By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
As a writer who is both traditionally-published and self-published, I have an admission to make. I work very hard on my traditionally published books. But I work even harder on my self-published stories.
I’m not saying my self-published stories are better.
But I want to make sure that each element of every book is as good as I can make it. I don’t have a huge team behind me for my self-pub…I have a small one. And I don’t want to let the readers down. I feel more accountable. I feel determined to make sure the quality is as good and that my readers won’t notice a difference between series.
But what’s been amazing to me is that I haven’t gotten any feedback from readers regarding the fact that some of my books are trad-pubbed and some are self. I’ve seen no indication that they’re aware I am a hybrid writer.
I’ve never had a reader complain that they couldn’t find my Myrtle (the self-pubbed series) books at their local Barnes and Noble.
I’ve never had a reader specifically mention that the quality of my self-pubbed books is poorer than my trad-pubbed books, and if they’ve mentioned it in a review, I haven’t seen it.
The only times I’ve gotten feedback from readers are small complaints –and they were asking me to pass it on to the publisher. A few readers have asked why my Myrtle books aren’t available in large print (one of my trad-series is available in large print in libraries) and a few readers have asked why my quilting series and Memphis series aren’t available in audio like my Myrtle series are.
The couple of times I’ve emailed back to explain that I don’t own the rights to the quilting series or the Memphis series, it’s just frustrated/aggravated the readers. They don’t want the details and they don’t care about the details. They just want to vent and, ultimately, to get the format they’re looking for.
But here is my main thought, and I’ve been mulling this over a bit, recently. So…one of the main reasons I see from writers why they’re pursuing trad-pub is the distribution to bookstores. And I get great distribution and shelf placement with Penguin-Random House…on a tower near the café for the first month after release.
So…why don’t I get complaint emails from readers that they can’t find my Myrtle books in the Barnes and Noble? Because I do have a healthy number of readers for that series. Strong sales.
Is it because the readers who shop at physical stores only buy what’s in front of them at the store? They don’t check out my website? Penguin doesn’t list my Myrtle books in my bio, so they wouldn’t know about them from reading the trad-published books. This would mean I’m missing potential sales from dedicated bookstore shopper readers who simply aren’t aware that my Myrtle series exists (or, possibly, that the Memphis one does, since it’s under another name).
I would say that I don’t have any crossover readers from my trad-pub to my self-pub, but I know that’s not true. In my Amazon reviews for the Myrtle series, readers frequently mention my other series. So…are the majority of Amazon readers not shopping in the bookstores? Ever? Even though they clearly love books and reading?
Or are there just fewer bookstore shoppers altogether? And it doesn’t matter that my Myrtle books aren’t there?
I suspect that the lack of print distribution for my self-pubbed series at the Barnes and Noble doesn’t matter. The books are available in print—from Amazon. And I do get checks from CreateSpace each month…there are still readers wanting print.
But are they just getting most of their print books from Amazon now?
I used to go to the B&N all the time, but I haven’t been for a long while. However, I buy at least two or three books a week. Online.
How do you buy your books? How do you discover them? Thoughts on why I don’t hear from readers wondering why my self-pubbed books aren’t in the B&N?
I try to buy penny-used paperbacks on Amazon and that’s it, maybe sometimes a cheap used bookstore. I don’t have an eReader even though I just write eBooks.
Greg, Sorry, but your comment made me laugh. You’re like the drug dealer who doesn’t sample the drugs :)
Peace, Seeley
Greg–Print is definitely not dead yet! I prefer my non-fic in paperback…but I do buy them online.
However they find you first, they must do a search to see what else you’ve done and it just leads them from that point.
I don’t go to bookstores. Ever since getting my first iPad over four years ago, I doubt if I’ve even purchased four print books since that time. Every is eBooks, so it’s all online. Or on my tablet. (Wish more authors would use something other than Amazon – I prefer the iBookstore but half the time can’t find the book there.)
Alex–Oh gosh, the iBookstore is an organizational disaster! Yeah, I have a hard time finding my own books there.
Elizabeth,
That’s one good reason to distribute your iBookstore books via Draft2Digital. Handily, they send you an email with a link to your book so you can find the blasted thing. Otherwise, as you say, you wouldn’t have a hope of tracking it down. At least it means I’m able to put a direct link on my website for anyone who wishes to buy from that site.
Geraldine–Ah! Thanks for the tip. I’ll check it out. So frustrating dealing with Apple, I have to say, although I respect the company. They make it very hard for writers, though, to do business with them.
Amazing, isn’t it, that a company whose business is communication should be so bad at it?!
Amen to that, Geraldine! :)
Besides the fact that bookstores are dying, I think there becoming different kinds of readers – those who shop online and those who still go to the bookstore. Some do both, but I think the division is growing wider. I wonder what all of those bookstore shoppers will do when bookstores do vanish?
Diane–That’s definitely one of the points I’m mulling over–do dedicated bookstore buyers shop online…ever? Are they even very computer savvy?
I wondered the same thing and threw an idea out there: make libraries coffee shops, too. http://matthew-iden.com/2014/08/30/saving-libraries-and-the-culture-of-reading/
Matthew–I like the idea! Two of my favorite things in one place. :)
Elizabeth – You raise some really interesting questions! I think a lot of readers do buy online rather than at brick/mortar stores these days. I do both, myself, but I know lots of people prefer online. And, perhaps this is just my point of view, but I think people tend to follow patterns. Let’s say someone buys one of your Myrtle Clover books online. The next time she wants a Myrtle book, that’s where she’ll look. Make sense?
Margot–That does make sense to me. We all fall into routines with our book buying habits. What was the kicker for me for moving to online buying and ebook buying was the convenience factor.
Interesting post, Elizabeth, and reassuring to me as a completely self-pubbed author. But you know what? BN does have print versions of my books available online, in addition to the NookBooks. I’m still scratching my head over that one, since the only vendor I loaded the pdfs onto was CreateSpace. Not sure how that happened…
It’s great to see from the perspective of your readers how the market is working. Thanks for sharing!
K.B.–I’ve heard more and more authors saying this! They’ve got your *print* books…not your Nook books. That’s really amazing. Porter Anderson actually reported on this the other day…seems to be happening more often.
K.B. – Did you opt for Expanded Distribution through CreateSpace? If so, B&N makes your print book available, but it won’t be stocked in the brick-and-mortar stores–different beast.
Ah, that’s what it was, Matthew! Thanks for asking. I’d totally forgotten about that. ;)
Yes, I don’t think consumers care about who is publishing books no more than movie fans care which studio created the film. As much as I prefer to read books in paper form, the future is not trending that way. Just as my kids digest their television entertainments not on television (pads, phones, etc.), the same will go for their reading entertainment.
For me, I approach buying books the same way as I do movies. Some movies I want to own and have the disc on my shelf while others I just want to watch and move on. With books, some I want in paperback to have on my shelf, and others I just want to read to know what happens.
I don’t think paper will go away, no more than cinemas have gone away with home theaters and blu ray players/streaming video. I think most recreational reading will be done on the phone, which is fine with me. I wouldn’t care where the buyer reads my stuff as long as the check clears :)
Pete–Good point. So you approach it as a collector. Would you ever read an ebook and then buy the print edition? I know Amazon, for one, is counting on that with one of the programs they host.
I’ve had to make sure my ebooks read well on mobile devices–that’s how my 17 year old reads all his books…
I buy all of my books online. I like to read on my computer. I often read in the early morning hours so by reading on the computer, with the lit background, I won’t disturb my husband if he’s still sleeping. Plus, I really enjoy the “read sample chapters” option. If the book grabs me, I just press the buy button. It just can’t get any easier than that. I will say, however, I often look to see if the author is traditionally-published or self-published. Not because I think less of self-published books, but because the writer in me dissects books as I read them. I look at style, word choices, pacing, etc. And at least I know the traditionally-published author has had professionals go over the story to check for these things. Hope this helps!
Sue–Do you think you check the publisher solely because you’re a writer? I find myself checking, too, and I always wonder if readers do. I know that *my* readers don’t seem to, but in general…I just wonder.
I haven’t read book samples to determine if it’s something I want to read, but I know a ton of people who do.
This is very interesting to me as I am in the process of deciding whether to self-publish or try for traditional. From the reader’s perspective, it doesn’t matter. But you are a known author, I am not.
Karen–I’m thinking that bookstore discovery just isn’t as important anymore, honestly, and becoming less so. It’s good to have options, for sure!
I’m curious: Why use CreateSpace instead of Lightning Source? The latter would allow BN to order your books for customers requesting it.
But overall, the issue is that book stores no longer sell books. Ten years ago, a BN clerk told me to check out the new book by James Rollins. I loved it. That was the last time anyone in a chain bookstore said anything to me other than “next”. Since they don’t offer value, why not buy from Amazon or Costco?
Indie bookstores thrive because they still “sell” books. Our local store, The Poisoned Pen, has authors every night, they sell new books at list price and they’re always busy.
Peace, Seeley
Seeley–At the time, I was hearing some stories about LS having some quality issues and customer service issues. This has been several years ago, though. CS was also (a lot) less expensive to set-up. Free, actually. And I felt very certain at the time that I wouldn’t miss bookstore distribution.
I’ve noticed the same thing at our B&N–I couldn’t even find someone to ask a question of the last time I went in. The indie bookstores are different, but there isn’t one open near me now. You’re lucky to have the Poisoned Pen to shop at.
Seeley, the biggest reason to use CreateSpace instead of Lightning Source is that LS is aimed at professionals, folks who can get everything exactly right on the first try. Their charges for changes, proof copies, etc. are scary to folks who are on a limited budget.
With CreateSpace, I can upload changes as often as I need to (meaning typos can be corrected, even in the print version, within days of discovery) and I can order a proof, shipped, for $8, not $35 or so.
Also, CreateSpace books can be ordered by BN, or any other bookstore. They’re not, as most of us know, but they’re listed in Books in Print and available to brick and mortar stores.
My wife’s works for someone who provides publishing services, and that team uses LS. We run our own self-publishing support company, and we use CS. All depends on how much support and money you have.
Joel–Thanks for offering some clarity here (and some recent data on the two companies).
Hi Elizabeth–
Guilty as charged (and that I feel guilty says a lot, what I’m not sure): I no longer go to bookstores. I used to go to Borders on a regular basis, but we all know how that worked out. And the local B&N just closed. Something important has been lost, but there’s no point in wringing my hands–I now buy only from Amazon.
Your posts are always worth reading, but this one is full of insights. Anyone who follows your blog knows how meticulous you must be with your self-pubbed books before they’re released. And once a writer has established herself through a commercial publisher, she is a known quantity. It won’t matter to readers whether she self-publishes a book or not–it’s that writer’s work.
I share your sense of obligation, not because I’m an indie writer, but because I’m a writer with pride. I don’t want something with my name on it that might embarrass me. That’s why I’m having a published book of mine professionally edited, one that didn’t originally enjoy the benefit of the process. The book is acceptable as is, and I doubt I’ll ever recover the cost of having it professionally edited, but I will feel better about it.
Barry, I feel that residual guilt too (but then, gosh, I feel guilty about practically everything. Sort of a guilt aficionado). I was a Borders shopper, too. No indie stores near me. B&N stopped being helpful (both with customer service and with stocking books) and the most convenient way for me to satisfy my book fix was…well, a 2 second download online.
It’s great to have another set of eyes on a book, isn’t it? I know I can’t edit my own work. I do revise for hours and do the best I can–then I hand it off to a freelance editor for the rest. And she always finds a ton of stuff that I’ve missed. I think you’re doing the right thing.
Since Borders closed, there IS no bookstore in my town. It’s Amazon or nothing for me. But I’ve loved shopping at Amazon for years. Convenience is king, and their prices are usually “better” than what the same books or items would cost me at the store. I wouldn’t turn down a chance to go to a bookstore. I still love seeing and touching all of those books! But I wouldn’t be going very often.
I think people who still shop at physical bookstores are used to the “limited stock” problem. No bookstore stocks everything, especially in long-running series. They probably just assume that copies of Myrtle books are “sold out” and look for another place to get them.
Megan–Oh, I hate to hear that there isn’t a bookstore for you to shop in, but I know that’s the direction we’re probably all headed in. I’m a loyal Amazon customer, myself, for the same reasons you are.
And very, very good point about the stocking issues…that hadn’t occurred to me.
I totally get it about working harder on a self-published book, to make it as good as a traditionally published one. I’ve noticed lately, though, that a lot of newer trad pub books are chock full of typos and even poor copy editing mistakes, maybe from 2007 on. This doesn’t bode well.
Since I have almost no money to spare for help with editing and publishing, I have had to rely on a volunteer Reader Team for copy editing and proofreading help, while my husband takes care of the cover and layout for both Kindle and Create Space. I have recently reread my first novel, and made a list of the typos and content errors as I came across them. I noted that there are just a few more than I’ve spotted in many a big five recent release–but nonetheless it would have benefited from professional editing.
I learned a lot in the course of writing the first book, and many have said the second half reads quickly and feels more confident. A friend who has read the first several chapters of the second novel says that quality has picked up where the first novel left off. By the time I get the third novel done next summer, I plan to revise the first novel. This will not change the story, but will tighten up certain scenes and sections, particularly the opening chapter, and improve the style of some of the passages. It’s the “perk” of self-publishing.
I would love to have a professional editor, though. The prices I’ve seen quoted vary so radically, I don’t know where to go from here, since even the cheapest would be a huge cost for me–if I take the plunge, I don’t want to regret it by getting poor service that would require me to do it all over again myself.
Meg – A very good copy editor I’ve worked with passed along this list of generally accepted ranges for editing fees. Obviously, if you don’t have the funds to hire someone, it doesn’t help, but if you eventually scrape together the money for an edit, at least you can compare your quote against standard rates.
http://www.the-efa.org/res/rates.php
Thanks, Matthew–I’ve bookmarked this very helpful rate page. Did some quick calculations, and it’s what I feared, I’m not likely able to afford one this time around–it’ll cost more than my first book has made so far!
Meg–I’ve noticed the editing at the trad-pubbed books getting spotty, too. They’re outsourcing a good deal of editing…the copy editing for sure. Global edits should still be with someone in-house, but their abilities vary. The editor I have now for the quilting series is *really* good and I’ve been scared she’ll be promoted and put out of my range. But I’ve had some real stinkers as editors, too for trad-pub.
Betas can do a fantastic job. I think you’re doing your due diligence.
If you only need a copy edit, you can get one for probably $130ish. Developmental editing is where the big costs come in.
That’s interesting about a copy edit. Just for the sake of clarity, and for any newbies reading this, what constitutes a copy edit in this price range?
I get line editing in that price range…line by line with suggested edits. A few notes on inconsistencies, as well. I maintain a list of freelance editors here: http://bit.ly/1bjxPz2 . I’ve been using Judy Beatty.
Wow! That sounds really good, and Ms Beatty’s rates also sound reasonable. Thank you for the info. My last book was 350 Word pages, so my costs would be higher than yours, but it’s still pretty darn good.
Meg–And she loves reading mysteries. :) Does a lot of work for hybrid mystery authors, which is how I originally got her name.
Elizabeth – I very much agree, dev editing is where I pay the big bucks. I find it indispensable, but it runs me $700+ per book.
Meg and others – For writers on a budget, I’ve found two books to be really helpful:
Don’t Murder Your Mystery (helps with any genre) http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Mystery-Agatha-Award-Nonfiction/dp/1933523131/
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
http://www.amazon.com/Self-Editing-Fiction-Writers-Second-Edition/dp/0060545690/
They’re no substitute for good beta-readers and editors, but better than flying blind!
Thanks, Matthew–I’ll check them out.
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Every time someone asks this question I’m a little startled, as if the waiter just asked if I’d like cream for my tomato juice.
I know I’ve been in our little local book store at least twice in the years we’ve lived here, but I simply cannot imagine spending $29 for Seth Godin’s newest book when I can get it at Amazon, shipped to my door (free) for $17. And Amazon knows what I’m looking for. I could go into the local book store twice a week forever and those folks wouldn’t know what I wanted because they just ring up sales, they do NOT sell books.
Hot button for me, I guess. Getting my books into brick and mortar stores is right up there with having my teeth cleaned on my priorities. No, teeth are more important than that.
Your point regarding readers and publishers?
BINGO.
Y’know who cares who published your book? OTHER AUTHORS, particularly, those with traditional publishing deals.
Readers do not care. They DO NOT CARE.
Saddest thing I’ve heard all week: “There are no audio versions of those books because I don’t own the rights.”
To steal a phrase from another impassioned subculture: I’ll give up the rights to my art when they pry them from my cold dead fingers.
Joel–It used to be that there was a curation aspect of the local bookstore experience. That was why I went…and sadly, it’s not there anymore.
I’m thinking these dedicated bookstore shopping readers are fewer and farther between. Maybe they’re like me and stopped getting tailored recommendations. Maybe they’re like me and winced at the prices. Maybe they’re like me and got frustrated when they drove across town and the book they expected to find in stock wasn’t there.
A small local bookstore like ours could own my soul if they wanted it. All they’d have to do is get to know me, and always have something interesting waiting for me.
Because I will pay $29 for a $17 book if someone went to the trouble to find out what I like, then found it for me. I’m paying for them to care about me, and that’s worth more than twelve bucks.
Joel–Exactly. I have known librarians like that…but if a bookstore could have the same success handpicking for me then I’d be giving them some major business.
Joel, I cracked up at “Y’know who cares who published your book? OTHER AUTHORS”
You’re absolutely right. Add librarians and relatives of other published authors to the list, too.
I tend to get two reactions to my rants: wry laughter, or beer bottles bouncing off the chain link I perform behind.
Did I mention I don’t bother trying to sell my books to other writers? We seem to be creating these echo chambers of love where a hundred authors all get together in an orgy of mutual congratulations, and then someone always says hey, why don’t we all buy each other’s books? and I slip quietly out the door, because in my selfish little world, what I want from other authors is a blurb for my cover, not a demographic to which I can market my mysteries.
Joel, there’s another bubble that has me wondering, but my logic is probably flawed: so many writers buy ebooks because they’re cheap, and at the same time don’t make much from their books because, well, they’re sold cheap. Unless, of course, they’re able to “break out” of this deadly circle and hit the charts.
Sorta like Wal-Marting ourselves–working for such low pay and then not being able to afford shopping anyplace else.
While that’s highly amusing and might give me some fodder for my (nonexistent) Louis CK impersonation, here’s your flaw:
People who buy books are readers, not writers. Yeah, we all keep marketing to other writers (well, not me, not anymore) but the folks who buy all them books are mostly not writers.
So, the small paycheck is because those authors set their prices too low, failed to offer a print version, or both. But it’s not because they’re selling to themselves, metaphorically speaking.
Yeah, I know, the numbers don’t add up. If it’s fodder for your rants, though, run with it–
I buy most of my books in (used) bookstores. I usually look for books by Murakami and Houellebecq, and for various interesting stuff. When I wad young, I used to look for Dostoyevsky, but now I have all his books in my shelf.
I buy science books online, because they are hard to get elsewhere, and I bought one of your Myrtle books (the one with dwarfs on the cover) on Amazon, but I left it behind in a hotel room in Moscow. Fortunately, I had only 10 pages left >:)
Cold As Heaven
I sort of like the idea of Myrtle hanging around in Moscow… :)
Hi Elizabeth .. We do have a Waterstones in Eastbourne .. it doesn’t have a huge stock .. but it’s good for a look and on occasions a buy .. I bought two first baby books (plastic six page wipeable books) for 2 newbies to this world from there … and I sometimes buy there if I’m given some money … but I use Amazon .. and bought one of your from there ..
I’ve just had my first bad experience with Amazon .. and of course it’s a book from the States – so the book was v little, but the postage was fine – but when it goes wrong is exorbitant .. So far the book suppliers have sent back 2/3 of the monies due .. I am not impressed .. it only happened on Thursday .. so we’ll see where it goes. Irritated I be!!
Cheers Hilary
Hilary–That would be very annoying! Yes, sending back items is frustrating. I’ve gotten so that I shop for many of my household goods online (I’m an Amazon Prime customer), but when it goes wrong…it’s not fun to have to deal with the return shipping, etc. I got a broken toaster that way recently…
Hi Elizabeth,
I must say, I do have a sadness about the bookstores I once loved. They were my favorite stores. In the past four years, I have shifted entirely to ebooks. In fact, I enjoy ebooks so much more, that I won’t read a print book unless I have to. And, these are work related non-fiction books not available in most book stores. I order them from Amazon.
It does make me a little sad that I know I am contributing (even in a small way) to the eventual closing of bookstores, but I don’t enjoy paper books. I, last week, politely turned down the offer to borrow a book that sounded interesting because I knew, I have so much to read now, and so much I want to read (like your ebooks) that I would not read it paper based. I may be extreme now, but as more people move to ebooks, the number of people like me will only increase. I can not remember the last fiction book I bought at a bookstore — it’s been years.
However, you likely have a larger demographic with cozies and should be in bookstores while you can be. Although I’m currently navigating the self-publishing route and find it painfully slow because I’m having to learn so much and want to do it right, I know it will get easier. I don’t see any advantage or benefit to going with the traditional route, for myself.
Silas
Silas–I still prefer print for non-fic, but I buy it in digital form if I can’t get to a bookstore. And I feel sad, too. Although I’m mostly just relieved everyone still seems to be reading, period. Hoping that maybe readers will read/buy even *more* with the advent and popularity of ebooks.
Silas, it does get easier. Outsource what you need to, learn what you have to, and just know that it won’t remain the steep learning curve it is now. No need to go trad, no.
Very interesting observations. The fact that your readers can’t distinguish between self pub and indie pub means you’re doing a fabulous job!
Unfortunately, I pretty much never buy books from a bookstore anymore. Only on Amazon.
Julie–Me too. Thanks for coming by!
Very interesting!
I buy almost all of my personal reading online. For my class, I use physical books – mostly from Scholastic book clubs or fave bookstore. For presents, I buy from my fave bookstore. :)
Jemi–Scholastic is great for kids’ books! Bought a load of those through the years.
My daughter has been slow to move to digital books (at 13, this is surprising), but my 17 year old made the switch years ago because I couldn’t keep up with the number of books he wanted…and I was hoping to save money since the ebooks were less expensive. But I’m like you in that I do buy printed books as gifts. :)
Elizabeth Spann Craig, I did look for your Myrtle series in BAM, they just said they couldn’t get it, not even that it was only in ebook form. I just got the Adobe digital reader, since I am going to try my books as ebooks, so now at least when I find your Myrtle series I can get one and read it. I still don’t Like reading on screen, though. I read part of one of the 1st chapters you put up and liked it. thanks.
I prefer cruising bookstores in the physical world, to me is more fun… I buy from Amazon maybe once or twice a year.
merry day, Sara Ryan
Hi Sara! Sorry, I just found your comment.
Myrtle is available in print through Amazon, actually, if you’d like to use print. Thanks for giving the series a go! Reading digitally is definitely an adjustment…probably took me a total of 4 or 5 months to get comfortable doing it.
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