This week has been pretty interesting with some surprising and not so surprising news!
Barnes and Noble has announced their recent profits from the last 3rd quarter, although there was losses compared to the previous year, growth of their ebooks sales have risen that they have claimed that they are now selling more in that format than in print. In fact they have also claimed that they are selling twice as many ebooks in any print format in their site. So according to their press release this means they have cornered 25 percent of online sales of ebooks? Because like Amazon who have claimed they have 70/80 percent of market shares of the market, although both have not offered hard data/figures to corroborate this claim. But it does seem that Barnes and Noble will be hopefully avoiding the pitfalls that Borders have fallen into with concentrating on ebooks and moving into sales of toys and merchandising.
According to a study by Professer Alan Sorenson and Professer Johan Berger, from the schools of business in Stanford and Wharton universities, have argued that bad reviews and the bad publicity that is generated from them can actually be a good thing to promote and sell the book. I am not sure how much of an affect when negative reviews sells a book, but I do know from experience that personally it hasn’t stopped me from buying a book that had a negative review or two. But if an author responds negatively or has an epic meltdown like the ones I have highlighted in the past just puts me off from buying their books, but its an interesting take on how any kind of publicity can have an impact on consumers.
We also have some interesting news and thoughts in the world of self-publishing:
Orbit Books has aquired the rights of the Riyeria Revelations series by bestelling self published author, Michael J. Sullivan. The books will be repackaged in a trilogy will be released via Orbit books later in the fall, in consecutive months, with Theft of Swords out in November, the second volume, Rise of Empirein December and the final book, Heir of Novron in January 2012.
I came across this thread at the Kindleboards earlier today, and I thought it raises a good point about DRM and self-publishing and if this was affective approach for indie/self pubbed authors. Author Ray Brite stated that he includes DRM in his self published books via Pubit, however there was a comment from another author, R Doug Wicker, who agreed and implemented DRM in his books and stated that:
“I use DRM for the same reason I have locks on my doors: It doesn’t deter the hardcore thief; it keeps honest people honest.”
I really found that during the last year or so there has been this anti-ebook reader overtones with a couple of authors about the issues of DRM but I did find it surprising that a couple of self published authors have decided that they would follow this route especially since it wont stop piracy. But the idea that honest readers are honest because they don’t strip the DRM from the ebooks they legally bought because they want to own those books or switch readers, is a naive and judgemental view.
The issue of DRM is going to crop again in the future especially those who are locked in with epub format and are restricted to a certain amount devices because they completely lose ownership of their ebooks unless they strip. And if it didn’t work for MP3s – I am sure ebooks will follow the same path. I personally think that these authors may have to change tact/thoughts about this issue because if I prefer non DRM books than than ones with them attached.
This week we have some lush covers that have debuted this week, First up Moria Rogers have released their cover for their 1st 2 books in a fantasy romance series
Book 1: Sabine and the Beast
After three years at war, the High Lord of the Forest returns to his lands, a victorious wolf leader intent on claiming his mate. Instead Ciar finds an empty bed and a court with no recollection of the woman he loved. Following her long-cold trail proves far easier than facing what awaits him at the end.
Sabine’s first instinct is to beg her beloved to leave. The High Lord’s mother hired a witch to curse Sabine, desperate to wipe the lowborn wolf from her son’s mind. But the spell worked too well, and Sabine has vanished from the thoughts of everyone who sees her. Including her own family.
The edges of his memory already blurring, Ciar and Sabine must race to find a way to reverse the spell. Yet every searing moment together is not enough to stop the curse’s inexorable progress. His only chance is to bind Sabine to him too tightly to be forgotten, before she disappears once and for all.
After three years at war, Ennon bears the burden of seeing the High Lord’s vast armies home. Keeping thousands of fiercely independent lions in line isn’t easy. When his soldiers discover a beautiful, royal female hidden beneath an illusion spell, the lure of her inheritance threatens the order of his camp. The men of her family protected Kisri, until the war stole them away. Tired of defending herself from greedy suitors, she’s in search of her only remaining male relative. Instead she finds Ennon, her cousin’s most dangerous warrior. Perhaps the only man in the kingdom who has no interest in claiming her birthright. Which makes him unique…and tempting. Delivering Kisri to his High Lord’s side–while keeping his distance–is Ennon’s one and only duty. Yet Kisri’s untutored advances crack his formidable resistance. And she proves to be a dangerously adept student. Especially when their passion wakes a magic beyond their control… Warning: This story contains a dangerous shapeshifter warlord, a lioness with a sword, innocent passion, sexual awakenings and a happily-ever-after worthy of any fairy tale.
Sophie Jordan’s follow up to Firelight has a cover! Vanish is slated to be released later this year.
Fans of Lynn Viehl should also watch out for her upcoming YA book, After Midnight the first book of the Youngbloods series that focuses on Vampires and forbidden love.
Sophomore Catlyn Youngblood is used to the nomadic existence she and her two older brothers have shared since the death of their parents. When they settle down for good in the sleepy backwoods town of Lost Lake, Florida, Cat thinks they might finally fit in. Instead, they’re shunned by the locals.
While riding her horse late one night, Cat meets an enigmatic and handsome boy named Jesse Raven. Even more strange than her overpowering attraction to him is Jesse’s apparent aversion to the sun. As their attraction intensifies, long-kept secrets come to light. Cat learns that the Ravens are a centuries-old vampire clan . . . and worse still, that she and her brothers are descendents of Abraham Van Helsing, the world-famous vampire hunter. Mortal enemies by blood, the two families do all they can to keep them apart. But Cat and Jesse will risk everything to be together—including death.
Below is the new tailer for Lila DiPasqua for The Princess in his Bed. Loooks guuuurd!
And check out the lovely widget for the next book in the series!
What do you think about DRM? Does it keep us honest? *snort*
You ever felt the urge to write a chapter of a book on a toilet stall?
And if yes, which book was it?
About Has
Has is a bookaholic and feeds her addiction whenever she can. She usually can be found lost in a Romance or an Urban Fantasy novel. Her favourite sub genres are Paranormal, Fantasy and some Scifi. Her most treasured authors are, Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Ann Aguirre, Lisa Kleypas and Tamora Pierce. She loves that discovery of finding a brand new author and falling in love with their books. Has also blogs a The Book Pushers - Book chatter and reviews
I don't think negative reviews affect established writers. I have bought books that had mixed reviews from writers I've already tried but negative reviews for a debut/new-ish author can be deadly.
I don't have a dedicated e-reader but I think there is some truth to that DRM quote.
I heart those covers!!! And I heart it even more because its fantasy romance.
About the DRM thing along with geo rstrictions both are a hot topic for me because I am primarily an e-reader and I don't like that implication that honest readers who dont strip and those who do are dishonest are all pirates. NOT TRUE – Someone just tweeted this on twitter that sums it up perfectly. "DRM is like the Ford Pinto: it's a smooth ride, right up the point at which it explodes and ruins your day." – In theory its great but in practice its not and that goes for all formats/mediums like video games and music. If you bought an album and changed your MP3 player – would you like to rebuy it because you originally had an ipod but now you got a Sony? This is the reason why music industry/Apple relented because it didn't stem piracy and it was punishing their customers. I am seeing & experiencing the same thing. Epub format for a lot of readers is going to explode because they are restricted to 6 devices for the lifetime of that license. And in this day and age people go through multiple devices in a few years because of multiple computers/phones and tablets. I personally think DRM for ebooks will go the way of the Dodo and its just going to hurt publishers/authors who practice this than those who doesn't especially when ebook tech is developing so fast. And a lot of epub pubs like Samhain and Carina don't have DRM due to this, and they are growing – I just think that this author is naive and judgmental about the whole issue. I wont certainly not buy his book because that statement rankles me and the majority of people who have stripped the DRM off their books are honest. What is the point of buying and stripping them if they can go and download them from a pirate site? Logic fail.
I absolutely HATE Adobe Digital Editions and if I weren't so lazy, I'd strip ALL the DRM ebooks that I own. I have ebooks that I can't read because I misspelled my email address initially and now the program claims the affected ebooks are not mine. WTH!! I'm tempted to download them from pirate sites since I own the ebooks already.
Book 1: Sabine and the Beast
Book 2: Kisri and the Beast
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Ok I want those Moira Rogers books 😀
And good news on those fantasy books, i have heard they are great
@Blodeuedd Me too! I'm in love with the cover of Kisri. Preeeetttyyyyy cover
I don't think negative reviews affect established writers. I have bought books that had mixed reviews from writers I've already tried but negative reviews for a debut/new-ish author can be deadly.
I don't have a dedicated e-reader but I think there is some truth to that DRM quote.
Great post! I love the two Moira Rogers covers as well as the blurbs. I can't wait to read them.
Stacie
GeishasMom73 on twitter
I, also, want the Moira rogers books!
I wonder how many people had to stand in line while the chapter was written on the wall?
I heart those covers!!! And I heart it even more because its fantasy romance.
About the DRM thing along with geo rstrictions both are a hot topic for me because I am primarily an e-reader and I don't like that implication that honest readers who dont strip and those who do are dishonest are all pirates. NOT TRUE – Someone just tweeted this on twitter that sums it up perfectly. "DRM is like the Ford Pinto: it's a smooth ride, right up the point at which it explodes and ruins your day." – In theory its great but in practice its not and that goes for all formats/mediums like video games and music. If you bought an album and changed your MP3 player – would you like to rebuy it because you originally had an ipod but now you got a Sony? This is the reason why music industry/Apple relented because it didn't stem piracy and it was punishing their customers. I am seeing & experiencing the same thing. Epub format for a lot of readers is going to explode because they are restricted to 6 devices for the lifetime of that license. And in this day and age people go through multiple devices in a few years because of multiple computers/phones and tablets. I personally think DRM for ebooks will go the way of the Dodo and its just going to hurt publishers/authors who practice this than those who doesn't especially when ebook tech is developing so fast. And a lot of epub pubs like Samhain and Carina don't have DRM due to this, and they are growing – I just think that this author is naive and judgmental about the whole issue. I wont certainly not buy his book because that statement rankles me and the majority of people who have stripped the DRM off their books are honest. What is the point of buying and stripping them if they can go and download them from a pirate site? Logic fail.
I absolutely HATE Adobe Digital Editions and if I weren't so lazy, I'd strip ALL the DRM ebooks that I own. I have ebooks that I can't read because I misspelled my email address initially and now the program claims the affected ebooks are not mine. WTH!! I'm tempted to download them from pirate sites since I own the ebooks already.
I haven't read anything by Amanda Hocking but since they're so popular I'm thinking of buying a couple of her e-books to try out.
I don't know what DRM is?? & yes the person who wrote the entire chapter from Harry Potter is a worry.
marypres@gmail.com
Oh my gosh! That must have taken forever!