I’m a recovering short story snob. There I said it. In my defense, though, when you’re forking out hard earned dollars toward your addiction hobby you do want to get the most bang for your buck. I wasn’t kidding in my bio when I said I was “an avid reader able to gobble up 100,000 words in a single sitting.” (For you readers who don’t pay attention to word count, a 100,000 word story is approximately a 400 page paperback book.) I inhale books at a disturbing rate, just ask the bookshelf that collapsed over the weekend.
Wallpaper by Pickyme Digital Artist
However, the advent of e-books has me rediscovering the joys of reading shorter works. And with my handy dandy Nook I can carry a lot of those babies around with me.
But that hard earned dollar thing comes into play with e-books, too. For example, I won’t pay more for an e-book than I would for its corresponding paperback (which I can sell or trade or gift) unless it only comes as an e-book. So for a 100,000 word e-book I’m not going to spend over the $6 or $7 bucks it would be in paper. And realistically, not over $4 or $5 because I can’t sell, trade, or gift (or even loan in most cases) that e-book once it’s mine. Therefore, a 50,000 word e-book isn’t going to find its way to my Nook for more than $2 (well, maybe $2.99 if I really, really love the author). So where does that leave Novellas (and stories under 50,000)? A Novella (20,000 to 50,000 words) might get me at $1.99, definitely at $0.99. Which really puts the other short stories in a bind.
I know there has been tons of blog posts on the subject of e-book pricing and I don’t really want to hash it out again here, well, maybe I do if it opens a discussion.
But, as an aspiring author, I’ve been thinking about story length. How long should my WiP be? Am I aiming for a category romance? My friend Maria Zannini seemed to think it might fit. And here’s another confession, I’ve never read a category romance. Gasp. It goes back to that inhalation of books I mentioned. Yet, I know a number of people who read nothing but category romances. So, where does that leave me? Other than rambling here, LOL
Let’s get a discussion going in the comments. What is your preferred format? How fast do you go through books? And, for kicks and giggles, what are your thoughts on book pricing (e-book, paperback, hard cover, and how about audio)?
Apr 21, 2011 @ 13:34:58
I don’t know what I did before the Nook. Given a choice, I will read digital before paper. And I agree with you entirely, an e-book should not be as much or more than its paper cousin. I will go higher on audio because they did have to hire voice talent to perform the book.
I don’t read as fast as you. (Wish I did!) Maybe you read faster because you have more (little) interruptions. LOL.
Apr 22, 2011 @ 06:08:54
Or need more escape? LOL
I want to get into the audio books more, being able to listen to a story while walking or whatever for exercise really appeals to me. I love recordings read by Phil Gigante. And I agree I’m willing to spend more for audio.
Apr 22, 2011 @ 06:46:22
I read both paper and e-ink. I’m a junkie with a habbit and I probably need a program. Hope the husband doesn’t see the bank statement:) I like novel length and I won’t pay more then paper back for it, but I love when I find a well written short novella they are like diamonds in the rough. Usually, if a story is too short i feel jipped cause I either want more of the characters/world or the pacing is all wrong for me.
Apr 22, 2011 @ 07:05:46
Thanks for stopping by Stephanie!
LOL, I know what you mean about That Man seeing the bank statement!
I’m the same with shorter works, too. Just read two by Krista D. Ball and loved them but wanted MORE.
Apr 22, 2011 @ 07:29:01
I’m more of a novel gal. But I’ll read anything that let’s me escape for a while. And I love my nook so much that if I can’t get it as an e-book, I don’t read it.
Apr 22, 2011 @ 07:46:18
I love my Nook, too, but I’m not to the e-book only stage! Maybe someday