Amazon and WHSmiths a Double Edged Sword

The future of Books!?!
The future of Books!?!

I have for lack of a better been thrown to the lion’s, and they are two heavy weight of the retail world and they have me and other writers and publishers by the balls. On the one hand everyone uses Amazon and WHSmith’s for buy ing books, although even WHSmith’s high street selling has been hit, as everyone clamours to buy brand new books discounted online. With bug titles like Harry Potter, where the book is discounted by sometimes as much as 50%, the issues aren’t as bad due to the volume.

However with small niche markets like Climbing, where books sell in hundreds and thousands rather than million, that reduction in price isn’t coming from the likes of amazon, WHSmiths or Tesco’s. No, the discount has to be made by the publisher reducing their wholesale cost, which is then passed onto the writers through reduced royalties. For instance my royalties for books sold on Amazon can be as much as 40% less than if sold through other outlets. Yet you the customer doesn’t get that 40% difference.

To me having learnt this, I really feel that I owe it to the writer and the publisher to dig a little deeper into my pocket and pay the full retail price at my local outdoor shop. As I am not only supporting them but also the writers and small publishing houses. I will put a few links to other similar stories below.

High Street Books Sales Fall Sharply

Amazon Ebook Price War

Royalties and Book Deals

Publishers in Battle with Amazon

So book selling through places like WHSmith’s and Amazon is a Double Edged Sword, where they have volume of sales. However having seen sales for a niche outdoor book, the sales where higher for non amazon/discounted sales outlets than through these retail giants. So whilst for the Tony Blairs and JK Rowlands of this world discount sales can be great for moving books off shelves and getting their books in the top ten list. Sadly it isn’t for us.

My book is due out by the 25th September, I’d prefer it if paid a few pence more (maybe up to a £1), and feel a warm squiggy feeling inside that you have helping the author and you local bookstore or outdoor retailer keep their head above water. You are in a free market though, the main thing is though that you feel you have value for money. If you do get a copy, please drop me a line here and give your feedback, as I won’t have seen the book as I have to head west to the US of A!

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