I decided to offer the books in another form on Amazon.com to see if I could get more quantities going on, and to offer something to people who weren’t comfortable sending me a check personally. I wanted to offer brand spanking new books with the option for an autograph to the customers.

That was my intention, because when you order books from createspace as an author, you get a bit of a discount. I thought it would be enough to offer the book for $5.99 (plus shipping, which is what I’m offering it for direct from me) with an option for the autograph, but Amazon charges a bit for listing in the marketplace.

I found out all said and done that with their percentage taken away, I would actually be losing money by selling new copies for a dollar cheaper than amazon’s new price. When all is said and done, and the extra hassle of shipping the book is taken into account with an authograph, I had to list it at the same price as a new book (which essentially it is, with an autograph). If I listed it lower on Amazon, taking into account their cut, I’d make approximately negative money when all was said and done.

That’s an important lesson for trying to open up new options for the customers: it’s very difficult to know how much things will cost, and how much you can take it down when dealing with online marketplaces such as amazon. However, that shouldn’t mean you should not list things with the offers like the one I have listed.

Because the more options that people have when purchasing your books, the more chances you have to sell. And it always is important to take a gander at the bottom line on pricing so you are getting at least your time’s worth out of it. I think that’s the most important advice I can give you when it comes to new options for your books: check the bottom line to make sure two things: A. you’re not losing money by opening up a new venue, and B. you’re getting your time’s worth out of it.

Keep on writing!

The proof copy has been approved. Fast, I know. I’ve got mad skillz.

But that’s ok, it’s error free now. Inanis the Hooded is available to order.

If you are uncomfortable with ordering online, here’s something else you can do: contact me personally, and we can work something out (usually going to be cheaper than ordering through amazon, plus autographed, but will take longer)…OR go to your local bookstore and ask for the book. They’ll probably tell you they don’t stock it, and give you a reason why they don’t do POD (publish on demand) books. Tell them to contact me via email or via phone (email for details) and I will personally work something out with the bookstore. I’ll even offer buybacks and things like that which most big publishers do.

I don’t have any numbers on that right now, and as I am just me, any agreements between bookstores and I will be completely individualized to that bookstore. w00t!

That’s all for now, you keep on writing!

The basic difference between Amazon.com and Createspace is amount of money that I, Sean Froyd, the author get. I believe there is a fifty cent difference, Createspace pays more.

BUT

when it comes down to it, I’d prefer you order from Amazon.com

Why, if I don’t get as much money? Several reasons:

Amazon.com offers returns…if there is something wrong with the book, amazon will take it back. Createspace will not.

Amazon has several different shipping options, you can even get shipping for free if you order other books for a total order greater than $25. They also have other ways to ship…createspace does not.

Amazon is better for you as the customer than createspace. They have more possible ways to help you out. Even though createspace is owned by amazon, it doesn’t have as much help for you as the customer.

For these reasons, I’d prefer you order from Amazon. And I really appreciate all of your orders! If you have any other questions, please email me at froyd@inanisthehooded.com

That’s all for now, you keep on writing!