Q for prof Ebook writers: evolution of E-Book sales after launch?

Hi there,

I'm looking into a project regarding ebooks and I'd like to launch a test project and gather some stats.

In order not having to wait the full 'lifetime of sales' I'm looking for a graph or your personal experience that tells how ebook sales evolve after launch.

I guess they sell the most immediate after launching them through the different mediums and if you're still selling your ebook after a year you might praise yourself happy?

I'm looking forward to hear your opinion or see some stats based upon bigger numbers.

Thanks a lot!

BR

 

I am not an ebook writer. I mean I've never published my own ebook anywhere.

But here's something that MIGHT help -
http://authorearnings.com/report/the-report/
The .xslx file meant for download has some stats you MAY be looking for – http://authorearnings.com/wp-conten...e-bestsellers-anon-snapshot-20140128-v6p.xlsx.
http://authorearnings.com/reports/
http://authorearnings.com/results/ - The results open in GoogleDocs format.
http://authorearnings.com/report/july-2014-author-earnings-report/
Links to all other reports have been given at right top.


Hope this helps.

 

Hi Maestro, tx for the links.
As the article tells it's hard to gather correct data.
It doesn't answer my specific question but still very interesting details.

 

Welcome @sirKello. Well if it helps you in some way, I am happy. Else, I'll try to post the relevant info if and when I come across it.
(Here's a report you MIGHT find useful - http://publishingperspectives.com/2012/10/looking-at-us-e-book-statistics-and-trends/.)
Good luck.

 

You're not going to find the information you seek because it doesn't exist. There are no averages or happy mediums when it comes to predicting how well an ebook (or any other product) will do once it goes on the market. Some niches are hot, some are not and others are lukewarm. Even if you do ever work out what's hot and what's not, industry trends change in a blink of the eye so what was popular when you penned your book may not even be on the radar once it's released.

In short - if you're writing it for money, you're writing it for the wrong reason and setting yourself up for disappointment.

 

I've written an eBook for writer that teaches them how to actually go about making money as writers. Like Sinobia said, there's no real way to predict how a product will do - if we could, we'd all be millionaires.

My advice is simply to do a little market research first. This is the mistake many people make with any kind of product. They get what they think is a good idea and then maybe no one buys it. Research your niche, how popular searcheterms are in that niche and try to see if there is a demand for your eBook first.

Then write a good one and market it. At some point, you just have to dive into the pool. And even if you don't make much money on your first attempt, you'll learn a lot for the next time.