I have noted in myself what my reaction to pricing in purchasing books seems to be and here is my experience. I think that this is becoming a new norm for readers in general. If a book has good reviews and 250+ pages I won’t really even think about it but will drop 1.99 to 2.99 on it. Call it an impulse buy that I don’t really resist. If it is a second book in series that I like I will normally be willing to drop between 2.99 to 3.99 on it if it is in that 250 to 350 page length. Once the price jumps over 3.99 it has to both have a decent page length of 300+ pages and be something I really really want to read based on reviews, how interested in the idea of the story showing in the blurb, or that it is a sequel to a book I am dying to read the next book. In the last couple years I have just about quit purchasing works by traditionally published books in paper or in digital due to the prices. Even before the advent of the really good indie books at reasonable prices I had been buying less and less books as the prices rose and rose to the point that I simply didn’t want to purchase then even though many of those authors I am die hard fans of. Instead I more and more found them in the library or library book sales. With the advent of digital publishing and the amazon kindle, the availability of samples and reviews to guide one I have had a revolution of sorts in purchasing. I think I spend more money overall than I did before. I’m not sure that financially this is a good thing but I no longer feel upset at spending that amount of money individually on a book. I think I am spending overall more of my income on books. How do some of the other readers out here feel about their purchasing habits involving books?
Scott,
I ran into your name and blog while perusing reviews of Alan Black’s “Metal Boxes,” which we both enjoyed. I’m writing to ask if you would read and review my forthcoming YA science fiction novel, CHIMERA. Here’s a quick synopsis:
The Stephen’s Point colony is dying. With time running out, the ancient colony ship Chimera must be restored for a dangerous return journey to Earth.
To sixteen-year-old Theo Puck, the Mandate to find a crew for the Chimera seems like a game—one he isn’t invited to play. A brutal murder changes everything: Theo has no choice but to complete the Selection training or face terrible consequences.
Selena Samuelson wants to do what she does best—fly. Piloting her father’s ore trawler is the only life she’s known before a horrifying accident strands her aboard the Hydra, the station responsible for rebuilding the Chimera. Pushed into the Mandate testing against her will, Selena encounters the unexpected, forever changing the way she sees the Chimera and herself.
Forced to make dark choices in order to survive, Theo and Selena’s fates intertwine. But behind the scenes, someone else sets into motion events that could destroy everything they’re fighting to protect.
Let me know if you’re interested.
Many Thanks,
Nathan M. Beauchamp
Sure I would be happy to.