Buying New vs. Used Books

Q: My favorite author hasn't had a book come out in a while now. Why do good writers stop writing?
A: Most authors would love nothing better than to write and publish until their keyboards are pried from their cold, stiff fingers. But unfortunately, we writers are not in the driver's seat. It is our publishers who decide whether or not to continue publishing our books, and that decision is based on sales figures.

Q: Would it help if I wrote to the publisher and told them how much I love my favorite author's books?
A: Alas, probably not. Publishers are like any other business-what matters most is the bottom line. In this case, that means sales of new books.

Q: Don't used book sales help authors too?
A: Actually, no. Neither the author nor the publisher make a dime on the sale of a used book. Nor does it matter how often an author's books are checked out at the library.

Q: Does that mean authors don't want their readers to shop in used book stores?
A: Of course not! Everybody loves a bargain. Besides, used book stores do authors a favor by keeping out-of-print books in circulation. With new books being available on the shelves for increasingly short periods of time, used book stores are often the only place to locate an author's earlier works.

Q: So how can I make sure my favorite writer keeps on getting contracts?
A: If you're able, the best vote of support you can give an author is to buy their next release new-as soon as it hits store shelves. Better "numbers" early-on means a happy publisher...and a happy author!

Q: Isn't there anything else I can do?
A: Absolutely. If you like an author's work, tell your friends about it! And please, tell the author, too-Most of us get far less email than many readers believe, and a few words of encouragement can really make our day, particularly when the "numbers" aren't so encouraging. Thanks so much for asking!

--- Ninc Member Edie Claire

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