Impressiveness of Books: Single Topic vs. Multi-Topic Approach

When it comes to writing a book, especially a 800-page tome, whether the approach should be focused on a single topic or cover multiple topics with greater breadth, the choice often narrows down to balancing depth and readability with commercial success. While I find a comprehensive, 800-page book on a single topic (Option 1) more impressive, it is crucial to understand the nuances and considerations involved.

Impressive Quality and Depth (Option 1)

Option 1, a whole book that delves into a single topic for 800 pages with 20-page chapters, is likely to be more impressive due to its depth and specialized knowledge (see [1]). The author's thorough research and expertise contribute to a higher quality and more detailed exploration of the subject matter. This kind of book often carries the weight of a well-informed and knowledgeable author who is passionate about the topic. The result is a meticulously crafted piece that resonates with a specialized audience and offers unique insights and opinions that are highly valued.

Scatterbrained and Lack of Niche (Option 2)

On the other hand, Option 2, a book with different ideas for 800 pages with only 1-5 page chapters, sounds almost chaotic and lacks structure. While precision and organization are key, the lack of a cohesive narrative might detract from the book's marketability and reader engagement. It is often challenging to target a specific audience or niche when the content jumps from one topic to another without a clear connecting thread. Such a format may lose its impact due to the fragmented nature of the information presented.

Commercial Considerations

Even if Option 2 is well put together and meticulously researched, finding a readership for this type of book can be daunting. The book's marketing and distribution strategies would need to be highly effective to ensure its visibility and acceptance (see [2]). It is essential to consider the practical aspects of publishing and distributing the book, including costs, marketing efforts, and potential readership.

However, it is important to note that the length and format of a book are not the sole determinants of its commercial success. Sometimes, the quality and relevance of the content can outweigh the format. For instance, American author Tom Wolfe's longest work, which initially stretched to 5000 pages, was significantly reduced by legendary editor Max Perkins to a more conventional novel size. This adjustment ensured the book's commercial viability and widespread appeal, despite its initial overwhelming length (see [3]).

Global Perspective on Book Length

From a practical standpoint, it is worth considering the average sizes of books and their market performance. The average global secondary-school science textbook, which typically runs around 280 pages, has a higher commercial success rate than many best-selling novels. This suggests that, while depth is important, maintaining a readable and concise format is also crucial for broad market success (see [4]). Additionally, as the managing director of a 121-year-old financial security printing company, I have witnessed that most IPO prospectuses, a common form of long corporate documentation, usually fall between 300 and 350 pages (see [5]).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a 800-page, single-topic book may provide a greater depth of knowledge and higher quality exploration of the subject, the format of a book ultimately depends on its commercial viability and marketability. Balancing depth and readability, while ensuring a well-structured narrative, is crucial for a book to achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success.

References

Why a Single Topic Book Can Be More Impressive The Importance of Commercial Considerations in Publishing Tom Wolfe's Journey with Max Perkins Understanding the Impact of Book Length on Marketability IPO Prospectuses and Their Typical Length