Variations
Manage different formats of your book—ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook. Each variation can have its own cover, pricing, and publication details.
What are Variations?
A Variation represents a specific format of your book. While a Title is your book as a creative work, Variations are the different ways readers can purchase and consume it.
Terminology Note
In publishing, Variation means format (ebook, paperback, etc.), while Edition means version (1st edition, revised edition). StorytellerOS uses "Variation" for formats to avoid confusion.
Variation Types
StorytellerOS supports these variation types:
| Type | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ebook | Digital format (Kindle, ePub, etc.) | Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo |
| Paperback | Soft cover print edition | Amazon KDP Print, IngramSpark |
| Hardcover | Hard cover print edition | IngramSpark, special editions |
| Audiobook | Audio narration | ACX, Findaway Voices |
| Large Print | Larger font for accessibility | Libraries, accessibility needs |
Creating Variations
To add a variation to your book:
- Open your Title in the Project Studio
- Click the Variations tab
- Click + Add Variation
- Select the variation type (Ebook, Paperback, etc.)
- Fill in the format-specific details
Tip
Start with your primary format (usually Ebook) and add others as you publish them. You do not need to create all variations upfront.
Variation Details
Each variation tracks format-specific information:
All Variations
- ASIN/ISBN — Unique identifier for the format
- Price — List price for this format
- Publication Date — When this format was published
- Cover Image — Format-specific cover (dimensions may vary)
- Status — Draft, Published, or Out of Print
Print Variations (Paperback, Hardcover)
- Page Count — Total pages in this print edition
- Trim Size — Physical dimensions (e.g., 6x9)
- Paper Type — Cream, white, etc.
- Print Cost — Per-unit printing cost
Audiobook Variations
- Duration — Total runtime
- Narrator — Voice actor name
- Production Cost — Total production expense
Cover Images
Each variation can have its own cover image. While the content is the same, covers may differ in:
- Dimensions (ebook vs. print proportions)
- Spine text (print only)
- Badge or label ("Audiobook", "Large Print")
Note
If a variation does not have its own cover, StorytellerOS will use the Title's main cover image as a fallback.
Pricing by Variation
Each variation has its own price, which typically varies by format:
| Format | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Ebook | $2.99 – $9.99 |
| Paperback | $12.99 – $18.99 |
| Hardcover | $24.99 – $34.99 |
| Audiobook | $14.99 – $29.99 |
Tip
The Sales Studio can help you track actual sales and royalties across all your variations. See Sales Analytics for more.
Variations vs. Editions
A common point of confusion:
- Variation = Different format (ebook vs. paperback). Same content, different delivery method.
- Edition = Different version (1st edition vs. 2nd edition). The content has changed (revisions, updates, new material).
In StorytellerOS, you create a new Variation for each format. If you significantly revise your book, you would update the manuscript and note the edition change in the metadata.
Next Steps
- Characters — Create character profiles for your book
- Products — Manage product listings for your variations
- Pricing Strategies — Learn about pricing your formats