I noticed a post by an author who is upset that many eBooks cost $.99. She went on to point out how much effort and work is put into writing a book, and I can personally attest to that. I don't generally respond to those posts directly, but it does bring to mind a caveat that I'd like to impart here: If you purchase a book for $.99 (and I can understand the appeal), you may be setting yourself up for failure. You may also get lucky, but in most cases, you're more than most likely not going to get a quality read.
True authors put a lot of heart and soul into their books, not to mention a ton of research, philosophy, and a generous understanding of the human condition. Being an author is a lonely existence, and that is what you're paying for when you see a decently priced book or eBook.
That said, those who self-publish and charge $.99 know that many people will choose to buy those books over a substantial read, and those who buy them will think they've gotten a bargain, but they are often disappointed; you get what you pay for. If you want quality writing, you should expect to pay more. I have to admit that it is frustrating knowing that I, and other authors like me, are forced to compete with those authors: with those who churn out books knowing that undiscerning readers will purchase them over a book that is a few dollars more. A good writer knows their value and price their works as such.
I know some self-published writers who have great talent, but they are few and far between, and in most cases they don't publish books one after the other for the simple reason that a good story takes time to plan out. Even self-published authors should agree with this blog post. They, too, have to compete with authors who churn out books like they operate a grist mill.
Readers... Please keep that in mind the next time you're looking for a good read.
That said, those who self-publish and charge $.99 know that many people will choose to buy those books over a substantial read, and those who buy them will think they've gotten a bargain, but they are often disappointed; you get what you pay for. If you want quality writing, you should expect to pay more. I have to admit that it is frustrating knowing that I, and other authors like me, are forced to compete with those authors: with those who churn out books knowing that undiscerning readers will purchase them over a book that is a few dollars more. A good writer knows their value and price their works as such.
I know some self-published writers who have great talent, but they are few and far between, and in most cases they don't publish books one after the other for the simple reason that a good story takes time to plan out. Even self-published authors should agree with this blog post. They, too, have to compete with authors who churn out books like they operate a grist mill.
Readers... Please keep that in mind the next time you're looking for a good read.
