Usually, when we talk about audience, we’re discussing ways to build your reader audience as an author. Today, I want to flip the coin and talk about whose audience you want to be in.
If you’re an author and you’ve decided to independently publish wide (meaning you sell your book on multiple platforms instead of enrolling in an exclusive program like Amazon’s KDP Select for Kindle Unlimited), most likely you have a way for readers to buy your book directly from you. If you don’t, I recommend building this sales channel.
But where do you buy your books as a reader? Or more accurately, who do you buy your books from? Who exactly is benefitting from your money?
This topic springs from a recent news story about scammers using AI to impersonate authors and sell fake books online. This alarming trend underscores the importance of being cautious about where we buy our books. Of course, this issue is an effect of a larger legal debate about how the AI was trained in the first place, and it is a good example of why the Authors Guild has sued OpenAI.
(Side note: In this email, I am using Joanna Penn’s term artisan authors. I recommend listening to her podcast on this subject for an in-depth look at what it means to be an artisan author and/or an AI-assisted artisan author.)
The Impact and Benefits of Buying Direct
When you purchase books directly from an author, you’re doing more than just acquiring a new read and avoiding a potential scam; you’re directly supporting their craft. This direct support can be a game-changer for independent authors. It ensures a higher percentage of your payment goes straight to the author, enabling them to continue creating the stories we love. For example, these earnings can help fund new projects, invest in better marketing, or improve their craft through workshops and courses.
Choosing to buy from independent authors doesn’t just benefit them; it enriches your reading experience. Often, you can get access to signed copies, exclusive content, or even a chance to interact with the author. This personal connection adds a unique value to each book you purchase.
In using the large online retailers so much, I think we forget how much power we do have as book buyers and creators. Together, there’s a lot we can do to build the publishing world the way we envision. But it’s a give-and-receive arrangement. If you want readers to buy directly from you, start the exchange by buying directly from other authors.
Now, I’m not telling you to boycott any online retailers and only buy directly from authors, as these online retailers have their place in the publishing landscape. But I am suggesting being more intentional with where you are sending your money. If we want to take it a step further, I challenge you to find at least one independent author whose books you love and buy directly from them from now on.
Alternatives to Buying Direct
I understand that buying directly might not always be feasible. In such cases, you can still support authors by writing reviews, recommending their books to friends, or requesting their works at your local library. Every bit of support contributes to their success.
Actionable Steps
– Identify Independent Authors: Find authors you love and look for ways to purchase directly from them, such as through their website, or support their ongoing work through platforms like Patreon.
– Engage and Share: Write reviews, recommend their books, and engage with them on social media.
– Support Indie Bookstores: Purchase from indie bookstores that often work closely with authors and host author events.
– Attend Events: Participate in author events, book signings, and virtual readings.
Let’s start building the publishing world in which we want to create our books.
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