Are used books sales hurting or helping?

Reading Between the Lines of Used Book Sales by Hal R. Varian
Published: July 28, 2005 New York Times

I just caught this article in the New York Times about used books sales and it's overall impact on new books sales primarily thru the Amazon venue.

The reason I'm passing this along is because I realize how many authors are aware of and concerned about the used book trade namely due to the (sometimes proliferate) resale of review copies.

One of the highlights from the article that caught my eye right off the bat was:

"…an estimated 23 percent of (Amazon's) sales are from used goods, many of them secondhand books."

Not a number any author wants to hear--especially a lower selling one who earns scant royalties--however the numbers may not have such an initial negative impact as originally thought for another study mentioned in the article alluded to the theory that "…the presence of a market for used books makes consumers more willing to buy new books, because they can easily dispose of them later."

Now this puts a different spin on things. Think about it. Are you a consumer more apt to buy new if you can recoup almost half of your expense once you're through with the product? It seems many readers just may be and if this is true, then the used book trade could possibly benefit authors in ways not realized before because someone has to buy that new copy first for it to be sold as used.

The article continues with an in-depth run of the numbers and reflects upon the impact of new versus used with the book-buying consumer in general. It's well worth the read for any author.

For in marketing: to know your market is to better sell to them!

Click here to read article
[will need a NYT account-free]

P.S. And remember: don't be confused about the "real" used books being sold at Amazon and those being marketed as new, like new, etc. by small dot-com outfits who get their books direct from the distributors (regular channels) and where you will get paid when they sell through them.

Are you ready for 13??

Okay, we all know it's coming--well, most of us do.

Yes, the heavily required publication and categorization ISBN will soon be changing from the present day count of ten into a 13 digit coding instead.

Of course, it can be a confusing transition for all involved in the industry however our friendly folks over at the Book Industry Study Group have prepared a handy little e-document that will answer many of the posed questions.

Titled "ISBN-13 For Dummies®," the "document details what an ISBN is, how an ISBN is used, and what the components of an ISBN are."

And not just that, but it "also explains the January 2007 transition of the ISBN from a 10-digit number to a 13-digit number in easy to understand language."

This FREE Adobe file is available for one and all and you can find it at: http://www.bisg.org/isbn-13/for.dummies.html

Vox Pop: Get your book on!

Imagine: Walk in, enter data, grab a java … instant book!

Too hard to envision? Well, not if you're at Vox Pop located in Brooklyn, New York.

Vox Pop, coffee-house, bookstore, and publishing company, is "a community-empowering, retail-revolution, live-event-loving, info-shop dedicated to 'vox pop,' (Latin shorthand for 'voice of the people')" that by using the InstaBook equipment, offers casual visitors and regulars alike the opportunity to "pop" in their PDF formatted file and bingo, soonafter out "pops" a perfect bound five-by-eight paperback.

Ah, the scent of fresh ink and java … makes me want to stop on over just to see the technology at work.

To find out more about this wonderful turn of events, just visit:

http://www.voxpopnet.net

Need a Review? Well, don't miss this!

In the endless quest of attracting attention to a work, authors soon find one of the best ways to start to draw readers is with reviews - for better or worse -- but where should the fresh young author, lost in a myriad of websites, start?

Well, many independent authors find their way naturally to one of (what I consider) the Grande Dames of reviewing websites, Midwest Book Review. "Established in 1976, the Midwest Book Review" with James A. Cox as Editor-in-Chief "… publishes several monthly publications for community and academic library systems."

And when it comes to reviews, MBR: "gives priority consideration to small press publishers, self-published authors, academic presses" and "generates an average of 490 book reviews each month" as well as also maintaining a generous listing of additional book reviewers located at: http://midwestbookreview.com/links/othr_rev.htm

But don't just stop there.

While researching your options, make sure you check out BookConnector.com, owned by Paul Petrucci, author of Prodigal Logic.

This free handy-dandy site let's you punch in your books' details and poof, you'll be presented with a list of sites and organizations that might just be what you're looking for!

From the site: "BookConnector connects authors and publishers with people and resources that promote your manuscript. Our site is all about making connections to reduce the time and energy that writers, publicists and publishers spend reaching services in cyberspace."

So, now that you're armed with that information, what are you waiting for?

Are you a "sissy-fied" marketer?

Marketing Isn't For Sissies written by John M. Prophet

I came across this little gem of an article the other day and thought I should pass it along but before I do, I have to admit, I love the title alone just for the reason that it pretty much says it all--but don't stop with that because there is a wealth of helpful perspective within the article itself for the fledgling or anxious marketer.

Offering seven different thoughts, the article helps you to think of things you may not have thought of before when it comes to marketing-the psychological side of the game per se from a personal perspective.

As Mr. Prophet says, "Consider the challenges ahead. What are you, the author, asking of the buyer? Unlike a piece of jewelry or art which can easily be seen and touched, the essence of a book is neatly tucked away between two covers."

True. So very true. Buyers like to play with their toys before they purchase and that is one of the concepts that separate book marketing from other sales methodology.

I'll leave it at that for now, but please, if you're new to the marketing game or just stuck in a rut between ideas, don't miss this read!

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=4384

Tip: Blog Law

A right helpful reference discussing the responsibilities of those who blog and how certain laws may affect them in their various bloggish pursuits (if one is considering blogging).

Site: http://www.eff.org/bloggers/lg/
Click here to read

(Of course the typical disclaimer: please realize this information is only provided as an informational lead and not something to be construed as any type of legal advice *smile*)

Mailbag: Starting with Children's Books

"I came across your email address after visiting many writers and publishing co., websites. I am not professional writer, but I'm a writer at heart. At this time I am focusing much in children's stories. Please advise me of … where I can begin."

I must admit, when it comes to publishing traditionally, I'm not that familiar with the genre of children's books -- however, here's a list of books you may want to peruse in order to learn more about that specific market and it's opportunities. Some can be found at a local library.

Recommended Reading:

• 2005 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market by Alice Pope (Editor), Rebecca Chrysler (Editor)
  
• The Business of Writing for Children: An Award-Winning Author's Tips on Writing and Publishing
  
• Children's Books, or How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book for Kids by Aaron Shepard
  
• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books, Second Edition by Harold D. Underdown
  
• Writer's & Illustrator's Guide to Children's Book Publishers and Agents,2nd Edition : Who They Are!What They Want! And How to Win Them Over! (Writer' ... Guide to Children's Book Publishers & Agents) by ELLEN R. SHAPIRO
  
• Children's Writer's Word Book by Alijandra Mogilner

A Blog Site Just for Authors

Just a real quick tip. If you're an author (aspiring or pro) looking for a blog, another option (other than the Blogger system which is what I am using here in the Backroom) another alternative is a newer site designed just for authors.

I haven't tried it since I wanted something here at my own main website, but recognize quite a few names on the roster so you may want to see what they have to offer.

Check it out at: http://www.blogsforauthors.com

Royalty-Paying Publishers & More

I sometimes hear from readers who grumble in their most kindest way that one of the reasons they chose to publish independently was because the process of publishing traditionally was confusing, time-consuming, or they just couldn't easily find any good resources for publishing companies "on the web."

Well, to lend a little helping hand in one department to those who are exploring all of their options, here's a few sites that list some traditional/royalty paying publishing companies along with links (and sometimes even their wants) for your perusal. They range from the big houses to the online virtual companies, so you're sure to find something of interest.

Also included for your reading pleasure is a link to one of my favorite resources by Karen Fox aptly called "Show Me the Money." It provides insight into what various publishers (BIG and small) are currently paying for advances, royalties, etc.

And don't forget, always look for a copy of the latest Writer's Market for more listings and aid with proper procedure in querying. Check your local library if your short on cash!

Hope this helps in your quest!

Show me the Money!!
http://karenafox.com/money.htm

Book Publisher Listings & Links

A GREAT resource with bewares & recommendations: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peba.htm

Over 7700 listings at: www.lights.com/publisher/

A huge list of all types of publishers and links to more is available at: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7845.asp

Newly Updated list at: http://onceuponaromance.net/publisherslinks.html

E-Books Publishers: http://www.rosaliemore.com/publishers_of_electronic_books.htm

Helpful articles on POD

Have some hard questions about POD Publishing that no one seems to be answering? Stop by this site and see if some of your topics are listed:

Five Things Your POD Subsidy Publisher Won't Tell You

The article itself touches on various subjects like: reviews, bookstores, quality, and control.

Also, check out this other article titled Print-on-Demand while you're visiting.

Articles written by Fern Reiss, the CEO of PublishingGame.com & Expertizing.com, an expert in publishing and name-brand positioning.

Looking into Self-publishing (the traditional way)?

Then definitely check out this page:

New Self-Publisher's FAQ

Although my resource is not presently listed there (probably due to the focus of the resource itself for remember there is a difference between true self-pubbing and pubbing through a fee-based service) it doesn't mean authors who are opting for the fee-based route shouldn't check out the wealth of free information provided.

There are a lot of similarities (just there are differences) between the various publishing methods and many of the same ideas--especially in the area of marketing and general knowledge--should be explored and learned by any author.

So, if you have some free time, make sure to pop on over. You never know, you may find something of use!

A Little About Copyrighting

Interested in obtaining a copyright? Here's a brief overview:

What is a Copyright?

Basically, a copyright is a legal way to protect a work as well as the interests of the originator.

Copyrighting can be done on unpublished or published works. Such action typically provides the owner the exclusive right to do or authorize others to do as the Author specifies with the material they produce.

Want to obtain a Copyright?

A copyright is automatic when the work is created however in order to formally protect the author's interest, filing the registration paperwork with the Library of Congress is appropriate method.

There are no other processes or registrations necessary other than completing the LOC forms then submitting them along with the proper payment and materials as required.

The registration current fee is $30.00 and again, the work does not have to be in published form in order to obtain a copyright.

What is the filing process for a copyright on a (un)published work?

It's easier than thought to be. Just visit the link below to find a simple three-step process.

LINK: http://www.copyright.gov/register/literary.html

How can an author get the forms to file a copyright?

An Adobe.pdf download of the TX Form used for published and unpublished nondramatic literary works can be downloaded using this link: http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formtxi.pdf

For the main forms page, visit: http://www.copyright.gov/forms/

Can't an author just mail a copy to themselves? Doesn't that qualify?

Well, regardless of what has been presumed, the LOC does pretty much state on their site that it doesn't qualify as being copyrighted using this process. If this is something being considered, please read over the following information before proceeding then make an educated decision from that.

LINK: http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#poorman

Have more questions?

Although getting a copyright may seem somewhat intimidating to the first time author, the process is not all that difficult and the information regarding the process is freely available. If more information is necessary just visit the main Library of Congress website at http://www.copyright.gov/

For many frequently asked questions, this is a great place to start: http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/