Marketing and Amazon

We started this discussion on the Independent Writer's Network - but I feel this indirectly affects ALL small business owners:

Amazon recently announced that they will no longer carry POD titles unless they are published through their publishing arm - Book Surge. This move greatly affects self published and independent writers.

Several states are looking into anti trust legislation against Amazon. The general consensus among authors I have talked to (and I agree with them) is to boycott Amazon and pull our books off their site. Remember- roughly 90% of the books on the market are POD and either self published or through small, independent companies (like mine).

I am currently looking into setting up an online bookstore exclusively for independent authors.

You don't have to be an author or publisher to participate, like I said Amazon is setting a dangerous precident, if they can try to force the small press to 'conform' what will happen to other small enterprises?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Catrinka on July 5, 2008 at 10:21am: hmmmm...I agree what will happen to other small enterprises? I don't like the sounds of this either. Thanks for sharing, this would have slipped by me.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Magnolia Belle on July 8, 2008 at 3:21am: From what I've heard (a few weeks ago, it could've changed) is that Amazon will list other POD works, but at a substantial charge to the author.

Have you taken your work down, Gary? I haven't yet, because I've been waiting for the dust to settle.

I'm about to publish a new novel and will talk to Lightning Source about my options as to who they list my book with. I'll let you know what they have to say.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Magnolia Belle on July 10, 2008 at 5:59pm: Here's the response I got from Lightning Source yesterday:

Hello Belle,

As of now Amazon is still listing all of our titles so there is currently no need to go direct with Amazon. Nothing has changed in our relationship with Amazon and you will not be charged anything extra. If this changes we will let you know.

Senior Sales Representative
Lightning Source Inc

Sounds like it's still business as usual. LS is a fierce deterrent to Amazon's plans.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gary A Wilson on July 10, 2008 at 7:13pm: well that's good news - but I decided to shut down my Amazon account, it's such a small part of my business I won't miss it; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by D.A.Sears on July 25, 2008 at 5:37pm: Good Evening,

Many thanks for this very important and informative note.

Best regards,
Diane; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Silvestro Media on August 9, 2008 at 7:19pm: Virtual reality- can not be stopped- Big Boys always try to bully- Girls always rule; ▶ Reply to This