Like many writers, I feel a special surge of affection for readers who want to get my latest book but query, “What way is best for you? Do you make more money if I get it the e-book, or if I pick it up at the store?”
That is precious. Really. The gesture is appreciated.
It is certainly a million miles ahead of those readers who have come up to me and bragged that they and their local group of friends have formed a cheapskate syndicate and that they’ve all pooled their resources to buy one copy that they pass around until it falls to pieces, a method that allows them to all contribute no more than a quarter; something, I hasten to say, they’re allowed to do, but takes me aback as information that needs to be rushed into the author’s hearing. Similarly, I have no problem with used-book stores, but am puzzled when a new book is out and the reader wants me to know that they’ll get their copy as soon as one winds up there; aren’t you happy to know that, Mr. Writer Man?
By contrast, when a reader asks me what method of obtaining the text puts the most money in my pocket, or which method does the best for my sales figures or makes my publishers happiest with me, I feel a great warmth descend. You get it. You care.
And the answer is this:
The advantage to me varies by a few pennies here and there, but honestly, what’s super is you buying a new copy of the book, via whatever method is personally most convenient to you. A hardcover? Great! A book club edition? Terrific! A paperback? Zowie! Trade paper, regular paper? Fine! One store, over another store? No preference!
That is still a vote of confidence, and I appreciate it in any event, because I honestly don’t believe that whatever entertainment value you derive from reading my books entitles me to demand you consume it in one format, over another.
Suit yourself, is what I am saying.
Comment By: John Ordover
September 27th, 2017 at 8:17 am
I have friends who are publishers, and for some of them an Amazon purchase (say) does better for them, or a bookstore purchase, or whatever. As you say, though, asking is an expression of caring. 🙂
Comment By: Michael A. Burstein
September 27th, 2017 at 9:17 am
Why not both? ð
Comment By: Adam-Troy Castro
September 27th, 2017 at 11:17 am
And as gifts for all the relatives!
Comment By: Brian Jones
September 27th, 2017 at 9:17 am
I’m with you. Hardback? Sure! Amazon? Sure! Kindle? Sure! B&N? Sure! Costco? Sure! And so on.
Comment By: Cheryl Martin
September 27th, 2017 at 11:17 am
My niece and nephew are getting your Gustav Gloom books in hard copy if I can swing it. They need to be exposed to good, interesting, enjoyable stories.
Comment By: Marilyn Holt
September 27th, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Amazon Kindle