I often wonder what will happen with regard to books, distribution, and the marketing of books in general. I often read different articles by experts in the industry. One article which I read today brought up some very good points.
As you know (or if you don't), I really consider large publishing houses dinosaurs. They use antiquated business methods with regard to book selling. And with the economy tanking, everyone has had to take a step back and look for ways to sell more with less waste - that includes the publishing industry. For those who are not up to date with how the publishing industry works - let me give you a brief rundown. As a matter of fact, I delivered this news to my hairstylist yesterday who was shocked to learn that I only make a small (read very small) portion of each book sold.
So here is how it works: After a long process (one which I won't cover now) book is ready for distribution. Sales team sells Y number of books to chain book store. Book buyer for chain store orders a very generous amount. Books get delivered to chain stores distribution warehouse to then be shipped directly to chain stores. Chain store has invoice for books purchased. Chain store keeps book on shelf for about 90 days. After 90 days whatever amount of X book remains, gets sent back to publisher. THEN any book that is returned gets deducted from book sellers account thereby reducing their invoice. Invoice is paid based on books actually sold. Okay, not a big deal. Except - guess who gets charged back with those books that were sold but then returned? Yep the author. Now, I don't know about you, but what I really want to know is this. . . why isn't the book seller responsible for selling the books they purchased? And 90 days. . . wow.
Anyway, I guess I am now wondering if and how the industry will change. Especially with consumers moving toward a more 'green' world and every industry looking to cut costs and max out profits. This article pointed out that while the publishing industry is slow to change, it is at least opening new doors and seeing what's behind. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6622219.html?nid=3335
So, again I wait, watch, read, write.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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2 comments:
So, what you're basically saying is if I buy one of your books, and then return it--you have to pay for the returned book--even if its in perfect condition and the store could resell it?
Cindy
Sort of, but not exactly. When I'm talking about returns, it's like this:
Bookstore orders 5 copies of my book. After three months, they've only sold 2. They then return the other three to the publisher for credit. Those three books that were returned are the ones that I have to 'pay' for. That's how returns work.
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