This is where you can post questions and opinions, answer questions, and communicate with other publishers. Note: Please do not include HTML or links in your posts.
Tom, what is a good average rate to charge for a monthly consumer newsletter? I noticed that you used to charge $15, but I've seen some as high as $90. I would hate to start out too high or low, because changing the rate during the year seems unprofessional. Is there a way to test the waters on price before beginning publication?
You're right about starting out too high or low. I underpriced my newsletter and could never catch up. Ultimately the price of the newsletter depends on how useful and unique the information is that you have to share. A financial newsletter can cost $5,000 or more, but it had better have the potential of returning much more than that to the subscriber through investment advice. Here are a few ideas for testing the waters: 1) Start out by sending the newsletter free to experts in the field and use their feedback to gauge its value. 2) Offer the newsletter at a charter subscription rate until you get a feeling for what the market will allow. 3) Do like magazines and have a set base ("newsstand") price that is several times the subscription price. That way you can raise the subscription rates and it will still look like a bargain next to the base rate.