THE Group for Authors! discussion

I just checked the listing for my novel The Lost Diaries of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and found Amazon had reduced the price. Why did this happen, and how can I prevent it? Both Amazon and I are shorted on profits when this happens as the book continues to sell.

Please explain.

Thanks
Sarah Bates, Author

Are you part of amazon advantage? If so, you get the same each time but Amazon can charge what they like.

I have no idea if I am "part of amazon advantage". If it is linked to CreateSpace or any of Amazon's publishing programs, then "no".

Any ideas?

Amazon does this for its own reasons. It doesn't affect your royalty, only Amazon's—that's been my experience over the last 5+ years, at least.

Hi Sarah!
One of my recent released was priced by me and before discounting it up to 60%, Amazon asked me and assured that royalties will be intact. After my consent, they promoted it on Amazon India throughout January. The plus point was it got sales and touched 134 overall Amazon rank and 3rd in category.
So, I think it's good for you even there is a bit loss on royalty side, it will definitely increase your book rank and so the visibility.
Furthermore, when you will release next book, Amazon will inform your existing customers.

Thanks fellow authors.

My problem with reducing the price is that I also sell books outright at author events and now must deal wth questions about the price difference, or lower the price to that of Amazon's. Maybe no on will question the price difference? I hope not. Buying a book direct does offer the purchaser the opportunity to meet the author and get a book signed. Sure hope my tactful explanation works!

Well, that is up to you. Personally, when I sell one to one, I price the book close to production cost + royalty, so if

Production cost = $4.50 + normal royalty = $3.50 ($8.00)

I would sell the copy for $10 and tell the buyer that the price is below Amazon, which is probably true, since the minimal cost on CreateSpace for such a book would be $12.99—$14.99, and Amazon rarely discounts books by untested authors by more than 10%.

It's up to you, of course, but when you're starting out, I can say that a loyal reader is way more valuable than $1 or $2 in royalties. This is someone who will follow your books because they know you. What could be better than that?

depending on how many of your books you order at a time, the cost of s&h can add a considerable amount. since you are saving the purchaser s&h i think one should add what it cost you to your sale price. michael p. earney the a to z book of weeds and other useful plants.

CP, I like your fomula. Thanks.