Nicky McCatty
Level 1 (44 points)
Mac OS X

Q: ibook design fees

I expect to be doing two book designs this fall and winter. In each case, there will be an accompanying iBook. I am trying to figure what's an appropriate price range.

 

The two books are first and second editions of the same basic book. The first edition one is simply for reading, while the second is more-or-less a textbook, although it doesn't call itself that.

 

For the first, I am taking the already written text, and redesigning in a predetermined size range. It was badly designed, so I am going to create a new design. I have been thinking of the ibook as one that will work on phone, pad, and computer. I'd say that it is a little bit above medium complexity. I think it will be around 225 pages (as hardcopy).

 

The second edition, as I mentioned, is more like a textbook. It will have several execizes and infographics in each chapter. It is not as complex as a science textbook. I don't really know how to describe it in a 1-10 scale, so perhaps I should just say 7. I think it will be around 300 pps.

 

Can anyone offer any insight about pricing for the electronic versions of these books?

 

Thanks a bunch.

 

Message was edited by: Nicky McCatty

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 20, 2013 1:56 PM

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Nicky McCatty

Q: ibook design fees

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  • by vinnyvg,

    vinnyvg vinnyvg Nov 25, 2013 2:30 AM in response to Nicky McCatty
    Level 4 (1,880 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 25, 2013 2:30 AM in response to Nicky McCatty

    If you have done a conversion before ,, then  only you  know the hours taken and the cost applied.

     

    If you are freelance, you have  to set your hourly rates and charge by the hour.

     

    I think  most if not all on these discussion  groups are "self publishing" rather than  contractors for converting documents into  publlications.

     

    OR are you asking  what you can sell the  book for after using  pre made documents into ePubs..?

  • by Nicky McCatty,

    Nicky McCatty Nicky McCatty Nov 25, 2013 9:53 AM in response to vinnyvg
    Level 1 (44 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 25, 2013 9:53 AM in response to vinnyvg

    Hi vinnyvg,

     

    Thanks for your reply. This is an assignment where I will be obtaining a flat fee (except for post-approval changes), instead of by the hour. (Most of my design work is by fee, rather than hourly.) I have not previously converted an InDesign document to ebook format. Looking at blogs and websites about book design and production, I just can't a real idea of what "average" means. The price ranges are too wide, from 300 to 950. 

     

    I am not trying to figure out what the clients will sell the book for, since they are shooting for a price that's pretty normal for their market, which is real estate. Perhaps I should simply shoot for the middle this time, and charge more next time.

  • by vinnyvg,Helpful

    vinnyvg vinnyvg Nov 25, 2013 5:37 PM in response to Nicky McCatty
    Level 4 (1,880 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 25, 2013 5:37 PM in response to Nicky McCatty

    Unless you can  find somebody who does what you want to do and ask for a quote.... its all down to you!

    You have to decide if a payment covers your  time, if you are a freelance, you will have an hourly rate.. use that as  and  your estimate of hbours to complete the task as the basis  to draw up a one off charge.

    I dont think what the client sells the  book for is relevant.

     

    Also,  using iBA,  Apple Terms & Condition state that you can use the software and distribute a free book from the iBook store or whoever for free, or upload a book using a paid account  to the iBookstore.

     

    So on that basis your client cannot sell any eBooks made using iBooks Author outside Apples control.

     

    With regard the technical aspect of  using inDesign content with iBA, I think you should post  your question on the iBooks Author group where  there are sure to be  folk  having already  done it.

     

    Good  Luck with your project

  • by Nicky McCatty,

    Nicky McCatty Nicky McCatty Nov 26, 2013 4:41 AM in response to vinnyvg
    Level 1 (44 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 26, 2013 4:41 AM in response to vinnyvg

    I was thinking about doing just what you suggested for getting a comparison of quotes from others who convert ebooks. Guess that was a good idea after after all, so thank you.

     

    And I will go to the iBooks authoring group.

     

    Thanks, and have a good Thanksgiving.