I have the first three books in my series bundled for $4.99. Normally the first book in the bundle is free, and the other two are $2.99, though right now book 2 is set at 99 cents. So far I think the bundle is helpful. I usually sell one copy of the bundle for every four copies of book 2. Sure, I might lose a little bit of money, but it seems like if people have the first three books all together, they're more likely to read through and go on to book four. If people buy each individually, they might get distracted or lose steam. If they don't get to book 3 or four, then I'd be losing money there, so I think it kind of evens out. At first I thought that since my first book is permafree, that no one would want to buy a bundle that included it, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
Your Fiction Bundles - all Good?
I keep reading that short story writers should offer multiple titles in a series as a "bundle" at a discounted price. Is this always advisible or has anyone found individual title sales getting "canibalised" by the bundle version?
My titles sell for $2.99 and am concerned that a 3 title bundle (for example) at say, $4.99 might actually harm overall royalties.
Would love to hear the views/experiences of other writers who have added a bundle to their series.
My titles sell for $2.99 and am concerned that a 3 title bundle (for example) at say, $4.99 might actually harm overall royalties.
Would love to hear the views/experiences of other writers who have added a bundle to their series.
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In my experience, my bundles sell consistently and bring in the most profit. Don't be afraid to set a decent price for your bundle. You mentioned doing a $4.99 bundle on 3 $2.99 books? I would price that higher, say $6.99 or $7.99. (3 x $2.99 = $8.97, so make the bundle $1-2 off) You need to make the bundle a deal, but not a steal. If you price it too close to your single volumes, yes, it may very well kill sales of your single volumes.
Remember that you are targeting a different audience with a book bundle.
Remember that you are targeting a different audience with a book bundle.
Thanks for those 2 replies some very useful food for thought there.
The point about readers potentially "getting distracted"if they're expected to keep buying the individuals rather than a bundle is certainly one I'd never considered. Also, the comment about not giving too great a discount on a bundle. I wonder whether bundle-buyers actually are "different" types of readers to single book buyers. If so then I guess not bundling means missing out on some sales?
The point about readers potentially "getting distracted"if they're expected to keep buying the individuals rather than a bundle is certainly one I'd never considered. Also, the comment about not giving too great a discount on a bundle. I wonder whether bundle-buyers actually are "different" types of readers to single book buyers. If so then I guess not bundling means missing out on some sales?
I think there are many different types of readers. My thoughts (your mileage may vary):Dr Luck said:I wonder whether bundle-buyers actually are "different" types of readers to single book buyers. If so then I guess not bundling means missing out on some sales?
-Readers who download mostly freebies: voracious readers, look for free books, if they like your free book they may purchase the next in a series or your other books. Lots of people who download freebies will never purchase your books, but plenty will if they enjoy the story. The key with freebies is VOLUME. (Some readers will NOT download free books at all. They just don't do it.) Lots of free downloads can stimulate sales to your paid catalog.
-#1.Readers who buy mostly $0.99 books: again, voracious readers who need bang for a buck. They like a deal. Can definitely convert to paid sales of your other books if they enjoy your story.Lots of people look for $0.99 bargains, and they are readers who will probably download free books as well.
-#2.Readers who buy $2.99-4.99 books: Many of these readers will not download free books, or even look at $0.99 books. They are willing to take a chance on an unknown author with decent reviews.
-#3.Readers who only buy complete series: They don't want to read #1 in a series if the series is not finished. They have been burned too many times. They are willing to wait if they like the author. They will pay $5.99-$9.99++ for a complete series to read at once.
-#4.Your loyal readers: These readers are worth their weight in gold. They will pretty much auto-buy for you. Give them plenty of opportunities for ARCs & other perks, and you will keep them.
Again, this is JMO. I try to have options available for every type of reader, hoping to convert them into #4. I always have a freebie, usually a $0.99 book or two(or at least run Countdown Deals frequently), the bulk of my books priced at $2.99-$4.99, and bundles priced at $5.99-$8.99. So far, so good. When marketing I keep all of this in mind.
Very interesting to think of different 'types' of readers/buyers in this way. I've never used the discounted or free 1st in series either as I suspected it would just reduce overall royalty value. Your experience again suggests I could actually be missing out on additional readers there as well as with bundlingebbrown said:I think there are many different types of readers. My thoughts (your mileage may vary):
-Readers who download mostly freebies: voracious readers, look for free books, if they like your free book they may purchase the next in a series or your other books. Lots of people who download freebies will never purchase your books, but plenty will if they enjoy the story. The key with freebies is VOLUME. (Some readers will NOT download free books at all. They just don't do it.) Lots of free downloads can stimulate sales to your paid catalog.
-#1.Readers who buy mostly $0.99 books: again, voracious readers who need bang for a buck. They like a deal. Can definitely convert to paid sales of your other books if they enjoy your story.Lots of people look for $0.99 bargains, and they are readers who will probably download free books as well.
-#2.Readers who buy $2.99-4.99 books: Many of these readers will not download free books, or even look at $0.99 books. They are willing to take a chance on an unknown author with decent reviews.
-#3.Readers who only buy complete series: They don't want to read #1 in a series if the series is not finished. They have been burned too many times. They are willing to wait if they like the author. They will pay $5.99-$9.99++ for a complete series to read at once.
-#4.Your loyal readers: These readers are worth their weight in gold. They will pretty much auto-buy for you. Give them plenty of opportunities for ARCs & other perks, and you will keep them.
Again, this is JMO. I try to have options available for every type of reader, hoping to convert them into #4. I always have a freebie, usually a $0.99 book or two(or at least run Countdown Deals frequently), the bulk of my books priced at $2.99-$4.99, and bundles priced at $5.99-$8.99. So far, so good. When marketing I keep all of this in mind.
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