I’m pleased to announce that my latest book (my tenth), the first of a new series of titles I’m doing with Dafina Books, BODY OF TRUTH just went on sale at all the usual online outlets. Just happened to tool over there to check out my numbers (very pleased to be at #11 thousand something, but these days we know that doesn’t last) when I noticed there were five, ahem, new and used books already for sale.
Jeez! How’d people read and return their books so fast? Of course they didn’t. All the books were new, of course, and the lowest price was more than a dollar off the retail price. Is it just me, or doesn’t it seem to cheapen the book they’re selling to have a lower price posted right there. That’s like shopping at Macy’s only tio have the saleswoman warn you that it’s selling cheaper at Syms.
I know Amazon doesn’t care since they make their money either way. Just wish I could stop getting aggravated every time I go over there.
Hi Deirdre, I’m, Troy Johnson, founder of AALBC.com (The African American Literature Book Club). We met a couple of year ago at a Harlem Book Fair. I discovered your Blog through Cydney Rax’s website http://www.book-remarks.com/ This is defintely a good thing that she has done helping to promote you and your blog through her web site.
The thing with Amazon selling books used and new books, often for far less than retail, is a very interesting phenomimon. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out — because it is changing the way the whole whole industry works.
Here is a related story: I held a read at my home and brough 25 copies of Brenda Thomas’ book the The Velvet Rope, paperback, at 50% off list, free shipping, returnable @ $6.50 a copy — a good deal I thought. I went on-line to get a image of the book jacket from amazon for my web site (http://authors.aalbc.com/brenda_thomas.htm) and saw copies new for less than $1.00 HARDCOVER! The total cost with shipping was less than $5.00. Out of couriosity I broght one. It came right away and it was in mint condition. This was only a few months after the publication date. If I had to do again I would order the books from Amazon. Harcover for $4 and change versus $6.50 paperback. Of course you authors don’t see an royaties from these sales.
I also sell book as an Amazon affiliate I sell a lot more books but my commissions are on books selling for $1.00 versus list.
Good luck with your work and visit my Blog http://aalbc.com/blog and web site when you have the opportunity.
peace
Hi Troy,
Of course I remember you. I agree with you that Cydney does a great thing posting other author’s blogs on her site.
It is hard to believe you’d find a hardcover selling so cheaply. Makes you wonder if the shipment didn’t fall off the back of a truck or something, but no so incredible as not to be believed, which is a shame.
I certainly will visit your blog and thanks for your kind words.
All the best,
Dee