Yes, one of the ways Amazon has attracted so many readers is by offering low prices, but there's another reason why they have maintained their dominance in the market--Diversity. Amazon is completely agnostic when they recommend a book to their readers. They don't distinguish between an indie writer and a traditionally published writer. To them, it's simply a matter of offering the best possible chance for the reader to enjoy their next read. You can't do that on Barnes and Noble's site. If you don't have a deal with the big 6 publishers, the chance of an indie author getting their book read on B&N are reduced dramatically. I can bore you with statistics, but I've interviewed enough writers to know this is a real occurrence.
So how does this effect the industry? Simple. The lines between indie authors and traditionally published authors are fading and Amazon is the reason. There was a time when all indie writers were self-published because they had no choice. They couldn't get an agent or a publisher, so they were relegated to the indie route. Now, that has changed. There are so many writers choosing to go indie instead of using a publisher that readers can't tell the difference anymore. And since readers can't tell, Amazon gives them the choice to decide which book they might like best. Isn't that capitalism at it's finest?
Why doesn't Barnes and Noble do this? Boy, I wish I knew. I could throw all kinds of conspiracy theories out there, but the honest answer is--who knows? If they're not in bed with the Big 6 publishers, they're certainly in the bathroom slipping on a negligee. I'd like to have more options to offer my readers, but the reality is, Amazon takes good care of their writers, no matter their denomination. And more importantly, they take care of their readers. And that's good, because I'm one of their best customers. I'm a reader.
A fine post indeed, Gary, and right on the money. A growing number of indie writers, you and I included, have succeeded in having tens of thousands or more readers enjoy their work thanks to Amazon.
ReplyDeleteThough not all have enjoyed the same level of success, in my experience, the KDP Select program available since December 2011, offers a highly effective yet free promotion method giving any writer the opportunity for exposure to countless readers and subsequent paid sales increases once the Amazon marketing algorithms kick in.
I, like others, have complained about the occasional glitch or issue with Amazon when they occurred but, at the end of the day, I couldn't live without them.
Yeah, it's remarkable, Claude, the playing field has not only become level, it's almost tilting in our favor, since we can charge lower prices than most traditionally published authors. You can save money by cutting out a couple of middlemen. (Or women.)
DeleteOh, man, have you hit the nail on the head. And probably a few thumbs as well. I recently had an email exchange with a large indie bookstore who politely told me they couldn't carry my book because I had an Amazon link on my site. My response was the dilemma 95% of writers face: a good product with no publisher home.
ReplyDeleteI've been published by the big guys and chose to go the indie route this time, creating my own imprint. It ain't perfect, but I'm feeling good about it thus far.
And of course your success is true testament to what's possible!
Judy, you are a prime example of someone who went the Indie route by choice. You've seen both sides of the fence, so I appreciate your comment. Thanks for chiming in. Sorry I missed you this past trip to AZ. I won't let that happen again.
DeleteG'day Gary,
ReplyDeleteI am with the majority here, a great post and undoubtedly spot on. Talking about great that is the word, I use to illustrate your latest novel: A Touch Of Greed. Review will soon be posted.
I digress. I read an article in Forbes this week about Amazon and happy authors. They have single-handedly changed the publishing landscape for the better.
Stuart, I appreciate your take here. Being a succesful author yourself, you know the promotional power Amazon offers with their book suggestions to readers. I'm sure you've seen firsthand their ability to move your books to new readers. Thanks for your kind words as well.
ReplyDeleteLoved the metaphor of being in the bathroom slipping on a negligee!
ReplyDelete