I am not dissenting, Jenny. I am in full agreement.
Disclosure. I am a fellow writer and a friend. I was a client of Sunbelt for years, and an author who “self published” my first book in 1997. Back then all Baja books were self published, except a handful that Sunbelt took on. No mainstream publishing houses wanted to invest in such a niche market. However, I was on the cusp of the internet explosion, and I learned to do just about everything myself—writing, editing, hiring a book designer and printer, marketing, sales, inventory control and accounting. What a crazy, intense ride it was!
Amazon was, and still is, super supportive of “indie authors and publishers,” as we are now called. They’ve made the job easier for us and helped us hugely.
A great article. Indeed, I rely solely on Amazon, which has always treated me well. I share your reservations about the monopolistic and political concerns. However, their business model is superb, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with their ability to stay ahead of the game, offering continual improvements and flexibility for independent authors.
First, thank you for those kind words. As they say, "From your lips to God's ears." But honestly, I've been sitting here thinking about how much I love your writing. I'm used to people posting their opinions, but rarely do they engage me so completely as when I'm reading something that you've written.
You are absolutely correct, Jenny! It is almost impossible for a lesser-known author to sell books except on Amazon. Between 2012-2022, I sold thousands of Kindle downloads on Amazon and hundreds of paperback copies. During the same time, I was unable to get any bookstores in San Diego or Washington, DC to stock a single copy for sale.
What an excellent overview, Jennifer. You left nothing out. My travel memoir was pre-Amazon and after having no luck pitching at the Maui Writers conference, then seeing 'self publishing guru' Dan Poynter's presentation on same I thought, why not? It was quite a learning curve--finding a typesetter (remember them?), cover artist (no Fivrr back then), printer, learning mktg and publicity, sending out press releases bc newspapers still existed. And so on--but Amazon makes it so easy for indies now. That's the good thing. For us starting out w/ our new bookshop in MX, in 1997, Barnes&Noble was BMOC--even though they were in US. Our fear of AMZN/Kindle didn't come til around 2001? We were devastated b/c a couple BnBs who bought lotsa books for guests turned to Kindles. Made sense though. He's really filled a gap. I do feel for small bookstores. It's tough. We took any local book on commission, and paid. Bookstores fill such an important spot in town life. Gathering place, info spot, books for sale! We're happy that the store is still going strong. Paul especially wanted to re-retire. I always called it, more than a hobby, not quite a business. But w/ Pto Morelos' growth the new owners are definitely holding their own, pleased to say. And he carries Where the Sky is Born (of course). When the shop had to move last year, he immortalized the memoir by painting its binding in the new stairs going up to their reading deck. Don't think I can post photo here, but sometime will post one. It's too cute. Other MX books too grace those stairs. A great post, Jennifer!
I'm glad you didn't see my piece as an anti bookstore rant. My favorite places all have great bookstores. And I can't wait to see the Yucatan one day. Meanwhile I live vicariously through your posts!
No, I saw it more as pro-indie author--and the good that's been created by allowing DIY book publishing, with just in time ordering capabilities. I too have heard horror stories about some bookstores not paying up, which is very sad indeed. Thanks for reading my posts!
Read, reread, and ponder this deep and wide analysis. So many facts, so many ideas, so many myths disproven. None of her assertions can be denied, based as they are on experience and accurate observation..
I'm proud of my daughter Jennifer Silva Redmond. I appreciate the opportunity to comment on The Argument for Amazon, from an Author.
Her essay is backed up with proof, logic, and accurate description of the realities faced by authors, bookstores, and yes -- Amazon.
no dissent here ,plus? I learned a few things, thanks #JenniferSilvaRedmond-copied a portion of your editorial and shared in note with a wee bit of my own....grazie
I am not dissenting, Jenny. I am in full agreement.
Disclosure. I am a fellow writer and a friend. I was a client of Sunbelt for years, and an author who “self published” my first book in 1997. Back then all Baja books were self published, except a handful that Sunbelt took on. No mainstream publishing houses wanted to invest in such a niche market. However, I was on the cusp of the internet explosion, and I learned to do just about everything myself—writing, editing, hiring a book designer and printer, marketing, sales, inventory control and accounting. What a crazy, intense ride it was!
Amazon was, and still is, super supportive of “indie authors and publishers,” as we are now called. They’ve made the job easier for us and helped us hugely.
Hola Amiga, You would definitely know this whole book selling story very well. I still think Cooking With Baja Magic Dos is the best ever cookbook!
A great article. Indeed, I rely solely on Amazon, which has always treated me well. I share your reservations about the monopolistic and political concerns. However, their business model is superb, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with their ability to stay ahead of the game, offering continual improvements and flexibility for independent authors.
Thanks Joel. A fine book like your I Robot Soldier will rise to the top, due to its great reviews.
First, thank you for those kind words. As they say, "From your lips to God's ears." But honestly, I've been sitting here thinking about how much I love your writing. I'm used to people posting their opinions, but rarely do they engage me so completely as when I'm reading something that you've written.
Wow. Thank you. I'm touched.
You are absolutely correct, Jenny! It is almost impossible for a lesser-known author to sell books except on Amazon. Between 2012-2022, I sold thousands of Kindle downloads on Amazon and hundreds of paperback copies. During the same time, I was unable to get any bookstores in San Diego or Washington, DC to stock a single copy for sale.
It's frustrating isn't it?
What an excellent overview, Jennifer. You left nothing out. My travel memoir was pre-Amazon and after having no luck pitching at the Maui Writers conference, then seeing 'self publishing guru' Dan Poynter's presentation on same I thought, why not? It was quite a learning curve--finding a typesetter (remember them?), cover artist (no Fivrr back then), printer, learning mktg and publicity, sending out press releases bc newspapers still existed. And so on--but Amazon makes it so easy for indies now. That's the good thing. For us starting out w/ our new bookshop in MX, in 1997, Barnes&Noble was BMOC--even though they were in US. Our fear of AMZN/Kindle didn't come til around 2001? We were devastated b/c a couple BnBs who bought lotsa books for guests turned to Kindles. Made sense though. He's really filled a gap. I do feel for small bookstores. It's tough. We took any local book on commission, and paid. Bookstores fill such an important spot in town life. Gathering place, info spot, books for sale! We're happy that the store is still going strong. Paul especially wanted to re-retire. I always called it, more than a hobby, not quite a business. But w/ Pto Morelos' growth the new owners are definitely holding their own, pleased to say. And he carries Where the Sky is Born (of course). When the shop had to move last year, he immortalized the memoir by painting its binding in the new stairs going up to their reading deck. Don't think I can post photo here, but sometime will post one. It's too cute. Other MX books too grace those stairs. A great post, Jennifer!
I'm glad you didn't see my piece as an anti bookstore rant. My favorite places all have great bookstores. And I can't wait to see the Yucatan one day. Meanwhile I live vicariously through your posts!
No, I saw it more as pro-indie author--and the good that's been created by allowing DIY book publishing, with just in time ordering capabilities. I too have heard horror stories about some bookstores not paying up, which is very sad indeed. Thanks for reading my posts!
Read, reread, and ponder this deep and wide analysis. So many facts, so many ideas, so many myths disproven. None of her assertions can be denied, based as they are on experience and accurate observation..
I'm proud of my daughter Jennifer Silva Redmond. I appreciate the opportunity to comment on The Argument for Amazon, from an Author.
Her essay is backed up with proof, logic, and accurate description of the realities faced by authors, bookstores, and yes -- Amazon.
Thanks, Dad!
I think you've provided a very fair assessment, Jen. Thank you for speaking out.
Glad you found it to be even handed. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for all this, Jenny. Good information and yes, "some facts are worth thinking about."
Thanks, my dear. We know that reality exists, whether we like it or not, and that's okay.
Well said. Thanks for enlightening me.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, David. I always enjoy your posts.
no dissent here ,plus? I learned a few things, thanks #JenniferSilvaRedmond-copied a portion of your editorial and shared in note with a wee bit of my own....grazie
I just saw that and restocked it with a note. This community fosters and rewards connections and I'm glad to be here with savvy friends like you.