I'm torn. On the one hand, as a writer, I think it's great that a major author with 15 or so novels has increased her ebook prices. If publishers dump former best sellers on the market for $5.00 or less,then new authors, including but not limited to self-published or small press, will have an even harder time selling their books.
On the other hand, as a reader, I couldn't believe that an ebook I paid $5.00 for a month ago is now $8.00, as is every other novel this author has published. I wanted to buy her first one, which came out in 1988. When I saw the price, I said, "No way." Why should a 22-yr-old mystery novel, sold over the Internet, cost as much as a paperback?
I guess the answer is simple enough: supply and demand. Readers like me discover new authors every day, some of whom have been around for years. I discovered E. George when I checked out a BBC video based on her series from the local library.
I guess if I have to make a choice of preferences--not that my choice will influence the publishing market--I'll pay more for the work of popular authors in the hope that their higher prices give those of us trying to break into the field more room to maneuver.
Let's hope.
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