Wherein we discuss the most agonizing decision a writer makes since deciding to publish
Self-published
authors wear many hats–writer, editor, marketing director, cover
designer and more. Many of these tasks can, and often should be, left to
paid professionals. The indie crowd is full of creative people who can
do it all. I thought I was such a prodigy once, but realized I needed to
pay people to edit and design book covers. Could I do it? With training
and practice, why not? But there are issues of objectivity and time
management. Like many writers, I decided to focus on my first love and
put the other parts of self-publishing in the (very modest) budget.
Unfortunately,
decisions are harder to contract out. Which means I have to decide how
to price my urban fantasy and science fiction novels. In this post, I
will list factors I’ve considered and make some general statements
regarding my final decision.
Perceived value
Readers
may judge a book by the price. Ninety-nine cents screams “indie
author.” Legions of angry writers clamor against low priced books,
calling the strategy a race to the bottom. How can the industry survive
if the product is so cheap?
Business Pricing
The
cost of the book is balanced against how many units must sell at a
certain price to achieve a reasonable return on investment. The point is
to make money. The strategy is to price the book as high as it will
sell, following the rule of supply and demand.
Emotional Pricing
Selecting
a price based on how much heart and soul the author put into the
manuscript. Emotional pricing could also be influenced by ego; real
authors use real prices. I tend to believe my writing is pretty darn
amazing. Things would be simpler if everyone would just acknowledge my
expertise in this area. I’m a hero author in my own mind. And my mom
says I’m special.
Wherein I just make a decision
I
did not set out to start a business. Like many writers, I have a
generalized goal of “writing full time.” Professional business persons
must cringe at this oft repeated, laughably vague declaration. It is
also a bit ridiculous, since few traditionally published authors have
achieved this gold standard of success. I know that I need to write
great books full of interesting characters striving toward compelling
goals. I know to show more often than I tell and I understand the value
of hiring the best paid editor I can afford.
I
also understand I must build an author platform. If I wrote
non-fiction, I could build a resume based on knowledge and experience.
Do speaking engagements. Lead seminars. Get a PhD in awesomeness.
How does a novelist demonstrate expertise other than to write novels that can’t be put down, or turned off, or whatever?
My
first marketing concern, after writing the best book possible, is to
get the word out. I want people to read my stories and be entertained.
For
quite a while, I read the blogs on ebook pricing and took the welfare
of the industry to heart. But in the end, the decision is really simple.
The price of a book should be the price that sells. A fat advertising
budget or a viral You Tube video might raise the perceived value and
demand. Skyrocketing sales would drive the price up, though some might
argue it shouldn’t.
At the end of the day I ask myself two questions. Is my book selling? Am I reaching more readers than I was yesterday?
This
is a hotly contested topic in the publishing world, so please abuse me
with your comments if you must. (But keep in mind I am an artist, and
thus very sensitive.)
Lost Hero
Changed
by captivity and torture, hunted by the Reapers of Hellsbreach and
wanted by Earth Fleet, Kin Roland hides on a lost planet near an
unstable wormhole.
When a distant space battle propels a ravaged Earth Fleet Armada through the same wormhole, a Reaper follows, hunting for the man who burned his home world. Kin fights to save a mysterious native of Crashdown from the Reaper and learns there are worse things in the galaxy than the nightmare hunting him. The end is coming and he is about to pay for a sin that will change the galaxy forever.
When a distant space battle propels a ravaged Earth Fleet Armada through the same wormhole, a Reaper follows, hunting for the man who burned his home world. Kin fights to save a mysterious native of Crashdown from the Reaper and learns there are worse things in the galaxy than the nightmare hunting him. The end is coming and he is about to pay for a sin that will change the galaxy forever.
Books
Enemy
of Man: Book One in the Chronicles of Kin Roland was written for fans
of military science fiction and science fiction adventure. Readers who
enjoyed Starship Troopers or Space Marines will appreciate this genre
variation. Powered armor only gets a soldier so far. Battlefield
experience, guts, and loyal friends make Armageddon fun.
Movies
If
you love movies like Aliens, Predator, The Chronicles of Riddick, or
Serenity, then you might find the heroes and creatures in Enemy of Man
dangerous, determined, and ready to risk it all. It’s all about action
and suspense, with a dash of romance—or perhaps flash romance.
From the Author
Thanks for your interest in my novel, Enemy of Man. I hope you chose to read the book and enjoy every page.
If you have already read Enemy of Man, how was it? Reviews are appreciated!
Have a great day and be safe.
If you have already read Enemy of Man, how was it? Reviews are appreciated!
Have a great day and be safe.
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre – Science Fiction
Rating – R
More details about the author
Posts
