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That is the ultimate question that many authors are asking today, “Should it be free?”
Sure, like all people, especially Americans (USA), we’ve come accustomed to getting the best deal possible.
And when it comes to reading then we expect to get it free or next to nothing. Cause words come easy and it only takes a second to read stuff.
In the mindset of some readers the thought of effort that goes into stories, journal and even articles never crosses their mind. For the few minutes of entertainment the thought of paying for such reading material is unheard of…
Or so you would think…
I won’t lump you into that group. It would be unfair for me to say that you’d be one of the ones that would prefer to get all stories free–even Twilight.
No, you’re one of the good ones that knows how much blood, sweat and tears goes into stories and articles.
However, I get it that a $0.99 priced story or a tale for free can help those attain quality entertainment on a budget. Yet, I’m scratching my head trying to understand if authors are resetting everyone’s expectations on what is a fair price.
Pricing is a double edged sword
It goes with ALL industries. Trust me, it does.
When you’re new to the venue you charge lower prices so that you can break into an already saturated market. Then over time you raise your prices to what your work is truly worth.
However, the indie industry in the book publishing world does have a problem. There’s a TON of us and we’re all vying for YOUR attention.
All new authors do it…
So, what’s the first thing that new authors do to get you to read their story? They start out with free content or low-cost stories at $0.99 to hopefully get you to buy into their story realm.
If you like their stuff then you’re bound to stick around and ride the increasing cost for the next story. However, if you didn’t like it then it’s no loss to you at all.
But, this is where practically all people in the market for books, stories and articles is getting comfortable. With a plethora of stuff available for free on the internet they scoff at needing to pay more than a dollar to read the next bestseller.
Compromised thinking??
After reading this article, Have authors been compromised?, shared by my fellow author friends on whether or not we’ve been compromised.
I am going to half-agree that we indie authors have been short sighted on our goals.
Why?
We see other authors offering stuff for free and hear how much attention they’re getting so we want to do the same thing.
Rarely do new authors take a moment to ask, “Is this right for me? Should I be giving my stuff for free? Is this what my audience wants?”
It’s all about getting paid…
Freebies and low priced books is a good way of attracting a crowd but one needs to ask if it’s right for them and their author identity. Yet, we live in a society where we have to pay for things. No author wants to continue giving stuff away for free because producing a story costs moo-lah.
Yep, the same stuff that mortgage companies, student loans, utility bills and grocery stores ask for when you want something from them. They want money. And authors need to start asking for the same stuff for no reputable company is going to let you get nothing for free.
Limit the freebies to one or two titles…
Then charge for the rest.
Series are the best way to work the price point up until the books help pay the bills instead of vice versa.
What say you?
Considering that on average indie publishing can cost at least $300 (up to $4000)…
Does the cost of your morning latte seem like a worthy exchange?
For the hours of entertainment that the story or articles have entailed for you?
Curious authors want to know…. especially me ^^
Until next time…
Keep on rising above the ashes of obscurity!