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Cheaper by the Chapter

The iTunes model has hit publishing. Our publisher, Random House, is selling individual chapters out of books. And Made to Stick is the guinea pig for this noble experiment. The chapters are priced at $2.99 each. Check out the WSJ article on the launch or go directly to the commerce site and load up your basket with chapters.

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13 Comments »

Comment by Rick Phillips
2008-02-15 00:21:57

Hey guys I’m in the middle of the book and it’s awesome…I have my own business and am the Communications Director at my church…this stuff works for both, thank you

 
Comment by Ross Hill
2008-02-19 00:40:16

You guys should hear what Brendon has to say, I haven’t gone through the process but if what he says is correct I definitely agree with him. Make it easy please :)

 
Comment by Katie Y
2008-02-19 09:10:24

I’m disappointed by what Brendon reported (reminds me of needing to create an account on Itunes in order to download a FREE video). Granted, I didn’t try to buy a chapter, but the idea seems like such a good one, and with lots of possible uses. I work at a university, so I see this as possibly opening up the textbook market and offering distance education users an easier way to get their hands on required texts. Let’s hope Random House works out the bugs.

Comment by dan heath
2008-02-27 14:00:52

Sorry some of you have had trouble with the chapter downloads. It’s a bit of an experiment, so Random House is working through the kinks. It’s helpful to know what doesn’t work properly so we can get it fixed.

 
 
2008-02-25 17:06:21

So now they’re selling books by chapters? Will wonders never cease. I guess it’s going to be pretty helpful for those who aren’t really sure of buying the whole book yet or those who just need a chapter out of the said book. But I wonder how much all those chapters add up to and if they’re going to turn out cheaper or more expensive than if you chose to buy the whole thing altogether.

 
Comment by TPM
2008-02-26 23:51:07

One of the best books I’ve picked up since the Tipping Point. I recently wrote an article on the legend of the Philadelphia fans that tossed snowballs at Santa Claus. The story is still talked about today and defines the Philadelphia fan. No question it fits the Made to Stick model. Thanks for your work and looking forward to the next book.

Comment by dan heath
2008-02-27 13:59:19

Thanks for the kind words Thomas! I love the snowball/Santa story.

 
 
Comment by Whitney Hoffman
2008-03-06 15:47:42

I think this is a brilliant idea- but I already own the book in book and audio book form, but I will be passing on this info through my twitter stream and to our audiences at Podcamp NYC 2.0 in April!

I really love this book, and I am trying to get every teacher I know to read it- there’s real power in trying to transform education by making the lessons more sticky, and you provide an excellent template in the book to do so.

Thank you so much for such a great book.

Whitney Hoffman
The LD Podcast

 
Comment by Todd
2008-03-09 18:10:54

Might this possibly mean a resurgence of that otherwise hopelessly-old-fashioned, once-revered artform, the short story? I can see somebody like Neil Gaiman able to turn a profit with such an endeavor.

 
Comment by Cam Beck
2008-03-28 08:06:23

Hey - How complicated is it to put the electronic version of the book up on Amazon Upgrade? Have they ever approached you about this? Have you ever approached them?

http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=si3_store_su/?ie=UTF8&node=293522011

 
Comment by Robin
2008-04-10 02:02:40

I really enjoy reading all your articles in Fast Company and have ordered your book - don’t have it yet. I have products on Amazon also, and would like to get my ebooks on there, but they’ve said they do not do downloads and have referred me their edoc link. Which is separate from Amazon. Think they’re missing out on a big market by not making that more simplified for people - but then it is ‘amazon’… :)

Looking forward to reading your book.

Robin
http://www.firedupcareers.com

 
Comment by amanda
2008-04-18 03:20:37

Hey- I just tried to buy chapter 1 and it says product not available at this time!

 
Comment by Adam Davis
2008-05-21 14:28:28

Awesome stuff Chip and Dan! I admit to being a skeptic about the book at first, but have been thoroughly won over and am now on my 3rd read.

I think the ‘pay-per-chapter’ model will become increasingly relevant as just an extension of the ‘mash-up’ model that allows the customer to fit the content they want to their needs.

Adam
http://www.adamjdavis.com

 
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