Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What we're listening to
Idamus wrote: "Ame wrote: "The M/M box set?"I think he means this one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Current price is $0.99 for 4 books"
I thought that was just a short-term promotional deal. :(
Josh wrote: "Idamus wrote: "Josh wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'd love to have SotS in audio, with the right narrator. Am I understanding this to mean that it's not Carina who decides to produce an audio for a book th..."I would love both SotS and Fair Play in audio but only with the right narrator, so....
Valerie C wrote: "Idamus wrote: "Ame wrote: "The M/M box set?"I think he means this one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Current price is $0.99 for 4 books"
I th..."
I think it is, Libby Drew said something about 5 days left just the other day
Edit: Found Libby's entry again, it is a Pride month sale, so I guess last day is tomorrow and then it goes up in price
I'm listening to Somebody Killed His Editor - again. The whole thing, not just my favourite bits. Love it. Kit is so funny.
I just listened to "Fair Game" again, and I'm about to start "The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks," although in honor of the World Cup I may detour through Terry Pratchett's "Unseen Academicals" first. Just as with books, I have several audio books I haven't heard yet because I get lured into re-listening. The same thing often happens when I pick up my Kindle. I mean to look at the TBR collection but reread a favorite book instead.
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:-)
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I think he means this one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Current price is $0.99 for 4 books"
Yes. That was pretty dismaying. I had no problem with the box set -- and a box set is supposed to be a good deal. And it was a very good deal.
But .99 just looks desperate. It is like announcing we can't even give these books away. Which isn't at all true.
And I do absolutely understand about launching new authors and building readership and all the rest of it. I don't even object to .99 for one book. But for a box set? No. This is just encouraging what is already a devaluation of fiction in general and romance in particular.
I can't pretend it doesn't bother me. A lot.
Josh wrote: "That was pretty dismaying. I had no problem with the box set -- and a box set is supposed to be a good deal. And it was a very good deal.But .99 just looks desperate. It is like announcing we can't even give these books away. Which isn't at all true. ...."
I absolutely agree with you, Josh.
Josh wrote: "Yes. That was pretty dismaying. I had no problem with the box set -- and a box set is supposed to be a good deal. And it was a very good deal.But .99 just looks desperate. It is like announcing we can't even give these books away. Which isn't at all true. "
Right now Carina has this priced at 89 cents, which is shocking. Seems like they hope to recoup the price of the box and the stories are just a throw in. Unbelievable!
It just seems so shortsighted, thinking of the effect on them as well as one the authors.
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But .99 just looks desperate. It is like anno..."
Yeah, I, too, agree. A price like that is... unforgivable. Dismissive and wrong.
For a person like me who is used to paying a reasonable amount of money for books (partly due to the high Value-Added Tax in Finland) this is something I just can't seem to wrap my mind around. I rarely get angry, but when artwork and authors (or any other artists) are treated like this it makes me furious. :-(
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But .99 just looks desperate. It is like..."
Unbelievable indeed. :-(
I have seen quite a few of these kinds of boxsets lately, in pretty much all genres, I saw one with 12 novels/novellas for $0.99 on Amazon not so long ago, thrillers I think
I get angry about bookprices and I don't understand the goal behind that.
Josh wrote: "Idamus wrote: "Ame wrote: "The M/M box set?"I think he means this one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Current price is $0.99 for 4 books"
Yes...."
The price over at ARe is now $6.99
Well, they are selling Dark Edge of Honor (which is a 96k novel) for $3.59. Amazon sells it at $2.59.Lion of Kent sells at $2.69, Amazon: $1.85. It's 27k words long, so one third the length of Dark Edge. In other words, it makes no sense to do novels with Carina.
And now they're owned by Rupert Murdoch, who's undermining the concept of press independence and democracy in the UK.
Johanna wrote: "Yeah, I, too, agree. A price like that is... unforgivable. Dismissive and wrong.For a person like me who is used to paying a reasonable amount of money for books (partly due to the high Value-Added Tax in Finland) this is something I just can't seem to wrap my mind around. I rarely get angry, but when artwork and authors (or any other artists) are treated like this it makes me furious. :-( "
Yes, my feelings exactly :(
KC wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Yeah, I, too, agree. A price like that is... unforgivable. Dismissive and wrong.For a person like me who is used to paying a reasonable amount of money for books (partly due to th..."
I agree. The whole thing makes me uncomfortable. How aggravating.
Listening to Raduza, my favourite singer from my "other" home country - just found out that I missed a new release, so there is something to look forward to :-)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSFOz8...
Aleksandr wrote: "And now they're owned by Rupert Murdoch, who's undermining the concept of press independence and democracy in the UK. ..."Do you mean Carina? I try to keep track of Murdoch and his doings, but I'd missed that one!
My publisher Loose Id gets stick the other way, people saying the books are too expensive. But $6.99 for a full length novel (about 4 quid in the UK at today's exchange rate) is "too expensive"? Seriously?I love a bargain as much as the next person with moths in their wallet, and of course many people have constraints on their finances. But stuff costs money to make, whether it's clothes, food or ebooks. We can't get everything for next to nothing. That's just not sustainable and in the end someone in the chain that brings the product to the customer will pay for the low prices.
Hj - Yep. News Corp bought Harlequin. :(Becky - Amen.
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But .99 just looks desperate. It is like..."
:-D :-D :-D
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I have bought a few of them, so it does encourage people to try new authors and new stories. But though I bought the box sets, I bought them because of the price not because I really had any interest in the authors, so I have yet to get around to reading them.
This is where I think that low, low pricing has lost its effect. We've become book hoarders, but we only have so much time, so we still only read what we're interested in reading. I've had books sitting on my kindle for years now that I bought because the price seemed tempting. Heck, I have books I knew I wanted to read just sitting there untouched.
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Lion of Kent sells at $2.69, Amazon: $1.85. It's 27k words long, so one third the length of Da..."
Don't remind me...
Josh wrote: "Idamus wrote: "I have seen quite a few of these kinds of boxsets lately, in pretty much all genres, I saw one with 12 novels/novellas for $0.99 on Amazon not so long ago, thrillers I think"I have..."
I've bought some of those Amazon sets too, but they all had a book I wanted and the sets was cheaper than the single book, the genres are on both mine and boyfriends interest list though, so eventually one of us will read the rest as well, maybe
I'm listening to The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks audiobook again. Definitely one of my favourites.Was just thinking today of another series I'd love to see (well hear) in Audio. The Cambridge Fellows series by Charlie Cochrane. That could be so very awesome.
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I have been strapped for money many times in my life, so it's not that I don't listen to and consider complaints about pricing. I do. A lot of people have to be very careful about their discretionary spending. A lot of people have fixed incomes or no steady incomes at all.
And that's why I try to be good about listing my work on subscription sites, offering giveaways and freebies and bargain prices -- heck, I just put together my own box set of my older titles.
Here's what is funny about that box set. It's $9.99
Now that price will be SHOCKING to a lot of readers. :-D
But it's *six* full-length novellas (600 pages for those who think page count matters) for less than $1.50 a piece. It is a serious bargain if you've just discovered my work and you're hoping to snap up my backlist for a reasonable price. But it's still $10.00 a pop and there will be readers who will complain. Loudly. I can practically hear them now.
I am generally fine with how my publishers choose to price my work -- I figure they will bring me readers I can't get on my own.
But not every marketing or promo idea makes sense.
Hj wrote: "Aleksandr wrote: "And now they're owned by Rupert Murdoch, who's undermining the concept of press independence and democracy in the UK. ..."Do you mean Carina? I try to keep track of Murdoch and..."
Carina is part of Harlequin which sold to Hatchette (which may or may not be Rupert. I don't know.)
Aleksandr wrote: "Hj - Yep. News Corp bought Harlequin. :("Thanks, Aleks; I remember the juvenile press coverage of that acquisition. I just hadn't realised that Carina was part of Harlequin.
Josh wrote: "I just put together my own box set of my older titles. Here's what is funny about that box set. It's $9.99
Now that price will be SHOCKING to a lot of readers. :-D
But it's *six* full-length novellas (600 pages for those who think page count matters) for less than $1.50 a piece. It is a serious bargain if you've just discovered my work and you're hoping to snap up my backlist for a reasonable price. ..."
That sounds an amazing deal to me. Six full-length novellas at that price would always be good, but when they're by you that's excellent. I don't see how people could moan.
And I agree, you're very generous with give-aways etc., as I know to my benefit!
OK rant coming up. It's been a long day and I'm cranky.
Not directed at anyone here, mostly comments I see on Facebook.
One thing I think I hear and see more these days is people complaining about not affording things. Whether it's movies, books, a trip, or whatever.
So book xxx is released. Most people say "Yay! Can't wait! So excited!". Then there are the people in the comments section who make the comments "Too bad I can't afford it."
Why exactly is that our problem? Why make that kind of comment? Is it a passive-agressive comment on the price? The readers who already bought it... pre-ordered it... are they supposed to feel bad about it? Is the author supposed to make an offer? What is this comment all about?
If I can't afford anything I (here's a concept) save up for it. OR plan for it in advance. I remember when the GRL signups came. People were elated when they got signed up for it. Mostly it was a joyous occasion. Then there were the handful ranting about how they can't afford it, bringing the entire tone down. Many readers and even a few authors were complaining (on and on about it). And GRL is one of the less expensive (relatively speaking) conventions out there.
What is important to you? (Movie, book, GRL, Europe...) What does it cost? Budget and save if you can't afford it.
Josh wrote: "Becky wrote: "My publisher Loose Id gets stick the other way, people saying the books are too expensive. But $6.99 for a full length novel (about 4 quid in the UK at today's exchange rate) is "too ..."I think, that is a very good price! I have your backlist, but I love the idea to give the boxset as a gift to friends of mine.
Becky wrote: "Was just thinking today of another series I'd love to see (well hear) in Audio. The Cambridge Fellows series by Charlie Cochrane. That could be so very awesome."Yes! I'd love to listen to that series. It's so delightful.
I finished Skin Game by Jim Butcher. As usual, Harry Dresden was epic. It ran a bit long for me, but it's been a while since I dug into a 14 hour audiobook. Glad to see some recurring characters re-appear.Next up will be Dirty Laundry by Rhys Ford, book 3 in the Cole McGinnis series. Rhys says she's wrapping up the series in Book 5, where we'll finally learn why his ex partner went nuts. It's been a very good series. Perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and relationship.
Susinok wrote: "OK rant coming up. It's been a long day and I'm cranky. Not directed at anyone here, mostly comments I see on Facebook....
So book xxx is released. Most people say "Yay! Can't wait! So excited!". Then there are the people in the comments section who make the comments "Too bad I can't afford it." ...
If I can't afford anything I (here's a concept) save up for it. OR plan for it in advance. ..."
I agree, Susinok. I bet many of the people commenting on the price of a book they're supposedly excited about have TBRs containing tens or hundreds of cheaper books. If they bought only the books which really excite them they'd be able to afford the books they truly want, and would get round to actually reading them, too.
Alison wrote: "Becky wrote: "Was just thinking today of another series I'd love to see (well hear) in Audio. The Cambridge Fellows series by Charlie Cochrane. That could be so very awesome."Yes! I'd love to listen to that series. It's so delightful. ..."
Me too!
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Yes! I'd love to lis..."
I haven't yet read this series, but I bought the first book Lessons in Love from Charlie in Bristol. I'm so glad you guys have enjoyed these so much! I'm really looking forward to start reading this series.
Johanna wrote: "Alison wrote: "Becky wrote: "Was just thinking today of another series I'd love to see (well hear) in Audio. The Cambridge Fellows series by Charlie Cochrane. That could be so very awesome."Yes! ..."
They're quite fun
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Not directed at anyone here, mostly comments I see on Facebook.
One thing I think I hear and see more these days is people complaining a..."
It is a passive-aggressive thing. And it often comes from people who CAN afford the book or item, they just feel for whatever reasons that these commodities are overpriced.
And this is the battle. I do not feel that merely because a book is digital, it is worth nothing. The value of a book is not the paper and ink. Paper and ink and distribution all cost money, but they are not the primary expense or value of a work of fiction. A phone book has a lot more paper and ink than any work of fiction -- and phone books are given away for free.
All that aside -- and speaking as someone who has often done without because I couldn't afford something I'd have liked -- MOST people can't afford every little luxury and treat they would like. MOST people have to budget and save and plan for the extras.
Nobody owes you the extras. Food, shelter, healthcare, safety from violence and harm...I believe every human deserves that. The right to read every porny romance that comes along? No, sorry. I don't think that's anyone's inalienable right.
Josh wrote: "It is a passive-aggressive thing. And it often comes from people who CAN afford the book or item, they just feel for whatever reasons that these commodities are overpriced..."....
Nobody owes you the extras. Food, shelter, healthcare, safety from violence and harm...I believe every human deserves that. The right to read every porny romance that comes along? No, sorry. I don't think that's anyone's inalienable right.
Josh! Soulmate!
I've moved from scrimping and putting a shabby $200 used sofa on lay-away in order to get it to being able to write a check for a new sofa if I need one.
I still budget. I still save. I want a brand new camera. I COULD write a check for it but it's high and I don't want to take that money out of savings right now, so I'm saving extra for it. Plus I really don't NEED that new camera (I already have 2), so it's something for later.
But... you won't see me bitching in my camera forum about how I can't afford that camera. Or wanting the $8,900 medium format camera instead of the cheaper model I have my eye on. I want it. I'll save for it, and if I think I can justify (to myself) the price, I'll get it.
Books to me were always a part of the necessities, but when I was scrimping, I used the library. It was a weekly trip.
Susinok wrote: "Josh wrote: "It is a passive-aggressive thing. And it often comes from people who CAN afford the book or item, they just feel for whatever reasons that these commodities are overpriced..."....
Nob..."
I think it has a lot to do with feeling entitled to have whatever you see, and to have it now, and for free or at least cheap. Those who really are poor and can't afford a book, or any other " luxury" at the time, probably don't advertise it.
I think also... everybody is whining about their lack of funds online. Before only immediate friends and family saw/heard those complaints. Now we all get to see them.Now I'm not talking about those who truly have to scrimp for every extra or on the poverty line. I mean average folks with jobs and cell phones and cars bitching about a 5.99 ebook.
Susinok wrote: "I think also... everybody is whining about their lack of funds online. Before only immediate friends and family saw/heard those complaints. Now we all get to see them.Now I'm not talking about those who truly have to scrimp for every extra or on the poverty line. I mean average folks with jobs and cell phones and cars bitching about a 5.99 ebook."
Yes. I don't understand the point of the public whining. Not everything needs to be broadcast to the world. And really, everybody has to pay attention to money. It's not an isolated phenomenon.
Susinok wrote: "I think also... everybody is whining about their lack of funds online. Before only immediate friends and family saw/heard those complaints. Now we all get to see them."Interesting observation! I do remember my "lecture" on "One does not talk about money." ;-)
Calathea wrote: "Susinok wrote: "I think also... everybody is whining about their lack of funds online. Before only immediate friends and family saw/heard those complaints. Now we all get to see them."Interesting..."
So true!
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..."
Yep. This is why I make my work available to subscription services and OverDrive. If you really can't afford to buy my work, it's out there for you to read for free.
But if you just want to bitch about pricing? That's a whole different thing -- and it really has nothing to do with being able to afford a fiction addiction. (As though this were a valid health care concern anyway!) :-D
And I do absolutely budget for the things I want. 90% of what I earn goes right back into Josh Lanyon Enterprises (okay, there is no such entity, but you see what I mean).
I am working now to try and come up with a plan that will keep me from sponging off readers in my old age. But seriously. I don't have a real retirement plan. I used my original 401K to fund my jump to writing fulltime. And since then? I save what I can, but that would probably break down to about $500. a month. GULP! There is no pension fund for old writers. And judging by what I donate to the Author's Guild aging writers collection plate each year, I sure as hell can't rely on that.
Anne is correct. We live in an age of entitlement. But part of what makes me so hostile to readers who bitch about book prices are some of these are the same people who bitch about paying taxes or universal health care or government subsidies.
Seriously?
You feel entitled to free porn but you resent someone out of work having a hot meal once in a while?
But I digress. And I am one step from ranting. So I will stop.
Actually, I fear I already took that step. :-D
Josh wrote: "We live in an age of entitlement"I hear you. Every day I have to deal with people who think they are entitled to free legal advice and services. (Our attorneys do some pro bono work but that's different). A lot of people just don't think they should have to pay.
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You feel entitled to free porn but you resent someone out of work having a hot meal once in a while?
But I digress. And I am one step from ranting. So I will stop.
Actually, I fear I already took that step. :-D"
LOL. But every time you take that step, you do it very convincinly. :-)
And yes, I do agree with you.
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I think he means this one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Current price is $0.99 for 4 books