Marketing your novel to internet book giants is a lesson I will never forget. The first day that my book was offered via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, Books Inc. and others, I noticed they priced it at the regular retail price of $15.95. I knew that was not a suggestion but a set price, I also knew that my book was released the prior day.
Still, I could not shake off their ad where they were offering my book as "used." Not only that, the following day my book was selling at a much lower price. I could not understand why. I immediately called my publisher AuthorHouse and demanded an explanation since they worked a book selling arrangement with them.
Who had control over this? Will I get my book royalties at such lower prices? I was distraught. I was then calmly informed, rather educated, in how book retailers do their business. It turns out these giant resellers can sell a book at whatever price they wish and for however many days they wish. Further explanation eased my mind when I was told they do it to sell as many books as possible initially, they want it in the hands of the public, get people talking about it, then they raise the prices to regular retail or even more, if they see fit.
Who had control over this? Will I get my book royalties at such lower prices? I was distraught. I was then calmly informed, rather educated, in how book retailers do their business. It turns out these giant resellers can sell a book at whatever price they wish and for however many days they wish. Further explanation eased my mind when I was told they do it to sell as many books as possible initially, they want it in the hands of the public, get people talking about it, then they raise the prices to regular retail or even more, if they see fit.
"Will I still receive a royalty from each book sold?" I asked and added, "They seem to be selling it for less than what I can buy it through you, and I am the author!" The representative told me not to worry, that I was going to receive a royalty from each book sold no matter how low they go. I was finally relieved.
So, don't despair nor wonder why your book prices keep changing, these giants know what they are doing!
ElenaMartina.
