I was talking with another writer friend today, one who’s successfully published multiple print books. Granted her career is pretty new yet, but she’s doing well. And our conversation turned toward epublishing.

I noted that it seemed to me to be a length beyond which people are uncomfortable reading electronic books. Books of 20K words or so seem fairly popular and like they sell well. They’re quick reads, it’s not too much time to spend staring at your computer screen, they’re reasonably priced, etc.

But then I started wondering. What’s the upper end? How much are you willing to read on your computer before you skip right over a title? If you have an e-reader, does that make a difference? Are you more willing to buy something that’s longer because the format is easier to control?

Are you, like me, a bargain shopper? Would you rather buy four books for $10 instead of two for $10? Or does the length not matter since you’re in it for the author or the type of story?

I am ever curious, as usual.

5 Responses to “How long is too long?”

1. Lisa Says:
   August 24th, 2006 at 1:11 am

   Honestly, I don’t even look at length - if the story clicks with me, I’ll buy it. I have to say, though, that I prefer a longer story over a short one, especially if it’s by a favorite author. More to sink my teeth into!

   Congrats on the new web design. It looks fabulous! Love “Novelites” Too cute!

2. Shelli Stevens Says:
   August 24th, 2006 at 1:45 am

   It depends. I generally prefer the shortest ebook out there. Unless I love the author, or if it’s a friend then I’ll buy it. But if it came down to two books I was equally crazy over, I’d pick shorter. Just cause of time. It’s the same with paper NY books though. I just don’t have much extra time to read the big ones anymore!

3. Lyric Says:
   August 24th, 2006 at 1:52 am

   I generally prefer shorter books too. If the book is longer and by a friend, I’ll buy it regardless of length.

4. CC Says:
   August 24th, 2006 at 5:25 am

   Since I review professionally, I get most of my books free, but when I do buy books, I tend to buy because the author is:

   1. a friend
   2. someone whose work I respect
   3. part of a series I have to finish.

   So length and price don’t enter into it.

5. Amie Stuart Says:
   August 24th, 2006 at 7:15 pm

   As a reader, I want something short since I have no e-reader, but as a writer I can tell you my ST has done better than my novella sales-wise *shrug* for whatever that’s worth.