A stupid question: is it possible . . . .

[B.R.Stateham]

Hardback novels going at between $25 and $35 per. Expensive, to say the least. So here's the stupid question; is it possible to craft a hardback book for less than $20--and make a profit?

If 'No' what makes'em so expensive? If 'Yes' then why in hell aren't publishers cranking'em out? Surely they see the potential of selling more books if they were cheaper?

Is it really true that outrageous up-front money to major authors contribute to outrageous book prices? Or is it more like the industry is recalcitrant in finding newer, faster, cheaper methods in print production?

[B.R.Stateham]

I suspect you've hit on the main reason, Jon. But that sounds like a publisher is floundering in deep water and forgot he doesn't know how to swim. Sooner or later he is going to drown.

Maybe Neil will drop in on this one sooner or later.

[Jon Loomis]

That's a good question, B.R., and if I had any sense I'd leave it to the experts like Neil. My guess is that so many books lose money, and so many big booksellers demand such steep discounts, that cover prices have crept up to what now seem truly unreasonable levels. In my view, we're in danger of pricing ourselves out of business. I've thought for some time now that hardcovers ought to sell for around $10--but what do I know?