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The Reason I Priced the Crossroads Road eBook at $3.99

March 31, 2011 By Jeff 61 Comments

I hope you guys will bear with me for a few days.  I need to promote the book, and it’ll probably be all I write about until early next week.  But we’ll get back to the normal ridiculousness soon, very soon.

As I mentioned yesterday, Crossroads Road is now available for purchase in the following places:

Kindle Store at Amazon
NOOKBooks at Barnes & Noble
Kindle Store at Amazon.co.uk

Please buy it, read it, Tweet about it, post something at Facebook about it, “like” it at Facebook, etc.  I’ll be eternally grateful.  Also, the book is a lot of fun, and I think you’ll like it.  So, there’s that, as well.

Tomorrow (Friday) I’m going to have a page where you guys can pre-order signed copies of the trade paperback.  They’re going to be $20, shipping included.  It’s only two dollars more than what it will cost at Amazon, with their $3.99 shipping tacked on.  I think it’s a fair price.

If you don’t want or need a signed copy, that’s cool.  You’ll be able to buy the regular book at Amazon soon.  Depending on how the proof copy looks, it could be available as early as Monday.

And I promised to tell you why I decided to price the eBook at $3.99.  So, let’s do that now…

As some of you know, and a few of you might remember, I used to work in the music industry.  For ten years I was employed by WEA, which was the biggest record company in the world at the time, followed by seven years with Warner Home Video, a sister company closely tied with WEA.

When I started, in January of 1990, the music biz was rockin’.  Hit albums sold in the tens of millions, the labels were flush with cash, there were outrageous company-financed parties and events almost weekly, and many of the label big-shots were as eccentric and over-the-top as they were portrayed in movies from the ’70 and ’80s.

It was fun as hell.  The first six years (the Atlanta era) was the best time I ever had at a job.  I liked being at work more than being at home, if you can believe it.

Then technology changed everything.  Everybody was on computers, all of a sudden, and Napster came along.  People were now sharing music, and downloading stuff for free.  And, after a year or so, the industry started to notice a softening in their sales.

And that’s when they screwed up, in my opinion.  Instead of embracing this new reality, they attacked it.  They went after Napster, and the Napster imitators.  And, even worse, they filed lawsuits against some of the individual downloaders.

Instead of protecting the status quo, I think they should have dropped the prices of their CDs, and offered legitimate downloads for an even lower cost.  If they’d done that, the public wouldn’t have turned on them, and said, “Screw you!”  The music labels essentially gave the public a green light to feel resentful, and to justify illegal downloads in their minds.

And once they’d thoroughly alienated everyone, their fate was sealed.  I was eventually laid-off, and nearly all of my co-workers are doing other things as well.

I believe the publishing industry is going through a very similar transition.  eBooks will soon be the dominant medium, I believe, and all the old rules will need to be thrown in the garbage.  I always said downloads should be legit and cheap, when it came to music, and feel the same way about books.

Just because we’re used to paying fifteen or twenty dollars for a novel doesn’t mean that’s the way it’s going to be in the future.  So, I’m practicing what I preach.

eBooks priced below five dollars is the way forward, I believe.  The big publishers will hold out as long as they can, but they’ll eventually be there, too.

As for the physical paperback…  I don’t have much choice.  It costs a lot to print and ship, so I have to price it at a normal level.  If I could make it cheaper, and still realize a small profit, I’d do it.  As it stands, I’ll make roughly the same amount for a download as a real book purchased through Amazon.

So, that’s my reasoning for the $3.99 price point.  Any opinions?

I’ll be back tomorrow with ordering instructions for the hand-signed copies of the trade paperback.  I’ll take orders for a week, buy a case of Yuengling, and start signing.

One last request:  if you bought the eBook, and have finished it already (it took two years for me to finish the damn thing, and some of you are already done with it!?), please consider leaving an honest review at Amazon and/or BN.com.  It doesn’t have to be lengthy or poetic, or anything…  I’d be much obliged.

See you guys again tomorrow.

Now playing in the bunker

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Funky says

    March 31, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Love the book so far!!!

    Reply
  2. Skully says

    March 31, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    Can you imaging what a signed first edition (even though it’s paperback) will be worth in 20 or 30 years when Jeff is big-time famous?!

    Reply
    • Skully says

      March 31, 2011 at 5:27 pm

      That was supposed to be 2 or 3 years.

      Reply
    • Funky says

      March 31, 2011 at 5:32 pm

      I just want one before he’s half way through with the case of elixir so you actually kinda read it.

      Reply
  3. Renee says

    March 31, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    Will the paperback edition be available on Amazon UK/would you be willing to ship a signed one to the UK? You’ve got international fans! (OK, i just moved here, but still…)

    Reply
    • Ian the Errolite says

      April 1, 2011 at 2:29 am

      If a WVSR T-shirt can make it to Errol, anything can make it to anywhere!

      Reply
  4. kristin says

    March 31, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    I’m holding out for the paperback copy – so don’t nobody be giving away the story OK??

    Reply
    • Vicki says

      March 31, 2011 at 7:16 pm

      I was trying to think of a polite way to say that. Yours is better than mine.

      Reply
  5. Henderson says

    March 31, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    Can I get my book signed AND Yuengling bottle stained?

    Reply
    • ashton says

      April 1, 2011 at 8:43 am

      That’s what I want. And if it comes with a bottle of trundling, even better, since we can’t get it here.

      Reply
      • ashton says

        April 1, 2011 at 8:44 am

        *Yeungling – stupid auto-correct

        Reply
  6. Hungover Near Nay Aug says

    March 31, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    Can’t wait to order mine!

    Reply
  7. Tbonium says

    March 31, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    Hope to finish the book tonight. It is a really good book, and absolutely hilarious.

    Kudos to you Jeff for practicing what you preach. I think you hit the nail on the head in your comparison between the two industries. Personally, I usually wait to buy a book on my kindle until it has been out a while and they eventually drop the price. You dropped it to start, and I assume (and hope) you still make money on it.

    Reply
  8. squawvalleyskip says

    March 31, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    Jeff, will there be an option to purchase a signed copy without using paypal? I have refused to use paypal since before meg whitman made the decision to buy it and demand it’s use. For personal reasons, but still that’s not an option. And I’ve been waiting to read this since you first mentioned you were in the process of writing. So, hopefully on the update tomorrow you’ll have alternate payment methods. Thanks. SVS

    Reply
    • Jonboy says

      April 1, 2011 at 6:55 am

      Ditto! Where can I send the check?

      Reply
  9. BoMama says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    Finished the book at lunch today. Awesome job, I was cracking up!
    I will post a review this evening, so hoping I can do it justice!

    Reply
  10. jhough says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    I bought the ebook today, Jeff, and will be ordering a signed copy of the paperback as soon as you have it available. Can’t wait to read it. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  11. tiff says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    I’mma order me up a signed copy, because i like the way a book-book feels and also because I don’t (gasp!) have a Kindle or other eReader.

    Can’t wait to read it and start hollering for a sequel.

    Reply
  12. fryguy says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    i gave it 5 stars!

    Reply
  13. junkfood says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    Yeah, I have an opinion:

    “White and cold! White and cold! White and cold!”

    Hilarious stuff, Jeff!

    Reply
  14. Jason says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    Your reasoning sounds solid to me. Bring on the signed copies! I’m worried that I might have to abandon thewvsr.com until I get it and read it, so nobody else will ruin the surprise.

    Reply
  15. Seanette says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    I totally agree with your pricing decision and your reasoning. I don’t own a Kindle, but do have the apps on my laptop and iTouch. Bought the e-book, already inhaled it and will go back to it repeatedly, I’m sure.

    In my case, e-books are handier to carry around when out and around (especially when I anticipate a waiting room), and don’t take up what little storage space we have left in the apartment.

    Reply
  16. Jimbo says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    Jeff, sounds like solid reasoning to me. Just curious… does any one online store charge a substantially larger percentage of revenues than other stores? I know that Apple takes 30% of revenues for apps, but I don’t know about books.

    Another reason for pricing digital content cheaper is that the buyer usually can’t resell it, if there’s some sort of DRM preventing it. You can always make a small amount of money by reselling a paperback.

    Not that we’d resell Crossroads Road.

    Reply
  17. icecycle66 says

    March 31, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    I want to be kept up on sales numbers (digital and analogue) for the first few months..

    Reply
  18. Alice in WV says

    March 31, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    gonna rev up the kindle tonight when we get back from our anniversary dinner (12 yrs). Would it be bad to read AT dinner?

    Reply
    • bikerchick says

      April 1, 2011 at 8:48 am

      Hi Alice! Happy Anniversary! Reading at dinner is one thing…but be sure to put it down if you celebrate with a “bang”… Just a little friendly advice, woman to woman. Men tend to frown upon their partner reading during the pokin’ part. xoxo

      Reply
  19. DaddyO says

    March 31, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    You nailed it outta the park, Jeff.
    Unlike most of the publishers (and many authors) you get it. I for one will not buy make a Kindle purchase if the e-version is the same (or sometimes more!) than print.
    Best of luck with the book and I’m really looking forward to reading it.

    Reply
  20. Juancho says

    March 31, 2011 at 7:52 pm

    All done son! I got me an electronic copy of that bad boy. I’m going to save it for a really bad airport experience, or as it is known, the next flight.

    Reply
  21. Uncle_Wedgie says

    March 31, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Hopefully I will will be able to say First when I buy the paperback. Love ya Jeff but I ain’t buying no Kindle any time soon.

    Reply
  22. gigwalsh says

    March 31, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    You have been entertaining us for years as a writer, so please don’t feel that somehow your core audience will be upset if you talk about your book. We are your ardent, fervent supporters.

    In fact, your loyal readers should be conscripted into the WVSR army and do everything we can to chat up the book.
    Write reviews, call the mainstream book stores and request it…every bit counts..

    Reply
  23. Joey Jo Jo says

    March 31, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    I benefit from your pricing, but I completely agree.

    I will leave a review on Amazon when I’m done. Unless you pull a Sopranos or A.I., it’ll be very positive…

    Reply
  24. Kevindust says

    March 31, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    Why can’t Kevin ever be the hero in the story?

    Reply
  25. m says

    March 31, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    I finished it in one sitting, and I’ve left a five star review on B&N. I will be discussing it on facebook, too. Jeff, I’m so happy you’ve accomplished this, and I also wonder how uncomfortable the next family gathering is going to be. I’m starting to think that Jeff Kay is a pen name.

    Reply
    • Bill in WV says

      April 1, 2011 at 8:37 am

      It’s not.

      Reply
  26. aminnev says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:47 am

    Put me down as a tree-killer . . . not involved with all that techno stuff. Can’t wait.

    Reply
  27. Knucklehead says

    April 1, 2011 at 1:34 am

    I agree with you totally about the pricing. I just hope you’re still making what you should.

    My question was the same as Renee’s: What about us international readers? I need a signed copy, too, you know!

    Loving the book so far – should finish it tonight and will review on Amazon.

    Happy Friday, Surfers!

    Reply
  28. Ian the Errolite says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:33 am

    Looking forward to the book.

    The Facebook thing needs a page for comments, likes etc. at the moment it just takes you to Amazon.

    Reply
    • Jeff says

      April 1, 2011 at 9:36 am

      I’m not sure I understand, Ian. What Facebook thing?

      Reply
  29. doctorright says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:11 am

    Jeff- I live on the somewhat beautiful, almost always hilarious Eastern Shore of Maryland… and my cousin who is able to read and I myself me will earn your book. And at least 1 (one) copy will be boughten. And so more shall be red. And we’re drunk, so you know it’s fo shizzle/ Rock forth! Your fiend, Doc. Go Jeffri!

    Reply
  30. johnthebasket says

    April 1, 2011 at 6:59 am

    Jeff,

    I figured some Reporter/economist would create an informal price sensitivity curve for fiction books by new, little-known authors, and regale us with tales of lost revenue and found profit. Yeah, well that didn’t happen.

    I guess you asked us whether $3.99 was an appropriate price for the e-book. I don’t know why you asked us, because it’s not our book and (apparently) none of us knows much about pricing digital content.

    But, OK, here’s my quickie…If you think you would sell about the same number of copies (or MORE copies??) at $4.99, then that should be the price. Same with $5.99 and $6.43. Somewhere the curve falls off quickly (if e-books have the same shape price sensitivity curve as other digital content). Identify that point, move 8% left of it, and that’s the price.

    Right, but what about moral arguments about not charging too much to your readers? There are ways to discount to friends and keep the retail price point 8% left of the curve. The best time to maximize profitability is when you’re driving a miserable commute, getting fucked with your pants on at work, and are unable to afford a reasonable-sounding family vacation. That would be now.

    Also, as I hinted above, I think the low price will actually reduce sales compared to say, $6.43, which you could say is a 30% reduction, one month only, off the usual $8.99 price. I can’t prove it, but I think it.

    In any case, it’s out the door, priced, and selling like ho’cakes. Let us party and celebrate great men, of which you are one.

    best as always…

    jtb

    Reply
    • Bill in WV says

      April 1, 2011 at 8:45 am

      That just gave me a headache John.

      Reply
      • johnthebasket says

        April 1, 2011 at 9:31 am

        Bill, I enjoy and respect your comments. Sorry about the marketing jabber. I’m just saying that if Jeff can sell as many copies at $4.99 as he would sell at $3.99, he should charge the higher price. After his difficult two-year trek on this project, he deserves a week at the beach with his family, which I believe the higher price would substantially pay for.

        I’ll email you some aspirin or a Vicodin. Thanks for the feedback.

        jtb

        Reply
    • ashton says

      April 1, 2011 at 8:48 am

      I’d like a ho cake.

      Reply
      • bikerchick says

        April 1, 2011 at 8:52 am

        Is that like a Lil’Debbie?

        Reply
    • Jeff says

      April 1, 2011 at 9:57 am

      I went with my gut, which is substantial. It told me that $4.99 was too much, and I didn’t want to go over five bucks. $3.99 feels right to me, and for once… I’m not second-guessing myself. I’m happy with the price point. I want this thing to eventually reach an audience beyond the readers of the site, and it’s priced low enough for people to take a chance. I think $4.99 would have changed the equation.

      Reply
      • johnthebasket says

        April 1, 2011 at 10:27 am

        Right, so you’ve thought the market price through and decided that moving from $3.99 to $4.99 would or might change potential buyer behavior. That’s all I was advocating. You’ve thought a lot about this and done some checking in the e-book market which makes you as close to an expert as you have. You made your gut decision after this informal analysis.

        I hope you sell a shitload — not just for the revenue, but to establish youself with a reading constituency out there. I’ll certainly do everything I can to help make people aware of the book and the qulaity of its author. I’ll be placing my initial order for two signed copies today or tomorrow.

        You deserve great success with this book and a nice week at the beach with your gut. I pray for both.

        jtb

        Reply
  31. bikerchick says

    April 1, 2011 at 9:00 am

    Jeff: I say BRAVO! Your explanation is right on. But no matter what, as a loyal fan, the price means nothing. I can’t wait to get my signed copy.

    Reply
  32. lori in cbus says

    April 1, 2011 at 10:04 am

    I agree, Bikerchick.. I’m getting my signed copy no matter what the price because it’s JEFF KAY’s book..

    Reply
  33. Kimistry says

    April 1, 2011 at 10:19 am

    What a book! Totally, incredibly kickass!!

    Read all through the night, just couldn’t put it down, laughed out loud & uncontrollably so many times through the wee hours I scared the family. i couldn’t help it, it was wild and I just laughed myself sick.

    I’ve finally lost it & it’s all Kay’s fault.

    It’s really really funny, beautifully written. NOBODY can put words together in quite this way, or describe things, or coin phrases like Kay can.
    !!!
    It’s the first book I ever read on kindle, and reading online is definitely OK. But I want a paper copy!!!
    Gawd. I’ve still got a snicker high this morning.

    Reply
    • WB in OH says

      April 1, 2011 at 12:46 pm

      Would you mind if plagiarized parts of your comment for my Amazon review? It pretty well sums up most of my experience!

      Reply
      • Kimistry says

        April 1, 2011 at 12:54 pm

        Sure, go ahead if it’s of any use to you.
        Plagiarism is the sincerest form of
        something or other! I’m flattered to be asked.

        There are 5 reviews up already on Amazon.

        Did you stay up late roaring & scare your family too?
        I almost hurt myself

        Reply
  34. dto says

    April 1, 2011 at 10:22 am

    I don’t think the editor’s choice and top sellers listings are based on price. The approach is to get this out there and into as many heads as possible. It’s not about profit right now. My take, a buck more might only mean a couple grand at first. But 2000 more readers is more important at this stage. Ground work for more to come. Besides…he’s got us to buy him his goddamn beer. The guy’s a genius.

    Reply
    • wvwoody says

      April 1, 2011 at 12:06 pm

      dto, ditto from me!

      Reply
  35. Chuck in Belpre says

    April 1, 2011 at 11:50 am

    If you sell a shit-load full then you can afford the double-wide yurt for the sequel.
    =8^-)

    Good luck with it, my friend. You deserve it.

    Reply
  36. Valerie says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    I just finally got my first eReader, a Nook Color, two days ago. I will be buying the book this weekend – I am proud that this will be my first official eBook!

    Reply
  37. Uncle_Wedgie says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    Where is the paperback link? I want to be first.

    Reply
  38. paul in nh says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    Has anyone scanned the book in and posted it to a free website? Let me know….

    Ah heck I’ll eventually find a copy in the junk section of the bookstore clearance area….

    Reply
    • Chuck in Belpre says

      April 1, 2011 at 4:24 pm

      Now why would you do that?

      Reply
  39. ashton says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    That girl in the bunker sure seems excited about the book.

    Reply
  40. Alex says

    April 1, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    I was thinking to myself when you said you be getting into the pricing earlier in the week, that you probably make more profit on the e-book than the paper version. I’d like to know how big a cut the publisher is raking in, because the price certainly isn’t in the paper itself.

    Reply
  41. stuart says

    April 2, 2011 at 4:59 am

    got the kindle version (for PC) and now ordered the signed hard copy. Jeff, it”s fantastic and I’m spreading the word

    Reply

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