My Take on Kindle Matchbook

By A.C. James

Anyone who reads my blog knows that I try to balance it with information for writers and of course the spotlights, interviews, and books for readers. About a week ago (or maybe two), I received an email from Amazon about a new program called Kindle Matchbook. Basically, anyone who purchases a print copy can get an e-book version for either a discounted rate or for free. This is only for the books that are enrolled in the program by either the indie author or publisher.

Personally, I think this is really smart on Amazon’s part. Readers that have yet to enter the digital age may be encouraged to actually try e-books for the very first time. Print for most self-publishers not selling on the level of Bella Andre and Marie Force equal a marginal slice of their revenue or are used as a marketing tool.

Until the successful midlisters or bestsellers are approached and lucky enough to get a print only deal.

*Sighing Enviously*

Another possibility that I view as positive is double dipping. Christmas is coming. What better way to spend your money than to buy a print copy to gift to someone and keep the e-book version of your favorite author for yourself? Considering that I’m a new author I fully intend to take advantage of this and offer my e-books FREE for buying a print copy.

Or let me break it down to you this way. $2.99 x 70% Royalty = a $2.09 loss of an e-book sale if you’re giving it with the print copy for free.

The advertising from your loyal fan passing along a copy to someone who’s never read you before and them becoming another loyal fan that will read your future books = priceless.

Avid fans that loan or give out a print copy while reading your e-book gives you the added bonus of discoverability. Word of mouth is crucial.

So double dip away. I think it’s a good thing.

Whether I will keep it that way or offer e-books at a discount remains to be seen.

It will increase what has been a dwindling print market and I look at it as a positive shift for Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, and indie bookstores that take advantage of this program or implement their own.

It’s simply a matter of bundling and it’s been done successfully in so many other markets it only makes sense that publishing adopts the practice. I’m just surprised it didn’t occur to anyone sooner. Just look at the music industry with offering MP3s, CDs, and Vinyl albums.

Yes, people still buy vinyl. The sound quality is completely different. The White Album just loses something when you listen to the CD.

*Waves Hands in the Air Fanatically* I am one of those people that loves record players. But if I had to buy the CD separate?

Just like people will always buy books. Especially if they can get a cheaper to produce format for a couple extra bucks or for free.

I’m down with that and you should be too.

 

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