Useful Little Things

Dear Publisher:

I am writing this letter in response to the recent debacle surrounding Kim Harrison’s book Black Magic Sanction (Kindle Edition).

I pre-ordered the e-book from Amazon.com for around $8 in February.  I later discovered that the release date had been set after the release date of the hardback.  As the release date approached, I discovered that you, the publisher, had changed the pricing, which forced Amazon to cancel existing pre-orders.  This resulted in a delay in my getting the book.

So, right now, instead of reading Kim Harrison’s fine book, I am writing to both the publisher and the retailer to express my displeasure.

What the hell is wrong with you people?! Have you forgotten the consumer in your battle to control the distribution channel?  Have you forgotten the author, who is taking the brunt of the consumer’s displeasure?

As it stands right now, I have a damaged relationship with Amazon.  Due to your inability to come to an agreement and their inability to focus on the customer, my book was very late and I am very, very angry.  And I hold you both equally responsible.

I understand that printing, binding, and shipping is only one part of a large array of expenses incurring during publication.  However, there is no reason that an e-book should not be priced less than a hardback.  There is also no reason to delay the release date just because the price is lower.  You are being led by greed, plain and simple.  You see an opportunity to control the channel and you are fighting for it.  And we, the consumers, are getting caught in the crossfire.

In the past, I’ve paid precious little attention to who stamped out the pages on a printing press.  That time is over.  From now on, when I browse the shelves of the bookstore, I will be looking for the words “Harper-Collins.”  If I see them on a book, I intend to find my copy at the local library.  I will not give you anymore of my business.

Sincerely,

Russell Thackston

A Very Angry Reader