My friend Nicholas Rossis wrote a great post on his take from the statistics taken from Smashwords about topics such as: Do readers prefer reading longer books? Where the sweet spot is for pricing our books. And is ‘free’ still a good option to put our books on promotion for. Make sure to have a look at the many comments he received and find mine. I answered some of those questions on Nicholas’ post. Click on the link below for his informative opinions.
Conclusions from Smashword’s Survey: How to Sell your Books | Nicholas C. Rossis.
DGKayewriter.com 
Thanks for this post. I’m doing most of these things. Publisher sets the price of Kindle so that’s not in my hands. I think it’s more expensive in the beginning and will be lowered in time. My book is under 200 pages. Presales are happening right now. But there is that sense that this baby is about to fly. It has its own destiny and my job is to support it, work hard, and stay curious. And as you do, begin working on the next book. Maybe in the winter.
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I’m so happy for you Elaine. Yes, it’s a continuous process, writing and publishing. I’m glad to know it will be available on Amazon, I’ll get me a copy! 🙂
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Debby, I encourage people to buy from my publisher or a local independent bookstore when possible. The indie publishers are so squeezed. Here’s the link to my book at Larson Publications: https://www.larsonpublications.com/browse.php?view_type=Authors&id=59 I also understand how convenient Amazon and the book is available there now.
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Thanks Elaine. 🙂
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I love the concept of an author having a duty to his book. Best of luck with the launch! 🙂
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Thanks so much.
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I think we are on the same page when it comes to book length/word count. You say, “If we build a following of readers who enjoy our work, I don’t feel we should be criticized for word count. If they enjoy our work it is only because they want more. And so we write!”
I too write because I can’t help it – and I write for my real readers whose faces I see or can at least visualize on my blog.
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Thanks Marian. I’m glad we’re on the ‘same page’, pun intended. 🙂
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Interesting results and thanks for the share, Deb. It surprised me to read that people want longer books as I had thought that today’s lifestyle is so busy that short reads would be easier… Good to know! Do you think short stories will continue to be popular?
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Yes I do Christy. Many people don’t have the time to read long books, I know I am one of those people. Like I commented on Nicholas’ blog. I write a book the length that the book needs to be. When all is said and concluded, we don’t need to add fluff and filler for a page count. 🙂
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Hi Deb, Thanks for the reply back to me. I have written some short stories and so I was wondering… You are such a great resource for writers! Thanks again 🙂
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Thanks for the compliment Christy. That really flattered me. I try and share helpful things for writers when I come across interesting articles. 🙂
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Thank you so much for the reblog! 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂
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I just finished an almost 800-page book. Whew. Thought I’d never finish. I prefer book at half those pages.
This survey is interesting. I’m surprised, because everyone complains they have no time to read that they would prefer longer books. Magazines are popping up all over screaming for short stories. Something doesn’t add up.
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Wow 800 pages?? Epic! Now that is fascinating! I really wouldn’t worry about word count Tess. If you read my comment on that blog, I remarked that a book is done when it’s done! 🙂
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