To Truly Support Writers and Small Presses (and indie bookstores)

From what I’ve seen in the #WritingCommunity and the #WritersCafe, writers largely want to support writers. They are feel-good places overall. And sometimes they even generate sales for fellow writers as participants spend their book dollars on people they’ve met virtually and want to support.

Of course, Amazon is a major boon to writers. It’s the go-to place for many to purchase books and, if your book isn’t on Amazon, you’re likely to see little in sales.

It’s also a catch-22. I’m not going to site any numbers, but Amazon takes a hefty percentage of each book’s profits. And, they really do little to advertise the books. They just have a site, and that’s where people go. (The writers do the marketing by directing people to Amazon)

Who loses in this arrangement? Writers. And, if the writers aren’t self-publishing… well, then the small presses publishing them lose out too.

Most of the small presses that have published my books have a website. My publisher at Whistling Shade Press offers my books for the cover price and free shipping through Paypal… pretty much on par with what Amazon will offer for the first month or so.

See here: http://www.whistlingshade.com/detroit_muscle.html

Yes, sometimes Amazon offers hefty discounts. That, again, just means less money on each sale for the authors and small presses.

What I’m advocating is that when a book is first released, try to see if you can purchase it directly from the press (or even the author). Your money will go much further in supporting the author and the press. Also, you can contact your local indie bookstore to see if they can get it. Yes, they are going to take a percentage, but better them than… well, you know.

Authors should have physical copies of their books available (if possible) on their websites, too. Many folks want signed copies, and they might order directly from you if you offer cover price, free shipping and a signed copy.

I know some people offer e-books only (and I’m not sure how you collect more of your sales directly in that circumstance… would welcome comments below).

I know it’s challenging to seek out a different sales venue when you go to purchase a book. Amazon has become so ingrained that when we want a book, we go there, hit one button… and often we are reading the book two days later. (They have a helluva a business model, that’s for sure… and they dominate).

But, if you truly want to support authors financially, seeing first if the book is available from the author or the press (or an indie bookstore) is the way to go.

I’m as guilty as anyone. I turn 50 on Sunday. For my birthday, I chose to upgrade my current acoustic bass guitar. I found a great Fender bass on… well, Amazon. Looked over specs, read a few reviews, and click… my guitar gets here Friday, two days before my birthday.

I should have gone to Fender’s website instead. I’m sure I could have purchased directly from them. Of course, Amazon was offering a hefty discount on this guitar ($600 instead of $800). They also are shipping it out (for free) super quickly. Now, could I have gotten the same deal/shipping arrangement directly from Fender? 

See, I don’t know because my automatic reaction was to go shopping on Amazonopoly.

And that’s bad on me.