Weird Westerns discussion
Group Reads
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Group Read Suggestions And Formats
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I don't have a problem with only using both formats, but as an author I have my novels in ebooks and paperbacks, so I could be biased. The only "digital only" books I think we'd be concerned with would be group member books, so maybe we could do two books of the months when we pick shorter books? Like a digital only read and a "both format" read? Im pretty open to whatever is decided.
Mod
It seems to come down to either excluding authors who do digital-only publishing from having their books eligible to be discussed, or excluding readers with access issues from participating in group read discussions. A tough situation for a mod to try to wrangle. :)Thanks for being so open to discussing this!
Mod
And, this is just for group reads. The discussion of digital-only books is still encouraged. That should be clear: This is only for group readings. Digital-only authors are still encouraged for reading and should be read.
I really think the double read will work pretty well. It's not perfect, but it steps on the least amount of toes.
Seems like a decent solution. It's certainly better than pointless arguing about which format is 'better'.
Mod
While I'm good with either format, currently I read ebooks because I'm moving in a few months and I'm cutting down on what I have to pack, so any new purchases will be made there (so if its not available digitally I'm not buying it in the near future). And the way the publishers are pricing ebooks right now, it's generally the same price no matter what format you prefer. And no, neither is "better", it's just a matter of preference.
While there are plenty of good, free options for making my book available in both ebook and print format, I haven't made a print copy available because, to be brutally honest, I don't have any requests for it. If that changes, I'll certainly make it available in print.
While there are plenty of good, free options for making my book available in both ebook and print format, I haven't made a print copy available because, to be brutally honest, I don't have any requests for it. If that changes, I'll certainly make it available in print.
I will say Philip the sales on my paperbacks vs. the ebook are ridiculous. Paperbacks just don't sell for us indie guys for the obvious reason, pricing. When the ebook is 2.99 and the paperback is 8.99, well, that says it all. Especially since we are still building a fan base. And what I make from each is about the same btw, I don't make more money from the paperback even with the higher price.
Quentin wrote: "I will say Philip the sales on my paperbacks vs. the ebook are ridiculous. Paperbacks just don't sell for us indie guys for the obvious reason, pricing. When the ebook is 2.99 and the paperback is ..."
I would agree. In fact a lot of key advice that is available for indie authors is about pricing, meaning don't overprice or underprice; the good range is $2.99. And yes, when building a fanbase overcharging can be a kiss of death. I just see publishers, not the authors themselves, setting ebook prices to match paperback (usually $7.99, but I have seen them as high as $13.99) which I personally and professionally disagree with. For me I was personally advised by other indie authors not create paperback unless there is a big demand from your audience. I would love to see my work in print format someday, but currently it isn't practical.
I would agree. In fact a lot of key advice that is available for indie authors is about pricing, meaning don't overprice or underprice; the good range is $2.99. And yes, when building a fanbase overcharging can be a kiss of death. I just see publishers, not the authors themselves, setting ebook prices to match paperback (usually $7.99, but I have seen them as high as $13.99) which I personally and professionally disagree with. For me I was personally advised by other indie authors not create paperback unless there is a big demand from your audience. I would love to see my work in print format someday, but currently it isn't practical.
Well just in keep in mind that other than perhaps paying for a cover, it doesn't cost you anything out of pocket to put your book in print with createspace. And yes, I totally agree with you about the paperback vs. ebook pricing. I think an ebook should always be less.
Mod
Also, Philip, I bought your book tonight. Finally getting around to getting everyone's stuff.
I have that set up on Amazon now Ashe. Anyone that buys a paperback gets an ebook for free. I don't know much about BitLit but sounds like a good idea.
Mod
Anywho, I hope some of our newer members will weigh in on the discussion.
Thought I'd throw my two cents into this thread. When it comes to group reads at least in my opinion ebooks would seem to be the easiest way to go. However if your the type who likes paperback then that's cool too and By all means go for it and buy away. I see ebook as the easier option when it comespecially to group reads but again it's based on preference of what people prefer. Personally I'm always getting change here and there from Amazon and CS so while I see sales I couldn't say I can tell which is doing better though I'd say ebooks based of the price.
I'm a majority ebook buyer these days, because I only read in English and I live in Spain. If every book I bought was on paper, I'd be building a fort out of them because I'd also be living on the street. Regardless of this, and meaning no ill will towards any of the group members who are authors, I'm a bit leery about participating in a group read of one of the member's books. I've been a fairly regular reviewer in the past, but that's becoming less common now. I've had occasional bad experiences when having read a book by someone I know, feeling both the urge to review honestly but also the pressure not to sabotage their rep - for the independents on Goodreads and the like, sometimes that's all you have (it's the position I'm in too).
My main point is, with just a review I can simply put a star rating on it and move on (and if I bow to the pressure, well, that's between me and myself, and that's the end of it). But that's not really something you can do during an extended discussion.
Tl; dr? I'll bow out of the group read, I think. Have fun without me!
Ashe wrote: "On the subject of ebooks, those of us putting out print books could benefit greatly from BitLit. It's a service that you can set up so that anyone who buys your hard copy can get a digital copy fo..."
Thank you! The purchase is much appreciated! I'll look into BitLit. It does sound like it might be useful.
Thank you! The purchase is much appreciated! I'll look into BitLit. It does sound like it might be useful.
I don't figure anyone will disagree with the concept of only suggesting and voting on books with physical and digital versions. This will mean, however, that we will have to exclude some others, unless we mark a particular group read as "Digital Only." I understand how widespread kindle-only authors have become and that's understandable but group reads need to be able to include everyone.
So, if there's any suggestions about all of this, or you have any criticisms regarding it, bring it up here, and let's get everything discussed and sussed out.