Hey there, dear reader.
Can I tell you a secret? Being an author is… a lot.
It’s writing books, of course. But it is also working with editors. It’s getting reviews that cut you down and reviews that make you cry happy tears. It’s dealing with agents and publishers, or learning the ropes to publish yourself. It’s software and tech–so. much. tech! It’s learning how to market the books (and relearning as things change… again and again).
There are certain rules we have to play by that most readers probably don’t even realize exist. Like… If we want our books to be in Kindle Unlimited so people can read with the subscription, we can’t sell the ebooks anywhere else. Or, did you know we take a huge royalty cut if we sell our books for anything besides $2.99-9.99 on Amazon? Or that we can only discount them so many days a quarter? It can be exhausting to keep track of all the rules! (I cover more of this in a post from several years ago – How much is a story worth?)
Can I tell you another secret?
Sometimes the rules aren’t really made to benefit authors (or readers!). I’ll let you guess who they benefit…👀
Maybe you’ve noticed over the last few years, (or maybe you haven’t) there is a rising trend in authors choosing to create their own way to sell to readers on their own website.
There are many different reasons for this, but here are the big ones for me.
- I don’t want to follow arbitrary pricing rules or be limited on the sales I run.
- I want to know who is reading my books — and I want to pray for you by name!
- I don’t want to have all my eggs in the basket of the 900-lb gorilla… Just in case they decide to cancel my author account for whatever reason.
- I love that selling directly means that no third-party takes a big portion of the royalties.
- I LOVE sending signed paperbacks and extra goodies like stickers and bookmarks. It makes the process so much more personal.
There are (of course) some downsides to this as well.
- Readers have to buy from a dozen different online “shops” instead of one big retailer.
- Authors have to figure out shipping and sales tax (yuck)
- Ebooks can’t be in Kindle Unlimited.
- It can be confusing to remember which authors have stores and which don’t.
One last secret? Every author you read is a small business.
Whether we are paid royalties from a traditional publishing house, through Amazon or other bookstores, or sell direct to our customers — we aren’t employees of anyone. That means we feel and appreciate your support immensely and personally! We also have the power to do what is right for us and our business, trying new things and choosing to adapt.
Discounted signed paperback bundles that make great Christmas giftsAudiobooks cheaper than I am allowed to offer them anywhere elseHuge ebook savings on some of my most popular series
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.
Wow, that’s a lot, but then I often wonder with everything other than writing how do authors find the time and clear their headspace to even be able to write. I am not a gorilla fan, I love author websites (impossible to track passwords for me though) because a simple email with a file is so much easier than finding the gorilla applied some arbitrary rule and oh my goodness the book has disappeared, usually some mistake on their part met with callous disregard to the author and their livelihood (to be fair they treat their staff, readers, authors, vendors all the dreadfully same) so bring on author stores because like you I love the human element and personalisation too! Cheers
I’m always amazed and impressed when I hear another aspect of what goes in to being an author (over and above the writing the books bit!).
I do tend to shop at the big name websites, not because I like them particularly but often it’s just easier and quicker. I will definitely check out your Web store and some of the others you’ve linked though. Good luck with your store, hope it works well for you.
I have bought paperbacks directly from the author before, a couple of times in person and a couple through mail. I bought a series in paperback from one author last year as I wanted them signed for the recipient. I buy ebooks from Amazon usually, but honestly, most of the ebooks I have were free at one time or another, or on sale. My budget stretches better that way! And, I read a lot of ARC’s!!
Love all the authors you linked to their stores. Book covers catch my eye. I have purchased directly from an author once, but I use the Kindle app to read and it helps me keep track of what books I’ve purchased if I purchase through Amazon so I’m not rebuying a book.
I love buying paperbacks directly from authors when I am able to afford it. It feels so special getting the books directly from the author and being able to support the author directly.
It was interesting reading your post. I have worked on many different authors’ launch team so many of the items mentioned I have heard of before. But it is always helpful to be remained of everything that an author experiences in order to keep their small business going. I am so grateful for the authors and the books that they write because it is always such a joy to read and experience.
Thank you so much, Tara. I love that authors are opening their own stores. I understand that everyone who has a hand in a book being published gets their share of the profits. They do not take into account that the author themselves put their blood sweat and tears in writing the book. God bless you.
I have not ever purchased directly from an author. I did enjoy looking at the websites and appreciate your sharing. I found your post interesting and learned somethings I had not known about the business of being an author.
I really like being able to buy directly from the author. I like that it means the author usually makes more money on the sale, but I also appreciate that a lot od times it’s cheaper and you can get the book sooner.
I would support an Authors store in Australia. Why I say this and not an overseas store is due to the fact the Aussie dollar against the USD is poor. Our dollar is worth about 60 US cents. which makes books expensive. Also there is also an international fee when using an aussie credit card and even Paypal of a % or two. (Not sure the exact amount) but it adds up. a $10 book is more like $16+ here and then there is shipping. (don’t get me started on that. your shipping is better than ours). I tend to buy via Amazon as I use gift card credit. I can get 4% of giftcards via my health insurance and when I have some extra money will do this so I know exactly what I can afford. I don’t have KU cos there are times I struggle to read. I am in a time of that right now as I am overdue for migraine treatment and some days reading or anything needing concentration is out of the question.
I wish I could support authors better and if I was in America It would be easier.
Buying aussie books via an author website is much easier. (Although I would still buy ebooks)
Thanks for sharing your post today. I remember when books could only be bought at stores. And of course there were libraries. I remember going to the store or library and walking around with my mom and picking out books. I will always remember the warm and cozy feeling that gave me.
I love to be able to purchase directly from authors when I can! I’ve bought a few books (signed paperbacks & some ebooks) directly from authors & LOVE getting the random surprise sticker or bookmark ♥️
Stickers & bookish tshirts catch my eye first, though I recently saw one author was offering Christmas ornaments that were tiny copies of her books & I loved that!
What do you think of the author stores I linked? What type of products catch your eye? Have you ever purchased directly from an author? If not, what would make it easier for you to do so?
My funds are so limited that right now I read what’s already on my kindle or free. I can’t work due to my health, so I don’t have an income.