Thinking about going into the PDF market

[cdrcjsn]

I've looked at the FAQs stickied on this forum, but they are extremely out of date.

I don't expect to quit my day job, but I want to know how much money and effort I should expend on a PDF product to break even.

Would it make better sense for a new writer to try to work with existing companies as a freelancer?

Specifically, I'm looking at possibly making 4e supplements once the GSL is out. Articles that people used to send in to Dragon/Dungeon magazine might now be feasible to market as a PDF product (new classes, adventures, etc). Should I try submitting stuff to those online magazines first as a stepping stone?

I've found the information in the stickied posts very informative, but it's over 3 years old and I'm wondering if there's been changes in the market.

Any information that can help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Cedric

[wolfpunk]

Just my two cents here.

I have done a half dozen or so freelance projects for Reality Deviants, and while I certainly haven't gotten rich off of my projects, I have made enough in royalties to fund my habit, I mean hobby completely, including the purchase all the 4e stuff that came out.

In that respect, I think it is well worth it, if you are wanting to make a car payment or something like that every month, that is probably a lot harder, but certainly not impossible if you have a big enough catalog of PDF products.

[jmucchiello]

Originally Posted by cdrcjsn

Would it make better sense for a new writer to try to work with existing companies as a freelancer?

Do you want to be a writer or a businessman? That's your decision. Taking on being a publisher means less time writing. If it's the writing that most interests you, find a publisher.

But wait until the GSL comes out since I doubt anyone can tell you if they want 4e freelancers at the moment.

[Charke]

I've been doing this for a good chunk of years. I've done the books I've wanted to do. I've made, what I consider to be, a lot of mistakes. I certainly haven't made much money. The most money I have made is from tax write offs (computer, paper, half my hobby stuff, all my roleplaying books and the yearly trip to gencon).

I imagine publishers make more money. I'm very serriously looking at that at this point, with some experience under my belt. If you haven't done this before though I would freelance for a bit, and then try becoming a PDF publisher if that's what you want to do.

You can make money but it's hard to do. I've worked for about 14 publishers and 6 of them went out of business. Many published their "one" book, or serries and then just stopped.

I think The Le Games is a good model of a successful PDF publisher and I'd go talk to `Le about it. He's in a small time industry and he's trying to be successful at that level. His products are very efficient. He uses the resources he has very well. I went out and got the latest Indesign, Acrobat and bought advertising - although these things were good, there are much cheaper and more efficient ways to get stuff done - Open Office for example.

The PDF market is really cool because you can litterally make products without spending any money. You add to the project what you are capable of doing and offer royalties for everything else. It's a way to start. From there, you can invest in your company or use whatever income trickles in to upgrade. Cover art is a good investment, IMHO.

Mark Charke