I love it when someone tells me they've read one of my books, and enjoyed it.
But let me tell you: I wince inside when they add: "My sister [daughter, girlfriend, whatever] lent it to me."
Admittedly, it also hurts a little when they tell me as much they took it out of a library. But because I too love libraries ( besides being a big user, I also support my library during their fundraising efforts, and by donating books I no longer use) I figure, "Okay, well then maybe they'll buy the next one...and the next one..."
I write because I have to. It's my life. It's in my blood.
And I'll do it for as long as others want to read what I write--and are willing to pay for it.
Aye, there's the rub...
I have to tell you: it kills me when I discover my books are being sold illegally on the Internet.
And no, I'm not fond of the fact that people are file-sharing them, too.
You see, not all pirates are Johnny Depp.
Let me explain something: I spend months (and in some cases, years) research, plotting, and writing my books. I see only 8 - 12 percent royalties on books that are published via large publishers.That's only $1.14 per book, and that is after I pay back an advance--in which the publisher subtracts any (gulp) returns from bookstores.
On the books I've published myself and put up as digital files that are distributed by online bookstores, I net somewhere between 35- 70 percent of my reasonabe $4.99-$2.99 retail prices. That's only $3.50-$2.10 a book -- and I see that, only after I pay a graphic designer, and editor. Let's not forget my taxes.
And I still have to make my rent. And pay for my own healthcare, like every self-employed person.
So, yeah: I'd prefer if you paid for my books.
As would every other author I know.
This isn't a rant. It's a plea. For the few hours of enjoyment you get, shell out what you would for a lunch. Or for that matter, a cuppa joe.
Call it your cuppa Josie.
