Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Confessions from a "Closet Print Reader"

The time has come to confess a weakness in my character. Here I am, an author of nine novels, four novellas, and three anthologies, and while I am in awe of the opportunity to have a dream come true, I'm not 100% satisfied.  I am conflicted and feel guilty.

Each book was born as an eBook, and is now available on all manner and kinds of electronic readers and numerous eBook sites. If it weren't for small presses, sometimes called ePresses, I feel certain I would not be published. So, why all the guilt?

Because I still want all of my eBooks in print. Somehow, someway, someday...I hope to make this happen. My creations are scattered among several publishers (I'll skip over how this happened). Each publisher has a different plan for publishing prints for their contracted authors. Yes, as many publishers I have, there are that many different plans.

Of my nine full-length novels, five are in print. The remaining four are not yet, but a major goal for me is to have those in print, too.

What is important is my need to talk about loving prints, even though I own  Kindle and don't want to give it up. But honestly, it's just not the same. I've heard all the arguments on the side of  eBooks, and I do understand each and every one. Still, prints hold a place in my heart.

Last night I finished a western collection of short stories by Jory Sherman. I loved his writing and the stories are memorable. Now, I'm reading The Violin, an intriguing story by Sarah J. McNeal. Both of these are on my Kindle.

Yet, I have two books on Hold at my public library.

Home Front by Kristin Hannah. I eagerly awaited this newest release from one of my favorite authors, and found it on Amazon the day it was released. But because the eBook was $12.95, I did not buy it. I wasn't upset; I was secretly thrilled. Why? Because I can get the print at my library! I watch my Inbox every day for a message: "The book you have on Hold is now available." Yea!

At the time I placed Home Front on Hold, I asked the librarian to order a second one: Death, Island Style by Maggie Toussaint. Whichever I get first will be fine. I can't wait.

Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas  
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4 comments:

  1. I never read print books anymore, only eBooks. The only reason I like a print book if it is one I need to study, but if it's one for enjoyment, I want an eBook. I do understand wanting your books in print though. I have readers who've asked if Last Resort and Southern Superstitions are in print, and I have to say no, only in electronic formats. At least you do have five in print. Blessings, BJ

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  2. I so agree about wanting to have your own books in print - even though my own reading is now (mainly) confined to my Kindle. Holding your own book in your hands, and seeing it on your bookshelf, is a thousand times more satisfying than seeing it on a computer screen or an e-reader. In addition, here in the UK, we're only just starting to catch up with the e-book revolution and 90% of my friends and contacts still want printed (and signed!) copies of my books. I would have lost a lot of sales if my books were only in e-format.

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  3. BJ-More and more, I'm reading from the Kindle. I think because it's so convenient and handy. Pull up Amazon--or whereever, and click away. Tooooo easy.
    I must have the others in print. My reader base here in town won't read anything else. Most are older people, and do not want anything to do with an ereader--bless their hearts.
    Like you, I do have others out there asking about the print. We forget that the majority of the reading public choose prints. We are in our own little internet world, and I often have to stop and think...wait...most people out there have no idea what I'm doing or how.
    Thanks for you comment!

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  4. PAULA--the satisfaction is the thing. I agree with you completely about having our own books in print.
    The ereader revolution is slow to reach the masses. We think everyone can see how to buy and use a Kindle...but we have to remember how many people are out there who don't even own a computer! Hard to believe, but true.
    It is true, though, that we make more per ebook--that is unless we sell them ourselve. That's where I've made some nice amounts--but it depends on the author discount. One publisher gives us a 50% discount, and when I sell the print for the regular price, I can make 5-6 dollars on one books. You can't beat that. But this publisher is a rare thing!

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