If you know me at all or have known me for sometime, then you know how much I treasure books.
As a reader, I'm always happy to get a hold of a great book and I try to read as much as possible despite my crazy, busy schedule.
As an author, I've come to value my talent, this gift from God that allows me to share my faith with the world through my characters.
With that in mind, I'd like to share with you something that has been on my mind and in my heart for quite sometime....
The price of books.
As a marketing person, I've come to realize how the deluge of free and 99¢ books has hurt the industry as a whole.
How? You ask.
Because readers in general no longer want to pay more. Oh they might if it is Big Name Author published through Big Name Publisher, but independent authors and/or those of us published through a small press?
Not so much.
Now please understand I'm not faulting anyone here. I'm just as guilty as the next guy/gal and I read so much I LOVE a good bargain!
That said, I've come to realize that according to the Law of Attraction and the Law of Sowing and Reaping, I can't expect people to pay a reasonable price for my books if I don't sow that into someone else's life.Therefore, I've determined to value my time, talent and energy and put a fair market price on my books. This applies to my independently published titles.
The publisher sets the price on the others.
Occasionally I may put one on sale or give some away as gifts or for promo/review purposes and I'll be sure to let you all know when I do so.
I pray you understand and will give some consideration to the future of the book publishing industry and to the future of your favorite authors and/or a new author whose books you'd like to read.
Show your support by purchasing their books.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
17 comments:
Right on, Pam! The laborer is worthy of his/her hire! No other industry gives the product away free. I am 100% agreement here. Bless you and besi wishes!! xo
Very good piece, Pam. You're spot on. I signed on with VAC and I hope to follow your lead with a short blog on how I feel about the pricing for Indie books now. Thanks for doing this.
Thanks Tanya and Susan!
I appreciate your love and support and pray for God's blessings on you and your books also!
PamT
Too many people writing today are eager to give away their work for free. I think this trend is unfortunate. It places no value on the written word.
Excellent post. I also love a bargain and I love sharing free books with my readers, on a case by case basis, but the deluge of completely free books on the market is mind-boggling.
I, too, love a bargain. I hate to give away what I've worked so hard on. Yet, people come to expect free. A dilemma, for sure.
Agreed. Although I used this stragedy in the past, I've discontinued the practice. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Well done!
You are so correct Jacqueline!
True Alicia, mind boggling is an understatement.
Definitely a dilemma, Diane.
Good for you, MJ!
Thank you ALL for stopping by.
Good luck and God's blessings to EACH of YOU!
PamT
I pay hard, cold, cash for books that I'm eager to read. But then, I love the feel of paper, and a reading lamp over my shoulder. As a writer, there surely is a balance between, "An ox is worthy of his hire," and "cast your bread upon the water." It's a very personal call, I'd say, and an abiding trust in your publisher. Cheers
Pam, thanks for speaking from your heart. We are of the same mind on this issue. I appreciated comments from others also.
Amen, sister.
Well, said! And thank you for saying it. I completely agree with you and wish you luck.
I agree as well, Pam, and thank you for shining light on this issue. As the others said, we all like a good bargain, but when everyone in the book's production is paid except the person who wrote it, something is wrong.
I agree as well, Pam, and thank you for shining light on this issue. As the others said, we all like a good bargain, but when everyone in the book's production is paid except the person who wrote it, something is wrong.
Oh I HEAR you, Marilyn....the feel of a book with a lamp over my shoulder....and abiding trust in my publisher...love it!
Thank you, LoRee! It's a tough call but hey, I'm trusting God to work it out.
Thanks Kara!
You're right, Leah...so wrong...
Thank you ALL for stopping by! Your love and support are greatly appreciated!
PamT
I just don't believe in giving away my hard-earned publications. Run a cheap add for a week? Fine. But not for free. I think most authors would agree. Nice post!
I think that if an author is going to give a book(s) away for free, there must be part of an overall marketing plan. The market place changes and marketing plans must as well.
The last big book signing I attended, only one person out of 10 used a credit card. All other readers purchased with cash. (Some said they saved so their husbands wouldn't know how much they were spending on books.)
I also polled readers about books on their eReaders. Many have thousands of free books, unread. However, the ones they pay for--they read.
Thanks for allowing me to weigh in.
Linda Joyce
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