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According to a survey by USA Today, more than 82% of Americans intend to write a book someday. Exactly ten years ago this month, Netscape's IPO signalled the start of the mass internet age. ================================================================ *** Google to Change Plans for Digital Library *** August 15: In response to copyright complaints from publishers, Google will temporarily stop digitizing in-copyright books from its library partners and will concentrate, for now, on public domain books: http://www.infotoday.com/newsbreaks/nb050815-1.shtml ================================================================ *** Factors Often Overlooked about Bookstores *** Co-author Danny O. Snow reminds newcomers to independent book publishing of a few important facts about bookstores: -- Bookstores typically don't BUY books from authors, publishers or even from wholesale book distributors. Instead, they take books ON CONSIGNMENT-- then return the unsold copies at your expense. -- Bookstores rarely put books on their shelves on a non- returnable basis. Some may accept orders for single copies from individual readers, but you probably won't find your book on the shelves unless it is fully returnable. -- Traditional publishers typically expect 20% (or more) of orders from bookstores to be returned. Do the math before you wish for bookstore stocking: Will your profits from sales of 80% outweigh your printing and shipping costs, PLUS losses from returns? -- Mainstream book industry outlets (retail and wholesale) expect big discounts, and a long time to pay. Can you afford to sell 50% below cover price, deduct the costs of printing and returns, and wait 90 to 180 days for a check? Some authors often feel it's "sexy" to say their books can be ordered at Amazon, or the local chain bookstore. But other outlets usually pay more, pay faster, and return fewer (if any) unsold books. Read our book for more ideas about the many benefits of marketing beyond the conventional book trade! The 2005 edition is available to order from major booksellers -- or feel free to request the hardback at your local library. ================================================================ *** Name a Character and Support Free Speech *** Stephen King, Amy Tan, Lemony Snicket, Nora Roberts, Michael Chabon and 11 other best-selling writers will auction the right to name characters in their new novels. The profits will go to the First Amendment Project, whose lawyers have repeatedly gone to court to protect the free speech rights of activists, writers and artists: http://www.thefirstamendement.org ================================================================ *** Book Summit, September 29 *** "Industry Leaders Discussing the Future of Publishing in a Flat World" is the theme of a new event to be held in Valley Forge on September 29. It will bring together the visionaries of modern book publishing to discuss production, promotion, and the challenges faced in the digital industry: http://www.booksummit.com ================================================================ Please feel free to forward copies of this bulletin to your fellow authors and publishers. This is a free resource that is available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't endorse specific products or services, and we do not accept advertising. You may subscribe or un-subscribe at any time. ================================================================ *** Reminder: DIY Book Festival Deadline 9/25 *** "Do It Yourself" book competition, deadline September 25: $1000 grand prize, many catagories, $50 per entry: http://www.diyconvention.com ================================================================
