A Reluctant Announcement
This past December I announced that I was dropping the price of my books to $0.99 to make the books more affordable for everyone. At the time, I had a small following of readers and didn't really anticipate a need to raise the prices again. I promised that I would keep the prices low as long as I could afford it. Unfortunately, I never thought my books becoming popular would actually make everything more expensive.
When I started publishing, I did it on my own with absolutely no help from anyone. I edited my books, answered my own emails, handled Facebook, designed my own website, etc. Sometime later I started to receive help from Lieve with editing and the website. Maura came on board sometime after that and they helped me for free. Thanks to their help and a few other things that I figured out for myself, I was able to keep the price of the books down.
As word spread about my books, things started to skyrocket to the point where I needed a lot more help and I can't possibly accept help for free anymore. It's not right. I had to hire a Personal Assistant to help free up my time and she does a wonderful job. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be able to get more than a half an hour of work in a day. There have been a lot of unexpected costs that came along with the sales increasing that I have to cover.
For the last couple of days I've sat at my computer, looking everything over and trying to figure out what I could do to keep the price at $0.99 without risking financial problems for my family and doubling my workload. There's just no way. Without the backing of a publishing house I have to handle everything on my own. Right now the help that I have allows me to work. If I didn't have it, I wouldn't be able to write. It would be impossible.
I'm in the unhappy position of now needing to raise the prices to keep up with expenses and have enough time to actually continue to write. I will be raising the cost of each book to $2.99 to cover the cost of publishing, editing, help and the charitable acts that we do that I absolutely refuse to stop. This change will happen gradually over the next couple of weeks as each book is edited.
There are several of you out there that wrote to me, thanking me for the low price because otherwise they would not have been able to afford my books. I apologize for having to raise the price, but once again I have kept the price set as low as possible. This is not about getting rich, but meeting my financial responsibilities that allow me to write. For those of you who absolutely cannot afford the new price, email me or Christi and we'll see what we can do for you. I will periodically give out a book for free to make up for this price increase.
I apologize for the need to raise the prices. It's not something that I wanted to do or truly anticipated, but it is a necessity. I hope you understand.
Sincerely,
R.L. Mathewson
When I started publishing, I did it on my own with absolutely no help from anyone. I edited my books, answered my own emails, handled Facebook, designed my own website, etc. Sometime later I started to receive help from Lieve with editing and the website. Maura came on board sometime after that and they helped me for free. Thanks to their help and a few other things that I figured out for myself, I was able to keep the price of the books down.
As word spread about my books, things started to skyrocket to the point where I needed a lot more help and I can't possibly accept help for free anymore. It's not right. I had to hire a Personal Assistant to help free up my time and she does a wonderful job. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be able to get more than a half an hour of work in a day. There have been a lot of unexpected costs that came along with the sales increasing that I have to cover.
For the last couple of days I've sat at my computer, looking everything over and trying to figure out what I could do to keep the price at $0.99 without risking financial problems for my family and doubling my workload. There's just no way. Without the backing of a publishing house I have to handle everything on my own. Right now the help that I have allows me to work. If I didn't have it, I wouldn't be able to write. It would be impossible.
I'm in the unhappy position of now needing to raise the prices to keep up with expenses and have enough time to actually continue to write. I will be raising the cost of each book to $2.99 to cover the cost of publishing, editing, help and the charitable acts that we do that I absolutely refuse to stop. This change will happen gradually over the next couple of weeks as each book is edited.
There are several of you out there that wrote to me, thanking me for the low price because otherwise they would not have been able to afford my books. I apologize for having to raise the price, but once again I have kept the price set as low as possible. This is not about getting rich, but meeting my financial responsibilities that allow me to write. For those of you who absolutely cannot afford the new price, email me or Christi and we'll see what we can do for you. I will periodically give out a book for free to make up for this price increase.
I apologize for the need to raise the prices. It's not something that I wanted to do or truly anticipated, but it is a necessity. I hope you understand.
Sincerely,
R.L. Mathewson
message 1:
by
Ctanner
(new)
Jul 31, 2012 04:02PM
Don't fret I don't mind paying a little more for your books.
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Never apologize for expecting a living wage when what you are delivering is a quality product, across a range of titles. There are other authors out there getting $12.99 for a book that doesn't begin to approach the depth of character, scope of plot nor continuity of story lines throughout several titles. You accomplish all of this and make it seem effortless. Go for it! Breathe. Sleep well.
I love your books and would gladly pay more they are worth it.
That is fine with me, I will pay the $2.99. Your true fans will pay any amount you have for your books. Your stories keep us wanting more. Just keeping doing that and all will fall into place.
A price of $2.99 still extremely low compared to what others cost. :)
Hard work deserves recognition and you clearly underevaluated yourself selling your books only $0.99. I'm sure all your readers will understand the raise of price. Your books are definitely worth it :-)
i don't mind paying!! love the books! well worth it!!
I love your books! They were a steal at only $0.99 and well worth $2.99. I would gladly pay more as I enjoy them so much! :0)
Keep writing and ill keep paying .... read all your books and every dollar spent on them and the rest to come will be well worth it .... i love your books :)
I LOVE your books, so I totally don't mind paying more.
I was surprised that your books were so inexpensive and I have no problem with paying more for them in the future (you deliver a quality product). I agree with Marcie - there is no need to apologize.
I still think $2.99 is a resonable price. Your stories are amazing and i'd gladly pay the new price, you're worth every cent!
No one minds paying for quality! You deserve to make a profit for your talent. No apologies...now back to writing you go!
Please don't apologize; your books are definitely worth $2.99! Just promise to keep giving us more NFH books (and Bradfords) and I will gladly buy your books.
I am surprised it lasted as long as it did, very generous of you. I don't mind paying extra for your books....so worth it! Congrats on your success.
It will be $2.99 well spent! That's a drop in the bucket compared to what other books cost and not nearly as good a read!
$2.99 is still a bargain for your stories!! You write some of the best characters I've had the honor of reading in a long time...you were under-valuing them at $0.99 and I'm more than happy to pay a little more if you keep 'em coming!!
$2.99 is nothing to grumble at. Im glad you will have a bit more money to enjoy your hard work, you so deserve it. If you keep writing, I'll keep buying. :)
Your books are worth paying more!! It is money well spent and I look forward to reading more from you in the future!!
Do not feel bad about the increase. I will continue to purchase your books as they are well worth it!
You gotta do what you gotta do! Your books are worth it :)
I would gladly pay even more then 2.99 if I could read "Checkmate" now! ( for others of your great books ofcourse to ;-)But I think I've NFH- withdrawal, so please tell me that Fall means early september
love your books...appreciate you trying to keep the prices down...can't wait for Checkmate... :)
Your books are worth the raise in prices.
2.99 Is still a great price to pay for the quality of your books ;) I dont mind paying the extra at all.
I would gladly pay the $2.99. You have to do what you have to do to keep writing...and we need you to keep writing!! We appreciate your love for your fans, but your fans love you too!
$2.99 is a still a greal deal (plus I think I own everything already)!!
Honestly I would pay the 2.99 and be happy that it was still a steal of a deal. I rarely will pay no more than 7.99 and that's spendy I think. But anything from .99 to maybe pushing 5.00 I'll do. So you do what is best for you and don't worry about the test of us. :) 2.99 is still a good affordable price. Even if you had said 3.99 I wouldn't bat an eye lash at the price. You're stories are awesome and I love the humor. Seriously the food and the kids... Lmao!!! Go Yankees!! ;) Derek all the way.. :)
Marcie wrote: "Never apologize for expecting a living wage when what you are delivering is a quality product, across a range of titles. There are other authors out there getting $12.99 for a book that doesn't beg..."SOOOOO agree I have paid $12.99 for books that were blah and anything she writes is sooo amazing
Your books are worth ao much more! Beleive me the best ones I have read. You are in my top ten authors and sometimes you feel like you are taking advantage to pay so little for a great book.
Your writing is so good, it's worth that and more. Thank you for considering the consumers, but you have to be able to support yourself. I'm eagerly waiting for the next Neighbor from Hell and EMS books. Happy writing!! No apologies needed.
That was a lovely note to all of your fans. Do NOT worry about raising your prices. I would spend a whole heck of a lot more than $2.99. You are a fantastic author and I look forward to ALL of your next projects!
It's a wonderful problem to have. I just want to say congratulations! That things are going so well for you that you need to hire a PA is something to celebrate. You're a favorite author and to be honest I always thought your books were worth so much more than you charged.
Love you and your books, :)You need to do what is the best decision for you. And $2.99 is not a steep price to ask. Thank you! Looking forward to more of your work.
I love your books and 2.99 is not unreasonable for your books. Thank you, I look forward to reading more from you.
OMG, I would play anything for your books. I love them and I loved the sweet prices, its what got me hooked on your first book, but after reading ALL of your books in less then a month ( no lie) I can honestly say that I do not mind paying more for your books, you deserve it and it is well worth the price. When can we get more books??!
From all the comments you can see that we all love your books and don't mind paying for quality entertainment! I will gladly pay the price increase. Your readers may not be able to keep you in diamonds but we certainly will keep you clothed and fed :)
$2.99 is a steal for your books :) Keep on writing!!
ok Not unhappy about a price increase 2.99 is still a reasonable bargain price and I would pay more cause the story is there I have paid much more for books that just don't have that extra something your do
Thank you for keeping the prices so low for as long as you could! 2.99 is still affordable and you have as hooked!!
I haven't read your books yet, but I just purchased all of them due to a friend's raving. I don't think you should apologize for raising your prices. $2.99 is very affordable and still can't possibly cover all of the hard work you've put into your books. Congratulations on your success!
I adore your books and will galdly pay that amount. 2.99 is an awesome deal for your books! So keep them coming :)
$2.99 is so little for such awesome books. I would gladly pay more. Please keep writing!
2.99 is a lot easier decision from someone with your proven track record.
Marcie wrote: "Never apologize for expecting a living wage when what you are delivering is a quality product, across a range of titles. There are other authors out there getting $12.99 for a book that doesn't beg..."I agree with her and several of the above mentioned comments! Thank you I enjoy reading your work and can appreciate the price.
Oh my…the time you are spending worrying about this and apologizing is not ok…you must stop immediately and just keep writing…pretty, pretty please with hot cocoa on top.
