Each chapter has at least a paragraph describing what will be included.

    Print books range from about 50,000 words to 90,000 words. The page count is determined by the format of the finished book, hardcover, trade paperback or mass market and the type and size of the font. Since paper isn't free most publishers use the smallest font they can get away with and still be readable.

    From my research most ebooks are substantially shorter than 50,000 words. That would translate into about 100 to 120 pages times new roman 12 pt.

    Dee
     
    deepower, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  9. RickNHS

    RickNHS Peon

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    #9
    I agree with most who said to write enough to cover the message you want to convey. If you want to be precise and to the point about the document's purpose... keep it short. If you wish to elaborate on the topics... do so! Just ensure that your message is received! Good luck!
     
    RickNHS, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  10. Espired

    Espired Peon

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    #10
    Cut out the fluff and just provide good solid practical advice and everybody will love you.

    It's just hard to charge $47 for 10 pages ;-) and I guess that is why people bulk it up to 50 pages etc.

    Sincerely,

    Paul Kleinmeulman
    Australia
     
    Espired, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  11. KenYN

    KenYN Peon

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    #11
    What about the PowerPoint-style? A professional company in my niche sells 200 page ebooks/reports for $2000 or so for a site licence, and judging from the samples on their web page they are all landscaped PowerPoint slides dumped to PDF, and 50 words per page is just about the maximum they do...

    I've never seen any blogging or internet marketing ebooks try that style.
     
    KenYN, Nov 5, 2007 IP
  12. dervish99

    dervish99 Peon

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    #12
    This may sound very silly but what exactly is a page?

    I have a book which needs conversion, when somebody tells me they charge X amount for a X pages, what sort of page are they referring to, A4, A5.

    Sorry if this is a stupid question?

    Adam
     
    dervish99, Jun 8, 2011 IP
  13. Writer

    Writer Peon

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    #13
    This is a very old thread you've revived, dervish99. I think you should create a thread of your own for your question.
     
    Writer, Jun 8, 2011 IP