6 Oct 2009

Leigh Russell's 'Lemmings'.

Like me, I'm sure that many of you have bought books at discount prices, buy one get one free promotions and/or charity shops - how many times have I written about the 'bargain' that I got at the library?

Have you ever stopped to think about the effect this has on the author and publishers? If I'm being totally honest, me neither. Leigh Russell, blogger and author of CUT SHORT wrote a really interesting article entitled 'Lemmings' on her blog CRIME FICTION which looks at just this subject. Now, I'm not saying I'll never step foot in a charity shop again or buy that cut price book but it will certainly make me think. Why not visit Leigh, I'm sure she will be delighted to hear your views, just as I will be .

11 comments:

Leigh Russell said...

Thank you for raising this here, Petty Witter, and for the links. Let's see what other people have to say.

Kelly said...

Hmmm, this is very interesting and a topic I have to admit I've never really given any thought to before.

I can certainly see the point being made in Leigh Russell's entry.

Personally, I tend to buy most of my books online at places like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. I do like to wait for softcover when possible unless I already own a series in hardback. Therefore, I'm not paying the highest prices, but certainly not getting the bargains I would at a thrift shop or the such.

Mass market paperbacks are another thing. I have been known to hit the used book store or rummage sale for those and often buy them at WalMart or discount warehouse stores. By the same token, I recycle my own through our church "Trash & Treasure" sale each year... not only to pass them on to others, but to also make a little profit for my church.

I guess I'm not really the type publishers need to worry about. I've always been passionate enough about books that I'm willing to spend on them... sometimes more than I should!

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

I have thought on this a few times. I have read a series which has 6 books to be in it, they are just now coming out with book 3. I enjoy these books and wanted to purchase the book where the author gets the return best and properly. I don't get he chance to purchase gently used or bargain books to often, the stores are usually closed by the time I get done at work.

I like to save money yet not spend to much, for my own pocketbook is a little tight.

I was thinking on this the other day as well. I go to one store that always gives a percentage off with a coupon if you are a member there. I was wondering how gets charged the discount? Does the store take the hit or do they send that back towards the author? (I wasn't sure if it was on number of books or prices.) I more or less hope it is the stores that take the discount. I think that is where it should be.

This is a great point to think on.

serendipity_viv said...

I am a bad person. I think of my bank account before I think of the author's.

KidOfGod said...

I love charity books...

Dorte H said...

Well, as Danish paperbacks usually cost 10-15 pounds and I always have to pay for the shipping of my British and American books my choice is second-hand books or no books. (Meaning library books in Danish and nothing else).

On the other hand I post a review of all the crime fiction I read, most of them fairly positive, so I don´t feel very guilty. If the prices are reasonable, there will always be people who buy new books. Danish books are just too expensive.

Alexia561 said...

Good points. I try to buy from bookstores so that the author gets their royalties, but I also want to support both my library and keep an eye on my budget.

I try to balance things out and if I really like a book I've picked up at a bargain, I'll buy the next book at full price.

I don't think bookstore coupons impact the author, just the store. They get the book at a wholesale price and try to attract business by offering coupons, but still make a profit.

Interesting topic.

Leigh Russell said...

The problem is not for the author, who will have received an advance, but for the publisher who needs to make back their money and then make a profit in order to keep going.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Hello Alexi, nice to meet you. Feel free to join us again.

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

Thanks Alexia, I was thinking the store would take the coupons on them selves, but you never know now a days.

Leigh, I have heard there are publishers who are laying people off and some books are not being done because of this and that they aren't selling. I hate the thought of losing publishers and not as many books in paper.

KidOfGod said...

I read the article and thought that it was well written. It impressed me to the point that I will revise what I said in that I love to read others work but not at the expense of authors, publishers, etc. They are the ones who should be making a profit. The last books that I purchased were the 4 by Stephanie Meyer...