Publisher's to Hold Back E-Books

[John McFetridge]

From an article in the Wall Street Journal:

Simon & Schuster is delaying by four months the electronic-book editions of about 35 leading titles coming out early next year, taking a dramatic stand against the cut-rate $9.99 pricing of e-book best sellers.

A second publisher, Lagardere SCA's Hachette Book Group, said it has similar plans in the works.

"The right place for the e-book is after the hardcover but before the paperback," said Carolyn Reidy, CEO of Simon & Schuster.

The article is here.

I don't know much about book marketing, but this seems wrong to me. I would like to see every version of a book available at the same time - give the customers the choice.

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks, Neil.

[Edward G. Talbot]

Thanks, Neil. 30K is the ballpark I was imagining. Would you say there are fewer fiction titles selling 30K in hardcover these days? It seems like there might be fewer fiction hardcover titles period than there were 15 years ago.

[doug anderson]

I just emailed my agent and asked if the publisher's willingness to promote the book was a bargaining chip and she said definitely. This would especially be true if a book deal was at the auction stage. I'm hoping my next book will receive more attention in that manner.

[Neil Nyren]

Doug, when agents send us auction letters, most of the time they put in a line welcoming promotion plans as part of the agent/author's final considerations. But the vast majority of the time, I've found that the prime -- often the sole -- consideration is the money offered, followed by the identity and fit of the particular editor and house involved. It's pretty rare when we actually discuss promotional plans at the time of sale.

[I. J. Parker]

It may be that certain promotional aspects fall under the special care of an editor and/or house.

And yes, everyone seems to want the quick buck up front.

[Benjamin Sobieck]

Why cling to overhead? If Subway found a way to eliminate the bread from its expenses, wouldn't it do it?