Author income declining because fewer people are buying books. I am a huge library user but I am also a pretty consistent purchaser of books because I strongly want to support the work of writers. This is an article from Publisher’s Weekly that I hope everyone can access from the link. If you are able, I hope everyone will support authors so they will keep doing the work we all appreciate so much.
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Yeah, it’s definitely not a great time to be an author.
The thing is, with the economy being what it is, I personally am committed to buying fewer books and getting more from the library. It’s one of the few areas where I felt I could trim my budget. And based on my buying habits over the last few years alone, my change has probably put at least one author out of business (haha).
One of the things I’ve been struck by as I’ve been interviewing authors is how many of them still work in some capacity, even after having a reasonably well-recieved book. For many, it’s a passion, so while it sucks that many can’t live off their writing, I imagine many will continue writing regardless.
I’m buying way fewer books than in the past but I do still make it a point to buy books, and especially if it is an author I want to support. I would most definitely go broke supporting my reading habits. I also ask for gift cards and audio credits for special occasions. Using Libro.fm I can support both author and indie bookseller with each purchase.
This is a double-edged sword because libraries need members and circulation numbers in order to support their collection and services. They too are losing financial support and need our help.
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Anne_Glasgow, Thanks for posting. I have so many mixed feelings about this. I am a strong library user for audio books and physical books, but I also buy books. I try to support a local indie and my Barnes & Noble. I am aware that if B&N is not supported it will close and thereby some remote areas will not have any bookstores. A close friend has really limited her book purchases, as it was something she could cut out of her expenses. She now almost exclusively uses the library.
This year I noticed I have increased the number of books I buy at my local library sale. It helps the library and of course it is a huge savings to me. These are often books I might have bought at a bookstore but because they were lower on my “want” list I didn’t get them.
I do use librafm and audible. I prefer not to use audible but sometimes they have the exclusive rights, and I tell myself that is ok because the author gets more money. But I hate that this means it is not available to others that might not have the funds.
Another part of this discussion is the quantity of books. There were more books published last year than the previous year, and that happens every year! So I wonder if part of the decrease in author income is the flooding of the market. There are just SO MANY BOOKS! I am not complaining about the quantity of books, as it allows for so many people to find the book that is right for them but it does reduce the potential sales.
Lastly, I would want to look at young adults’ purchases. My daughter is 21, in college and reads about 10 books a year for pleasure. She exclusively purchases them, she is of the generation that wants things instantly, not waiting for the library hold to come. (Full disclosure here, I have always supported her buying a book and will pay for it as I want to develop a reader. But she has also bought them on her own.)
So much to think about…thanks Anne and Kim
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Totally agree with everything you have said @Dee_Driscole. The number of books being printed seems a little insane but I do like having choices. I can’t buy everything but I do try to help out when I can especially since I’m often reading books that haven’t made it to the best seller lists.
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All comments are interesting and enlightening. I didn’t see any comments on how purchasing e books is affecting the authors income.
I rarely buy hard copies because I rarely want to keep them (I keep more nonfiction) and then have to find a worthy home for them, usually the library.
Now I rarely check books out of library because I worry about getting them back in time. And it is easier shopping at the 1.99 offerings online. Although, buying books this way makes it so easy to stockpile them. But remember, it’s not hoarding if it’s books!!
I don’t do audio books because of my hearing aids. Though if I were still working/driving I’m sure i would find a way to make it work.