Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Choosing Writer I over Writer III

I am very confused as to why choosing writer I over Writer III would make any sense.

The breakeven from where on writer I will be cheaper than Writer III is at 1'500'000 books.
The TAM is only 1'000'000. Even when considering population growth it doesnt make sense. 
There is 50% market missing and also that only works when 100% of the market is captured.

Long-term contract binding is not sufficient in my opinion to chose a writer 100k more expensive to hope to one day grow the market by 50% while simultaneously capturing 100% of it.

1
1.9k
33
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Jul 17, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi Richard,

That's a fair take. You could propose this in an interview and, if you can defend your reasoning that's perfectly fine!

i haven't look at the exact math of this case, but your logic is sound.

on Jun 20, 2024
I'm wondering if there's not a more basic assumption at play here.

The case explains "it has come to their attention that some private schools are considering changing their first-grade textbooks, for which they would need a publishing agency." Presumably the rewrite of the textbooks would be a once off process, rather than a recurring one?

If so, we can assume that the contracted writer's base salary will fall away after a year or two, and the royalty payments into perpetuity become the only real cost factor. In that case Writer 1 is indeed the cheaper long-term option.
Similar Questions
Consulting
AI/ ChatGPT for Case Practice
on May 23, 2025
Global
9
3.1k
Top answer by
38
9 Answers
3.1k Views
+6
Consulting
Do consultants use AI for PowerPoint or excel or anywhere in the Process??
on Aug 24, 2024
Global
7
2.7k
Top answer by
Nilay
Coach
Former McKinsey Sr Engagement Manager | Trained McKinsey interviewer (100+ interviews, 500+ coaching sessions)
50
7 Answers
2.7k Views
+4
Consulting
How to answer what motivates you
on Aug 24, 2024
Global
6
16.0k
Top answer by
242
6 Answers
16.0k Views
+3
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.