I’m referring to the doom-sayers who are bemoaning the demise of the publishing industry. I’ve tried to play that lovely old Harry Nilsson “everybody’s talking” song in my head and not hear a word the doom-and-gloom folks are saying, but it’s hard to tune them out.
Yes, I know we’re in a recession and, basically, the economy is in the toilet. For those of us who read and/or write books, we have to wonder how that’s going to affect us.
Random House CEO Markus Dohle says, “Because of the current economic crisis, our industry is facing some of the most difficult times in publishing history” (and Random House is doing major reorganization; see http://tinyurl.com/5r3lfg).
Another major publishing house, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, has stopped buying books. (See http://tinyurl.com/6lcg6u if you want to read the story.)
How can a publisher stop buying books? What happens if others follow suit? A year from now, will there be no new books on the shelves? Or online either?
Okay, that’s inconceivable. I love books. You love books. We REQUIRE books in order to function! I’m an addict and no one’s going to cut off my supply <g>. So, yes, I’m sure that a year from now, and two years from now, there will still be bricks-and-mortar and online bookstores, and there will be books on their shelves, and you and I will still be shopping and reading.
And yet…we’re in a recession. Things have already changed and they’re going to change more. Lots of people have less disposable income. Those that do have cash are tending to hoard it rather than spend it (which we probably all realize is the very worst thing to do in a recession).
One theory is that book sales will actually go up. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, in tough times, we need escape, entertainment, laughs, thrills, happy endings, and what better than books to provide all those things? Second, books are pretty much the best-value entertainment around.
Of course, people can get books without buying them new. They can go to libraries, visit used bookstores, or borrow from friends. All of which are great for the reader, but pretty sucky for the industry. If publishers don’t sell new books—like my new books, Cindy’s new books, your favorite author’s new books—then guess what? Next time we send the publisher a proposal, the publisher is going to say, “Sorry, your numbers aren’t good enough. We’re not going to buy anything else from you.”
Ouch!
So, yes, these are scary times if you’re a writer. All we really can do is keep writing, keep the faith, spend our own spare dollars on books so that we’re supporting our fellow writers and the industry, and try not to stress out about a future we can’t control.
What I’d like to hear from you folks is your take on all this. Have your book-buying habits changed? What kind of books do you like to read when times are tough? How do you decide which books to buy new and which to get at the library or buy used? Are you still spending the same amount on books or have you either reduced or increased your book budget? Are you asking for books for Christmas? Giving books as gifts? Where do you think the publishing industry is heading? Do you have any bright ideas for how to keep the industry healthy?
(And thanks to Cindy for inviting me to visit!)
***
Please leave a comment or question to enter to win a copy of UNWRAP ME. Entries accepted until midnight PST.
To learn more about Susan and her books, please visit her website.
I’m lucky in that I have a secure job, and my income hasn’t been affected by the recession. I certainly plan to keep buying books – my favorite authors can’t write fast enough to suit me. I’ve also bought the oldest grandsn (he’s 11) a gift certificate to the local bookstore for Christmas. I doubt he’ll buy romance, he’s into epic fantasies and Piers Anthony, but I want to foster a love of books in the next generation. They are the book buyers of the future!
Good luck with Unwrap Me!
I do look for bargains – for example, recently eHarlequin had a 50% off sale of ebooks, so I bought a few then. (The authors, I’m pretty sure, are still getting royalties on cover price, so that was a win/win situation.)
I shop Amazon – they often have really good sale prices on books.
I’ll shop the Bargain Book racks.
But, if it’s a book I really want, by an author I love, I buy it. Books are my drug of choice. lol.
Anne, I LOVE Piers Anthony, too. 🙂
I’ve bought more books these past couple months than I have all year! Books are a bargain for entertainment, much more than movie tickets for a two hour show that will probably be meh for me. (Except Australia! I love that movie!)
If seems to me that a lot of this is the publishers’ lack of vision and now they’re blaming it on the economy. Very much like the big three auto companies. I’d like to see publishers take more chances instead of buying the same old book that worked yesterday. I want them to buy something new and startling. But with a HEA, of course. LOL
Hi everyone and welcome to Susan.
I haven’t slowed down on buying books myself. The only difference is, because it’s close to Christmas, I’m buying them for my kids instead of myself. I’ll go on another book-buying binge in January (I can’t wait).
I wonder how it is for the average reader, though (who’s not also a writer)? To me, books seem like a cheap form of entertainment compared to others out there – and there’s no rule that says you only have to read a book once.
While I appreciate the role of used book stores for introducing readers to authors they might not otherwise read, etc., I think Susan raises a valid point, because most readers don’t realize that when they buy used books the publisher has **no clue** that the book has been re-sold and the writer isn’t compensated financially for the sale.
The poor economy hasn’t changed my view on book-buying. I think there are other things I could do without, but not books. Want to visit Scotland but can’t afford the ticket? Buy a book about Scotland and visit it in the pages. Want to escape from the woes of your life for a few hours? Read a book. Don’t know what to give the person who has everything? Buy a book and give the gift of reading. I know I will.
Good morning Susan,
Very nice meeting you. If anything, I believe during hard times, people turn toward the affordable escape – books. I love love love reading, and I haven’t changed in the amount of books I buy or the regularity. There’s always a new ‘challenge’ for the publishing industry, but like hot dogs and apple pie, it’s a staple to the population.
My sincere best to you. Have a wonderful holiday season and may your 09 be the best yet!
Diana Cosby
http://www.dianacosby.com
His Captive/Alexander MacGruder
His Woman/Duncan MacGruder – 4 star Romantic Times review!
Thanks for the insight into the industry, Susan!
I confess that I usually use libraries, second-hand stores and my friends’ bookshelves to feed my habit – I don’t have heaps of disposable income and even less space to store books!
However, since the economy tanked I’ve bought more new books. Don’t know why – not a conscious effort to shore up writers, local shops or the publishing industry, although I know that it does all those things and I’m happy to help!
Now if I could just find somewhere to keep them all…
Hi Susan,
My habit’s haven’t changed too much. I am trying to watch my money more, but I still have my monthly “auto-buy” authors. The only difference now is I probably won’t take a chance on a new author right now, trying to cut down on my monthly spending. But, I’ve bought a LOT of books for Chritmas presents. Almost everyone on my list is getting some kind of book. Fiction and non-fiction. Absolutely I think they make the best gifts.
Nice to “meet” you!
Juliet
Wow, I went away for an hour to do some writing and when I came back 8 people had commented! Nice to see so many early birds.
I’m so thrilled to hear that you’re buying books – and in some cases more books – and that you’re giving books and bookstore gift certificates as gifts. Hurray!!
Anne, I totally agree about fostering a love of books in the next generation. I spoke to 3 elementary school teachers a couple months ago and asked them about kids and reading. They said it can be hard to get kids started but their favorite tip was to tell the kids it was okay to put down a book without finishing it if it didn’t grab them, but they had to pick up another. That way, they didn’t associate reading with schoolwork or a chore that they HAD to do, but with finding a book that gave them pleasure. I’m sure your grandson will get lots of pleasure from your thoughtful Christmas gift.
Ah, Susan, another book addict. (Maybe it goes with the name Susan???) Yes, I shop for bargains too. In Canada, our Chapters Indigo chain often gives cheaper prices if you shop online, and if you buy over $39 worth you get free delivery. So I’ll save up my “to buy” list until I have $39, then go online shopping.
Edie, I haven’t seen Australia yet, but it’s on my list for the holidays. On the whole, though, I agree that books are better value than movies. Books last, can be re-read, and can be shared. As for movies – eventually they’ll show up on TV, for free. (Mind you, I do have some sympathy for the folks in the other areas of the entertainment industry. I wish we all had lots of money to support movies, theatre, dance, music, art… It’s a tough go for so many who try to make their living in the arts.)
Edie and Diana both talk about challenges for the publishing industry. I know that from my perspective as a reader and a writer, I sometimes see publishers doing things that make me scratch my head and say, “What were they thinking?” LOL. And yet, they’re business people and in all likelihood they’ve done market research, spend hours in meetings agonizing over decisions, etc. etc. I guess it’s easy to judge in hindsight and say that their decisions could have been better. As for buying things that are new and startling – well, we all know that the many editors who rejected J.K. Rowling are all kicking themselves. But, on the other hand, it’s probably pretty rare that a gamble on a really different book/author pays off.
I’m actually glad that I’m on the “author” side of the publishing equation. It’s my job to write the best books I can and try to find homes for them. I’ll leave the tough business decisions to the publishers, and just keep my fingers crossed that they’ll still want my books.
Margay, you make excellent points. You can go anywhere and do anything in a book – and you can give your friends and family all sorts of adventures by giving them books.
Rachel and Cindy (hi Cindy, and thanks for having me here ) both mention the other ways of getting books. Used book stores, libraries, borrowing from friends. Yes, I confess that I use them all. I read something like 20 books a month. And I promise, if a time ever comes that I’m making a decent living as a writer, I will buy all those books new. But at the moment, I can only afford to buy about half new. I do see value to the other methods of obtaining books, because we’re likely to discover authors we might not otherwise find. And if those authors are lucky, they’ll make it to our auto-buy lists.
Juliet, you make a point that is very logical and it’s one I’ve heard before. In tough times when people have to cut back, they’ll go with the sure thing rather than take a chance. If they can afford one book and they have a choice between Nora Roberts, who they’ve loved for years and years and they trust to give them a wonderful story, versus Susan Lyons, who they’ve never heard of, it’s kind of a no brainer, isn’t it? That’s how readers think, and that’s how bookstores think. Many stores are cutting back on the number of titles they stock – and you can bet that the authors they’re going to cut are the ones like Cindy and me, who don’t have big names. Sigh…
There’s no good answer to this. It’s business. It’s the economy. It’s all perfectly logical. It just makes it hard for beginning and even mid-list authors.
As a writer, working to get published, I know the importance of buying books. However, my book buying addiction has decreased. I live in the Northeast and have had to temper books because of oil and electric bills this year. I am buying books for Christmas presents and have a huge number on my Santa list.
To make things fair I have really cut back on the lattes. If the books have to be curbed so does Starbucks. I figured if I cut out a few lattes I could get a few more books I want. We must support our fellow writers and keep our industry alive.
It is sad how much some of the book stores have cut back on what they carry. I have had trouble finding some of my favorite authors.
Donna, thanks so much for supporting the industry. It’s great when an aspiring writer understands how things work and supports her fellow writers.
As for bookstores cutting back, don’t forget about online shopping. Borders, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Chapters in Canada all have online sites. So do most of the publishers. My books are published by Kensington and you can buy all Kensington books at http://www.kensingtonbooks.com, usually at a lower price than in the stores. Susan Gable mentioned eHarlequin, and they have great deals.
I understand about the lattes. My trick was to buy a milk foamer – cute little whirligig gizmo that cost about $15. I make strong coffee, steam milk in the microwave, whir the gizmo around in the milk until it’s all foamy, then pour the coffee in. So, I’m making my lattes at home for much, much cheaper than the fancy coffee stores. In fact, I’m about to have a latte and an almond croissant for a late breakfast.
Okay, I am spending about the same but then my dh considers my books as a good alternative to medication for me. My habits have changed in that I do not buy any hardcovers or trade size books. Before I could always squeeze a little extra out for that must have large size book but not now. Especially now that dh’s health is not doing well.
The country and the publishing world has gone through this before and it will survive. They just have to start thinking outside of the box they are use to and publish in a way that is more economical for the buyer.
I love books and I’m buying more than every before. They are still a bargain in the entertainment arena. I read romance for the HEA. I agree that publishing will have to reorganize and rethink how they buy and sell books. The public is fickle. Just because it sold yesterday doesn’t mean it will sell today, or tomorrow. Take some chances. Surprise the world with a “real” new and unique plotline.
Chris, you’re right. Books are wonderful medicine. If I’m depressed, stressed, etc. and can lose myself in a book, that’s much better than popping a pill or two. Sorry to hear about your dh’s health – I hope things improve for him.
Chris and Jill, good point about thinking outside the box. I think that’s one reason that e-publishing has become increasingly popular. Seems like everyone’s doing it. My books come out in e-format as well as print – but I’m astonished how low the sales of e-format are, compared to print. I wonder if it’s partly that readers aren’t used to thinking of the major publishers like Kensington, Harlequin, etc., as publishing in e-format. Reader will think of going to the Ellora’s Cave or The Wild Rose Press websites for electronic, but not think of going to Kensington’s or Harlequin’s.
Now, here’s a question. Jill says publishing has to rethink how they buy and sell books. So, what would you folks, as readers, like to see?
I’m sorry to say that while struggling as a freelancer in this awful economy, I HAVE had to cut back on my book-buying addiction (as well as cutting back in a lot of other areas).
The only recent purchases I’ve made are two of the Stephenie Meyer books (Twilight, New Moon). They are insanely romantic, full of conflict, and un-put-down-able. Even though I passed age 17 a looong time ago, I really enjoyed the books, because I think every woman (no matter her age) can always remember her first kiss, her first crush, the first time a guy dumped her, etc.
Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who seems to be hardest hit by this economy. I agree that books can take us away from the stresses of life, even if only for a few hours.
Hi Susan,
I enjoyed your blog. I too keep buying books. The slow down in the economy hasn’t stopped my book buying habit.
Perhaps book publishers will look more toward e-publishing.
I hope to have a print book published soon, but I’m also writing a few novellas for e-publishing. However, I’m always interested in a great story however it’s published.
Jeanmarie
Julie, sympathies on struggling in these tough times. I know what it’s like. I also know that some of the greatest pleasures in life can be had for free, like going for a walk outside, or chatting with a good friend – or getting a good book from the library .
I read some young adult fiction too (though I’m not a fan of vampires). Yes, I think we can all remember those days, and it’s also fun to read about people who are different than us (different age, race, live in a different place, different occupation, etc.). I think it helps us understand that we all share some basic things, like the desire to be loved.
Some people are critical of those who write and read romance, implying that it’s somehow trivial. I always ask them to stop and reflect for a moment on this question: “If you could have the one thing you most wanted, what would it be?” The superficial answer might be “to win the lottery”; the really humanitarian answer might be “world peace”; the honest, personal answer is usually, “to love and be loved.” And that’s what we romance writers and readers are all about. Not to mention, if everyone loved and was loved, we’d actually have world peace…
Hi Jeanmarie. Thanks for dropping by – and for still buying books! Congrats on selling your work, and I hope you make it into print soon. There’s absolutely nothing like the joy of seeing your book(s) on the shelves in a real live store.
Because my books are trade paper, and very sexy, they don’t make it into any of the places that sell standard mass market paperbacks. My first writing goal was to sell. My next goal was to sell more. My long-term goal is to make a living doing it. But another huge goal is to see my books on those racks in corner stores where they only have a few dozen books, and they’re all by bestselling authors .
Hi Susan,
Yes, my book buying habits have changed, but they did so even before the downturn because of personal budgeting issues. We just don’t have money to spend on books right now. At least not for ourselves. I STILL buy books as gifts, from independent bookstores (we have two great ones up here on the Sunshine Coast!) and will continue to do so, regardless of the economy’s highs and lows.
For my own reading pleasure, I use the library and having recently started working at the local library, can attest that many people are doing the same. BUT the upside of that is that readers are readers, and while they may read more from the library right now, they’re likely to find new authors whose books they want to own rather than borrow.
Hey, Susan, those are my goals, too. Step by step. Little by little. For some reason, seeing my books on the racks at the local Safeway would tickle me more than anything else.
Great discussion, everyone!
Teresa, I’m glad you’re still buying books as gifts – and supporting the independent booksellers. It’s very tough for them, competing with the huge chains.
Ooh, you work at the library. I always think the perfect jobs are at libraries or bookstores – except that they tend not to pay a whole lot… But the joy of being surrounded by books all day!
I’ve recently started doing some writing at the library (taking my laptop and plugging in), in the company of other writers. It’s such a great environment.
Cindy, one day you and I will both be on the racks at Safeway at the same time. And on that day, we’ll drink cyber-champagne together!
Yes, we will, Susan. You can count on it! 🙂
This has been a hot topic with my writers’ group–we’re all buying more books. They’re a great escape and have no calories–what better Christmas gift?
Hi Susan,
I’ve actually bought more books this year than in a long time! My two kids have caught the reading bug and put several titles on their Christmas list (I’ve bought them all!). I also purchased books for my sister, father and mother for Christmas. They’re such a wonderful gift and better entertainment than a DVD!
Keep writing and I’ll keep buying!
Cheers, Julie Rowe
Kit, that’s an excellent point about no calories. We tend to put on weight in December, but that’s not going to happen on a diet of books! And hurray for your writers’ group, buying more books. Please pass along my heartfelt thanks, on behalf of all the authors that they’re supporting.
Julie, hi! My conference roomie. Nice to “see” you again. I’m so glad you’re raising readers, though that’s no big surprise. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
It’s so great to think of all those Christmas trees with wrapped books underneath them.
The economy is the whale on the beach these days. My buying habits haven’t changed–but I’ve always been frugal. I tend to buy authors AFTER I meet them in the library, know that they’re going to deliver, and can’t wait for the next fabulous read to make it to the free loan shelves.
In my world, times are always rather tough. Or maybe it’s the Scots heritage. I asked a cousin what books she buys at a family reunion a couple of years ago, and she said she gets her books at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. I’ve read “Tobacco Road”, but I’d rather spend time being entertained and comforted by happy endings than reminded of the view outside my door.
This year, I’ll be receiving books on the writing craft as gifts, because no matter how grim the prospects, books have lifted me out of my rut all my life, and I hope one day to repay the favor by sharing my stories with other readers.
The industry may be headed toward more print on demand options. Or even more self-publishing. Poor Richard, after all, was self published. The bottom line is similar to what I’ve always heard. Write because you love to write stories, not because you expect to get rich. Publishing, like your retirement account, will recover from the current recession. Can’t tell you when. But if you keep writing now, when the industry recovers, you’ll be ready!
Hi Susan (and Cindy!)
Susan, you share the same goals as me. My first was to sell–and I just did to The Wild Rose Press. My next goal is to sell a lot of books.
I haven’t cut back on my book buying at all. If anything, I’m buying more because I have cut back spending in other areas (like dinners out, clothes shopping). I justify this because it’s part of my business to know what others are writing. I could buy used or borrow from the library, but if I like a book, I want my own copy. It’s easier just to buy my own copy up front. 🙂 I also have started clipping coupons. Whatever amount I save on my grocery bill goes into my book budget.
I think if the publishing houses would quit spending a lot of money on celebrity authors, they’d have plenty of money to spend on us “regular” authors.
I’m still buying books, but I have to admit that I’ve cut down my 5 – 10 books a week to about 3 – 4. My husband is facing a possible layoff and with the Christmas holidays coming on fast, I feel guilty about buying books for myself.
All of my kids want books for Christmas, though. I never feel guilty for buying *them* books 🙂
Chris, I’m with you about wanting to read books with happy endings, especially when in real life times are tough. Good luck with your writing, and I hope you get lots of great writing books for Christmas.
Rebecca, congrats on your sale to The Wild rose Press. Yes, one of the joys of being a writer is that you can justify buying books as research – and even tax-deduct them.
As for what we spend money on, it’s all a matter of priorities, isn’t it? If you can find coupons, or cheaper brands, that will save you money on groceries or whatever, then you have more pennies to spend on books. If you make your lattes rather than buy them, same thing.
Libraries — NBC news did a feature last night about how vitally important libraries are anytime and especially when people need to spend less. It also showed how strapped libraries are for money to pay staff, utilities, etc., and how many cities are closing branch libraries and/or cutting hours.
Books as gifts — I did ALL my shopping at barnesandnoble.com. I bought books on CD for everyone. My husband bought three things at Amazon.com for his grandkids.
Most people’s comments about the worrisome state of the publishing industry focus on “Keep buying books, keep writing.” But there’s a darker side to this. Publishers live on CREDIT the same as any other industry. If they can’t get the bank credit to pay their utility bills, paper bills, warehouse bills, editors, trucking company, etc. etc.– they go bankrupt. One hour they’re in business, the next hour they’re under the “protection” of a court and their product is not being shipped. Do you think the people at that window company in Chicago that’s been featured on the news, the one where people got 3 days notice that they had NO jobs NO severance NO benefits NO vacation pay — did they think it could happen to THEM?
I’m sorry to be a grinch, but publishing has its head on the chopping block same as every other business.
Lynnette Baughman
“Love with a Welcome Stranger,” Finalist for a 2009 Eppie Award, coming in print on Amazon and bn.com January 2
Lynnette, it’s so sad to see libraries closing, isn’t it? I admit that, with the huge popularity of the internet and the availability of research material and free downloads of fiction, I wondered if libraries would still remain relevant, but every time I visit a Vancouver Public Library branch, it’s doing a roaring business. So, yes, I know people still use libraries and it’s such a pity that they’re not properly funded.
But of course, the reality of life is that not all good causes can be funded, especially in harsh times. And you’re quite right about publishing being a business – I know I said that somewhere back in one of my other comments. The reason publishers are reorganizing and firing staff and that bookstores are closing isn’t that anyone wants to be mean to editors, writers or readers, it’s that some businesses can’t survive and others have to take drastic steps in order to survive.
And if these businesses are going to survive, we need to buy the product. It’s so great to see how many people who have commented are buying books – be it books for themselves and/or books for gifts. Would that we were all in a financial position to do more of it!
As a struggling writer, I have very little disposable income. Any money I earn from my home business goes toward expenses for that business and my writing expenses. The money I spend on books for pleasure reading is money I get as a gift. When asked what I want for Christmas and my birthday, I always ask for either cash or a gift ceritificate to an online book store. As long as those gifting me continue to spend the same, my book buying habits will stay the same as last year.
Yikes, I went Christmas shopping and forgot to announce this morning that Anne Kane won the copy of UNWRAP ME. Congratulations, Anne!!
Thank you again to Susan for such an excellent day of guest-blogging.
My next guest blogger is January 14th, young adult author Tina Ferraro, who will give away a copy of her January release THE ABC’s OF KISSING BOYS.
Hi, Susan M,
I give my father a gift certificate for books for his birthday every year. He loves it. It took him about three years to figure out why the $ amount goes up by one buck every year, LOL. He’s 76 now. Every year, I keep tacking on that extra dollar. It’s fun.
P.S. And I LOVE on-link bookstore gift certs for myself, too. No one can lose giving me a gift cert for a bookstore.
Susan M., you’re so right about asking for book money or gift certificates for presents. I LOVE getting those!