Sprinting to Paperback by Stacy Hoff

My latest print release, JOCKEYING FOR YOU, has me thinking about print sales again. Especially since JOCKEYING’s print debut comes right on the heels of the print debut of DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC. http://wp.me/prBca-4RP

If you’re published with a small press like I am, it’s likely that you have your books released first in e-format, followed by print format a few months later (if at all). It’s a truism that many small presses believe most people today are buying e-format books, and focus on e-sales accordingly.

There’s a lot of truth to the power of e-book sales, especially with younger readers. Not to mention the draw of Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program. Add to this the dwindling number of large brick-and-mortar bookstores; only the “big 5” publishers can afford to absorb the loss from retailers who ship back returned books. Accordingly, many small publishers back off print altogether, or make the print copies they do produce more about “author promo” than about sales.

But print has it’s advantages. For one thing, print format is needed to enter the romance industries biggest contest—the RITA, sponsored by Romance Writers’ of America (RWA), along with other, well-respected (albeit smaller) competitions for published authors. Print copies can also be sold to indie bookstores, which can not only generate sales that impact the New York Times best seller list, but may also have a kinder return policy for publishers.

For me, the question of print sales is personal—the biggest advantage of print is my holding a copy of my book in my hands. Thus, I made sure when I was looking at potential publishers I chose one that would be open to print publication. I knew I would not be happy with e-format only. From a sales, promo, and personal perspective, I am glad I went with a publisher willing to do both e-format and print.

My opinion is not universal. There are many authors and readers alike who believe that e-format is “where it’s at.” Please weigh in. I love gathering this data. My hope is to report back with a summary from all those who were kind enough to chime in.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

JOCKEYING FOR YOU print version http://amzn.to/2eanq2o

JOCKEYING FOR YOU Kindle version  http://amzn.to/2c8Hi5t

 

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC print version http://amzn.to/2cubwCf

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC kindle version http://amzn.to/1KjfP9V

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES print version http://amzn.to/2dXO1zV

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES Kindle version http://amzn.to/1YEseie

LAWFULLY YOURS print version http://amzn.to/2e6Ug8k

LAWFULLY YOURS Kindle version http://amzn.to/1Ky5CZm

 

SEASON OF LOVE http://amzn.to/1NsByfu

Filed under: A writer's life, Business, Publications, publishing, Reading, romance, romance novels, romance reader, Stacy Hoff, What Are You Reading?