Thursday, August 18, 2011

Don't Pass that Book Around! Recommend it!

I have a pet peeve or two . . . Let me explain. If you want to help an author succeed . . . especially if you are a friend or family member and you were given a free copy. Please don't pass your copy around. If you enjoy a book, recommend it. That is the highest complement you can pay an author.

I do suggest one exception. I have nothing against sharing with those who can not afford a copy for whatever reason and they can be helpful in building a fan base as well. Purchasing a copy for them would be a nice option too. It would be a kindness to them and an enjoyment they might not otherwise experience. But the other side of the corn is that sharing books cuts into authors' royalties. Most of us are far from being "rich and famous" from book sales. Large or even moderate advances are not available to all authors. Especially first time authors. Yet the joy of being published has its moments via emotional rewards.

Here I will confess, I never gave thoughts to sharing books in regards to authors' returns during my days of avid reading as a youth and young adult raising family, etc. However, I did not easily part with my books. It was difficult for me to finally clear the nooks and crannies of all but my most cherished and favorite collection. The one time I did loan out one of my very favorites after a promise that it would be returned, I have regretted for more than 20 years. I never saw it again. Sure I could replace it, but that's not the point. The point is lesson learned. Don't pass around or share a book for more than the reason stated above.

Did I say I have another pet peeve? Well . . .I'm sure you've heard about or may already have one of the new rage E Readers. Just about everyone I've met recently who knows I am an author will inquire about my books, then immediately follow with "are they available for "...........?" And of course I have to reply yes. I still have a few copies of my books on hand for personal promotion and sales, and further answer their questions with the option of having a "signed copy of a paperback."

The E Readers cut deep into book royalties. After initial purchase of the readers, the book downloads for them are priced far lower than the regular retail or "sale" price online. As a consequence, after the take of second and third parties including publishers, the author is left with little.

With the current economy, closures of book stores and the surge of E Readers, it has become necessary for authors to become even more aggressive and innovative in getting signings and sale events scheduled.

I've never deluded myself that it was going to be an easy ride as an author, but I was totally caught off guard by the rapid and dramatic decline of traditional standards in the publishing industry.

While somewhat disappointed, I am still very grateful for the opportunities to use the gift of writing that God so generously bestowed me.

May I suggest that you go shopping, buy a book to support your local starving author! :o)


Occasional is one thing but . . .

I believe I really do owe an explanation for my long absence. Without going into drama detail I will just briefly say that I was challenged with a major attack on my body. After surgery and follow-up treatments I am pleased and thankful to God to be able to say that I'm well and expect to stay that way. I thank all of my friends, family and my publisher's staff who supported me through prayer during my trial. It has been a difficult climb back from the valley.

Needless to say, the whole process distracted me from my works in progress and set me way back with my blogging. BUT, my love of writing is returning and I have purposed in my heart to get started again and to be more diligent in blogging.

My promotion and sales suffered during the time period mentioned. I did two successful book signings shortly after my surgery, but I quickly found out that was too much too soon. However, I am now feeling more up to the challenge of pursuing and preparation for events.

My next blog returns to the subject of writing and my thoughts about two points that are of interest to writers and readers in general.