And thanks everyone for entering.
I've been working all week trying to get The Redemption into Print form so you'll be seeing that available soon. Which begs the question:
How much would you pay for a paperback? Though many people enjoy ebooks because of their convenience, I know it's always nice to hold a book in my hands. Also, I like to keep physical copies of my favorite books around too. Just in case. I mean what happens if an EMP strikes and we don't have power for months? What would I read?? (Yes, I know I'd have other more pressing problems, but still)
But the problem I'm running into with creating and printing my own paperbacks is cost. While my publisher can print en masse and keep the cost down, not so when you're on your own. Looks like The Redemption will be close to $17 for a paperback. That seems like a lot to me. Of course, Amazon will probably price it lower.. but would anyone buy a paperback for say $14 when the ebook is only $5? Thoughts?
On another note, I hope to go see Heaven is Real this weekend. I'm thrilled there are so many Christian themed movies out this year. Although I found Noah a little over the top, my hope is that it will inspire people to actually pick up a Bible and read the true account. Later in the year, Left Behind is coming out with Nicholas Cage. I can't wait for that. Still I find it really odd that Hollywood is suddenly so interested in Christian films when they so often bash Christianity. But I'm not complaining. Perhaps the Lord is making one last appeal to non-believers before this nation becomes completely Godless.
Now, if only they would listen.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!
I actually paid $15 for a paperback last weekend, but it was for an author I really like, so I had no qualms about it. I would feel the same way about purchasing any of your books. Since I am the last person on planet Earth who does not have a Kindle or Nook and e-book is not an option for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
DeleteI'm Jasmine, the other person in the world that does not have an e-reader at all and isn't wildly crazy to get one.
Jasmine
I'd be willing to pay even $25 for one of your books.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I don't think you are the LAST person on planet Earth without a Kindle or Nook. I'm sure there are some natives in Africa somewhere who don't have one yet. LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks both of you for your kind words. You totally made my day! :-)
Do you not have a choice when Amazon lowers the prices? They can just do that? I'm gonna pray that these silly publishing companies will have regrets and beg you back!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've paid $16-$17 for books I really, really wanted, and I'd DEFINITELY pay $14 for any of your books!! :-) Go for it!
ReplyDeleteLD
Melody.. since I publish the print copy through Amazon's company CreateSpace, yes, they can lower the price on the paperback whenever they want. I control the ecopy price, however. Thanks. I'm actually not sure I want to go back to a publishing company... I lose so much freedom! But God is in control. :-)
ReplyDeleteLD.. Thanks!! You're sweet.
Well, I don't mind paying more for a paperback I really want, but with the shipping costs AND taxes a $17 paperback will be around $22 on Amazon. A lot! Unless you order one more of MaryLu's books for a friend while you're there and if it totals up to $35 it's free shipping! hehe
ReplyDeleteAlways knew you were one clever lady, Diana. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI try. ;)
DeleteIf I had the money to fund my obsession with reading I'd have a paper copy of every book I've read. Your books lady would definitely be part of collection. However, I don't. So, the ebook's work best for me. I'm afraid my husband would have started dispersing my books by now anyway with all the moving we've done in the past. On my Kindle I have my precious collection tucked safely away. By the way, thanks for the reminder that I haven't bought The Redemption yet. Just went and got my copy!!! The Ransom is one of my favs so far this year!!! I know we're not far into the year but at an average of 2 books a week that's roughly 16 or so I've read just this year!! Thanks for some great reads!!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I would not pay 17 dollars for a book. Even if it was something I really wanted, I would probably pass until I could get it used for less. I could buy two or almost two books for 17 dollars. I would be more likely to buy the ebook.
ReplyDeleteI would pay $14-15 dollars for a paperback. In fact, if it is one of my favorite authors (you being one of them), I don't even look at the price because I know my perceived value will be met. I have a Kindle, but still prefer hard copies. I download a lot of free books to my Kindle for when I am traveling and such, but I don't think I will ever give up the tangible copy I can hold in my hands.
ReplyDeleteYes.. I agree with all of you. I will only invest that kind of money in a book if it was one of my favorite authors and I knew I was going to love the story and keep it on my shelf. Thanks for all the kind comments and opinions, Ladies!!
ReplyDeleteHi, MaryLu!!
ReplyDeleteI would pay $14.00 for a book from an author I know and love - otherwise, no. I prefer paperbacks to ebooks and primarily buy paperbacks, but have downloaded hundreds of free ebooks and usually buy both paperback and ebooks of those authors that are my faves!!
I saw the movie Heaven Is Real and enjoyed it - planning to see God's Not Dead in the next few days. The movie Noah was more than a little over the top for me, however - like you, I have hopes that it will encourage people to read the Bible.
Hope you weekend is absolutely fab!! My father's cousin (now deceased) was born and raised in Ky. but spent most of his life in the Los Angeles area, when I think of him - I always remember his daily quote when I was visiting him in the late '70's: "Another beautiful day in sunny L.A."!! Hugs and prayers coming your way, MaryLu!!
LOL Bonnie.. yes we usually have great weather here.. although yesterday it rained all day. It's still a bit cool for my tastes, but I can't complain. Heading out to see the movie now. Will let you know..
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Hi Marylu, I would definitely pay $14 for one of your paperback books. You (and Linda Chaikin) are my favorite authors and I would have no problem paying that much. :) I definitely prefer books instead of ebooks. I hope you enjoyed watching Heaven is Real!
ReplyDeleteMaryLu, I see I am going against the flow here, but I have to say I wouldn't pay $17 for any book unless it was a non-fiction one that I really needed/wanted for some reason. I would definitely buy the Kindle version for $5. I am not disputing the worth of the book for $17. Although, I enjoy reading hardbound books, in particular, I don't keep any of my books, but pass them to others. I am in my "senior" years and know I won't be rereading any of them, and I don't want the clutter. I might also mention that I have found that if I am willing to wait a few months or even a year, I can usually buy the hard copy at a sale price. I'm never in a rush to buy new releases, so I can make better use of my money in that way. I hope my answer isn't offensive. I thought you might want a different perspective. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and I do pray for you. Blessings...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ingrid. I got started interested in writing because of Linda Chaikin! Love her.. !
ReplyDeleteKayM.. I am NOT offended at all. Thank you for your honestly. Truthfully, I don't blame you $17 is alot of money for someone on a budget. That's why I asked the question. I often buy paperbacks but like you, I end up giving them away or to goodwill. Unless they are books I know I'll pick up again. I'm sure there are many others who feel as you do. I'm actually trying to tighten the font and make the book smaller now so it won't be quite so expensive. Hugs!
P.S. MaryLu, I'm sure you will have seen Heaven Is Real when you read this, I forgot to mention (in my previous comments) that Randy Alcorn's review of the movie stated that while it did not go against any major Bible teaching - it did not mention repentance and salvation, for which he was disappointed. Nevertheless, hope you enjoyed it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie... yes, we saw it and I hope to write a post on it tomorrow... We really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I would love to be able to buy any book I wanted even if it was $17 but I don't think my budget would allow that! On the other hand, I would definitely pay that price for a book if I really, really wanted it, but I wouldn't make it a habit to spend that much all the time. I read a lot and would be broke in no time! LOL Okay, on a serious note, Mary Lu, you are one of my favorite writers - if I had to pay $17 for your next book I would plan, budget and buy it because I know your writing style and always enjoy your stories.
ReplyDeleteMy normal "buying habit" is kind of like this: There are a handful of writers that I will pay "full price" for because I know their books will be a spiritual investment as well as an enjoyable read. I will usually pay $10-15 for these. Because I love to read and do a lot of it I always scan the bargain rack at Christian book stores and online stores - this way I can "try out" more authors I've never read before and not feel bad about how much I spend! I also just bought my first Kindle...this is where you can tell how cheap I am. LOL For my Kindle, I usually just download free books. I think $5 for an e-book is a great deal and would consider that option before I bought the paperback at full price. But there's nothing like seeing your favorite book on the shelf at home too, so if I was looking forward to the release (by one of my favorite authors) I would definitely pay for the paperback.
No, not that much. I try to look for deals around $10 for paperback. Sometimes I pay more if I love the author because I really prefer paper to digital.
ReplyDeleteI normally buy paperback books around $8-12.
ReplyDeleteI also have a limit on how much I spend on kindle as well.
Lynn, thank you for your kind words!! I like your book buying philosophy.. and the cool thing about ebooks now is you can try out new authors for relatively cheap.
ReplyDeleteWell Jen.. looks like I might have gotten the paperback down to around 12-13 by making the font smaller.. so maybe it will sell better at that price.
J. Grace.. That's about the going price for paperbacks.. A limit on Kindle? That's hard to do. There are so many great sales out there. Thanks for dropping by everyone and giving me your opinions.. :-)
While I don't have the money to buy every book I want to read, I would definitely buy yours, MaryLu :) Also, I wouldn't even spend $5 on an ebook if there's a paperback available. The only time I choose the ebook over the actual book is if it's free or $1 or $2.
ReplyDelete