Support for Indie Authors discussion

My new book that is replacing the older book is quite different. It's a picture book and has a different illustrator, different words, a different title. and is longer. It will come out in paperback and hard cover, unlike the ebook. I am agonizing over whether or not to replace the old ebook, or just put of this new book as fresh. The ebook I have up gets about 5 sales a month. I think that's pretty good, but this new one ought to get much more attention. (Here's hoping!) Anyway, if you have any insights, let me know. The older ebook is on KDP Amazon, getting some exposure. The old ebook has two Amazon reviews (4 stars average) and lots of linkedin reviews. What do you think? Replace or delete and start fresh?

The EBOOK is getting a facelift too, everything is changing even the title.

To clarify: is the ebook getting a facelift too? Or are you only distributing the updated version in paperback & hardcover?

If ebook is getting updated as well, my gut instinct is to preserve the exposure & ratings the original garnered. List the update as a "second edition" (or some such) and simply update the existing e-book page.

Christine Calabrese wrote: "My new book that is replacing the older book is quite different. It's a picture book and has a different illustrator, different words, a different title. and is longer. It will come out in paperbac..." Yes! The Ebook is changing.

I don't know, it's changing so drastically that, I'm not sure if it makes sense to replace.

Well then, you've answered your own question, methinks. 😉

Ha! :-) But I still want to read what others think. Thanks Jessica!

I would leave the older eBook as is unless you need to edit a bit. With a new title, new illustrations, new words, it sounds like a new book to me! :)). The more books you have the more exposure you will get.

Susan wrote: "I would leave the older eBook as is unless you need to edit a bit. With a new title, new illustrations, new words, it sounds like a new book to me! :)). The more books you have the more exposure yo..."

In fact that's an interesting idea!

You don't want to lose the reviews you have and when you update your author page on Amazon Author Central all your books will show up!

Thanks!

Keep both but leave a note that the new version is different, longer, more complete, different illustrations (and whatever the changes are). Some people might still buy the old version. People who have bought the old, might be tempted to buy the new, and the ones who buy the new might want to see what it started like.

As long as it is clear that if someone read the first, they might find things similar in the other, then I think you're fine keeping both.

I guess I'm confused. It sounds like you're talking about two "quite different" books. If so, then why not leave the old one alone, especially since it is getting sales.

Great ideas! They are quite different but have the same message or lesson.

I'm with Dwayne. Just add another. Leave the original alone

Christine Calabrese wrote: "Ha! :-) But I still want to read what others think. Thanks Jessica!"

The second edition option is best IMO

Susan wrote: "I would leave the older eBook as is unless you need to edit a bit. With a new title, new illustrations, new words, it sounds like a new book to me! :)). The more books you have the more exposure yo..."

That's what I was thinking, too.

Great advice from G.G. I'm thinking of doing over my first book, changing it up a bit and having a new cover. It's out of print right now since I broke with my publisher, but when I republish, I will list it as the 2nd edition.

I agree with previous comments made by others. It seems like you have two different works. Why not keep them as such, especially if no reference will be made in the new book to material in the old book?
It comes down to you though making the final decision.