I received an email today in one of my yahoo groups requesting everyone VISIT HERE to read about something important to the publishing industry. I didn’t know what to expect, but I clicked the link anyway and I’m so happy I did. I won’t talk numbers, but I know from my own perspective, October was the worst month for me financially as an author since I’ve been published. In fact, it really depressed me until my publisher told me that ALL publishers were having slow, and slumping sales that were growing worse as the year went on.
This isn’t a call for you to go out and buy my books (though I won’t stop you…LOL) but it is a request to spread the word about this initiative. If you can’t afford to buy a book yourself this month, then perhaps someone you forward this to can do so. Money is tight everywhere, and we’re all feeling the pinch right now so I won’t beg you to spend money you don’t have.
I have to agree with the other commenters on the original blog post. Until the publishing model changes, until BSC’s no longer send loads of books back to the publishing houses without repercussions, the industry as a whole will continue to not only stagnate but may eventually implode.
So, your mission if you choose to accept it, is to read the original blog post, found HERE, and if you can afford it, buy a book. Any book. If you can’t, just pass the link on and let others know of this initiative and perhaps in some small way we can help make November a much better month for the publishing industry than October.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Hello Bonnie!
You know, I agree with you. October was a horrible month for me for as an author which is surprising. Even my Halloween release didn’t raise much in the way of revenue or interest.
I’m actually in the position right now where I can’t afford a book; this is a horrible HORRIBLE position to be in.
I’m not sure what caused the economic draught for publishers but I know for me, it’s trying to find work. I think that everyone is having so much trouble all over the place and everyone is feeling the crunch of this economic squeeze.
I don’t think that book publishing will ever die out. That will never happen. But you’re right; unless something changes soon, we’re all in trouble.
Thanks for giving me food for thought!
Cheers,
Jamieson
November 19th, 2008 at 5:18 am
I am not surprised at what was said. But I feel that times are tough everywhere and every industry have slumps.
November 19th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Bonnie,
I haven’t had a new release in a while, so I haven’t noticed a drop off in sales. However, I can tell you that our business is DEAD. Horridly, awfully dead. In a scary, I’m worried about paying my mortgage kind of way.
I’ve been looking for a permanent job for about 2 months now…we are trying to do whatever it takes to keep our heads above water.
I wish I could buy a book. I really do. The one thing I did do, though, was buy a book through school for each of my kids this week. So I guess I did my part. I try not to let the kids feel the pain of our problems.
Here’s to hoping I find work soon, because then I WOULD buy more books. For sure! I always buy some at Christmas…somehow I will find a way to do that this year, too.
November 19th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I know times are hard for so many right now. I hope folks will find some entertainment in reading.
This economic downturn is forcing all industries to examine their practices and is forcing them to find new ways to attract customers. It’s no different in publishing. For authors, our first and foremost responsibility is to write the best story we can, then do what we can to get the word out about that story in addition to our publisher’s advertising.
We can’t wave a wand and give everyone jobs again. Hopefully what we can do sell books, provide some distraction, and maybe - just maybe - help a few other fellow workers in the publishing biz stay employed.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I received word today that my husband received a raise–somthing we were in desperate need of, so I spent a good portion of the morning this morning visiting the smaller e-press publishers and putting my money where my mouth is. I discovered another new author today, another I’ll be adding to my auto-buy list–Mina Carter. I read two stories of hers for the cost of what I would have paid for one paper book at the brick and morter book store and ended up not only spending a few hours enjoying myself, but hopefully helping my fellow authors a little in this terrible economy.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I have to say Bonnie that this economic crunch has affected nearly everyone and I am already trying to figure out how to pay bills, buy xmas gifts and groceries. As an author, I promote till my heart is bursting but if no one has the money, I can’t force them to buy my books. Thanks for this and here is hoping it gets better….soon.
Raine D.
November 19th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Hi, Bonnie! Thanks for the link–it’s eye-opening to me to learn more about how the book production chain works and I’ll definitely be giving books for Christmas this year!
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 am
Hi Bonnie,
Went and read the original blog. Its a tough time for everyone now but books should always be an important part of our everyday life. Bought about 6-7 books in October and will probably be getting more this month too.