Wow, really? An author is asking readers NOT to purchase their books from Amazon or B&N. Most authors expound upon the virtues of having their work available through these "wonderful" venues.
A.) NO ONE asks to be listed on B&N or Amazon it automatically happens whether you like it or not. Secondly, why would I want to be listed on B&N on-line when they won't even consider carrying my books in their brick and mortar stores therefore making it impossible for me to plan an event there. And all because I chose "NOT" to agree to the "industry" standard return policy that sinks ALL less-than-large publishers. They don't even pursue setting up a separate return policy that works better for ALL. But that's because large publishers, back in the day, designed the warped "industry" standard return policy not the bookstores. So in B&N's defense, it's the large publishers that truly suck. Even so, I won't support any bookstore that doesn't support small publishers.
Oh and B.) why would I ask to be listed on Amazon when they blatantly list two of my books as available through them as "new" THROUGH AMAZON when there's no way for them to "legally" get them. They're both out of print and quite unavailable. My correspondence with them has been a circular discussion of biblical proportions and I'm forced to sit back quietly because I can't afford a lawyer and, well, it's hardly worth it.
Either way, I didn't ASK to be listed on these sites, no author does, it's automatic once you apply for a ISBN through Bowker and stick it on your book. How nice!
Of course you may purchase ANY of my books ALL day long through Black Bed Sheet Books and well that would be wonderful. I also offer it for sale on my site at SueDent.net and it's available at many other on-line sites OTHER THAN Amazon and B&N . . . THANK GOD!!
Sue,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely, particularly in regards to Amazon.com. My book was listed there, and I'm sure that several sales through them have not been reported to my publisher, Lulu.com. I'm not expecting to make a lot of money as I'm doing it for fun and love of writing, but I think the business-side of things is way out of line. Like you, I keep telling folks that my book is available at Lulu.com. (Black Wolf Lodge)
All the best,
Mark Anderson (markanderson9@mac.com)
Lulu.com Smart *Sue winks* You're one smart self-publisher there! It just is really insane that they can list your book without your consent and B&N as well. AND they don't even have to list the correct information or even try to get it right. It's not the business side, it's the "racket" side. ;)
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