Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:46:09 -0500
Subject: [WSFA] Re: [wsfa-forum] Over the weekend: Amazon vs MaCmillan
From: Eva Whitley <eva.whitley at gmail.com>
To: wsfa-forum at yahoogroups.com
Cc: WSFA members <wsfalist at keithlynch.net>
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at KeithLynch.net>

Speaking as someone who relies on royalties as part of paying my
bills, and as a former small press publisher:

If you don't think $15 is a fair price for a book, then don't buy it.
No one's twisting your arm. But it takes the same level of effort to
write a book whether it's delivered on dead trees or live electrons.
The cost of paper and shipping is minor compared to the cost of
royalties, editing, development, promotion, etc. It's a financial risk
for a publishing house to publish a book, and good for Macmillian for
being brave enough to buck the trend.

Royalties are calculated as PERCENTAGE of cover price not as a flat
fee. I am of the opinion authors shouldn't have to take a lower level
of royalties just to make sure Kindle sales continue to be strong.
--Eva Whitley