Thanks for the response. I agree. I already buy from my local bookshop whenever I can.
There’s an author in Scotland, Shaun Bythell, who wrote the very entertaining book, Diary of a Bookseller, and two other books. He sheds light on the curse of amazon (lowercase) for second-hand booksellers as well. He has recently stopped selling his inventory on amazon and abe books (also amazon owned) citing the price race to the bottom and unscrupulous consumers exploiting the system (“this book isn’t in ‘good’ condition as you described. Give me a $5 discount or I’ll report you to amazon/give me my money back ($5 p&p lost on a $2 book)”). He reports that financially it is paying off for him and that more second-hand booksellers are leaving amazon. I realise there’s no financial benefit for authors in the second hand trade but as you say, it’s an important ecosystem, and along with libraries, helps to establish a love of books for our younger generations.
Also, you can buy Shaun Bythell’s three books directly from him now, shipping globally (I’m in New Zealand). Wouldn’t it be good if we could if was common to be able to buy books directly from the author? I wonder if there are self publishing options that are not owned by amazon. Once an author has written a best seller maybe they generate enough interest from readers to self-market future books? And the author could make it easy for a loyal fan-base to assist in marketing via social media. Perfect case studies for this would be you and Shaun.
Thanks for the response. I agree. I already buy from my local bookshop whenever I can.
There’s an author in Scotland, Shaun Bythell, who wrote the very entertaining book, Diary of a Bookseller, and two other books. He sheds light on the curse of amazon (lowercase) for second-hand booksellers as well. He has recently stopped selling his inventory on amazon and abe books (also amazon owned) citing the price race to the bottom and unscrupulous consumers exploiting the system (“this book isn’t in ‘good’ condition as you described. Give me a $5 discount or I’ll report you to amazon/give me my money back ($5 p&p lost on a $2 book)”). He reports that financially it is paying off for him and that more second-hand booksellers are leaving amazon. I realise there’s no financial benefit for authors in the second hand trade but as you say, it’s an important ecosystem, and along with libraries, helps to establish a love of books for our younger generations.
Also, you can buy Shaun Bythell’s three books directly from him now, shipping globally (I’m in New Zealand). Wouldn’t it be good if we could if was common to be able to buy books directly from the author? I wonder if there are self publishing options that are not owned by amazon. Once an author has written a best seller maybe they generate enough interest from readers to self-market future books? And the author could make it easy for a loyal fan-base to assist in marketing via social media. Perfect case studies for this would be you and Shaun.
Anyway, all the best to you and your family Tim.
Cheers, Chris.