Further Fracking of the Publishing World

We received the following messages from another small independent, another mystery specialty shop:

Amazon.com announced the launch of Thomas & Mercer, publishing mysteries and thrillers. The new imprint will begin with four books to be released this year: “Resuscitation” by D.M. Annechino, “Stirred” by J.A. Konrath and Blake Crouch, “The Immortalists” by Kyle Mills, and “Already Gone” by John Rector. As a bookstore that supports writers, we also appreciate the writers who support bookstores. Therefore, Mystery on Main Street will not carry these books; earlier books by these writers available through other publishers will not be stocked and those on our shelves will be returned. With limited shelf space and financing, we do not intend to offer either one to Amazon.com. We will be putting our energies into promoting other authors. David~Mystery on Main Street

We know exactly how he feels. These days, as publishing options open up, authors have more and more choices on how, when and with whom to publish. This can work well for them. As the mainstream publishers cut back on variety and abandon the moderately-selling, mid-list author, some have to turn to small presses if not print-on-demand. These pose their own problems for booksellers - mostly economic. But when authors throw in with one particular corporation, they can inflict unanticipated damage. At least, one hopes it was unanticipated.

I used the term 'fracking' instead of 'fracturing' specifically due to the controversy over the practice of 'fracking' in drilling. While arguments are made about its effects, it does seem to cause unintended consequences. So it seems appropriate to use it here, too, in publishing.

Small independents need loyalty from customers but also loyalty from authors. We need support from all directions. When authors align themselves with Amazon - a company that seems determined to destroy any and all competitors - they turn their backs on us little guys. There is no way in hell that we'd order and stock books printed by Amazon. That'd be enriching the enemy and we won't do that. That would be advertising the enemy and we won't do that either.

There comes a time when ya have to draw a line in the dirt and say 'no'. This is an easy one. None of these authors are big sellers for us. And shelf space is always tight, so getting rid of their earlier books will free us up to give other authors more display. That's good for them - more sales - and for us - more sales.

The real crunch is when it comes down to important authors, authors we do sell well or authors who have been good supporters of the shop in the past but who feel the need, for financial or career reasons, to go with Amazon due to their size and name recognition. The hard choices are heading our way and we don't view their approach lightly. We are fully aware of how fractured the publishing world has become and what's in the best interest of the authors has become split from what is in the best interest of the bookseller. So it is especially important for us to support the author who do continue to support us, and to abandon those who don't.

It has all become fracked.

Comments

[Kevin Coolidge]

Amazon doesn't sell books; they sell product. I wonder if people really understand how dirty and underhanded Amazon operates. If a bookseller loves your book, they will match you with the right reader.

[Bookbanter.wordpress.com]

Also if you've ever watched Battlestar Galactica, that word has a whole new term that certainly applies too!

[jobob]

J.A. Konrath has always been a huge advocate for and supporter of independent bookstores. Removing all his books because he's also accepting money from the "enemy" seems really petty. Are you going to remove all the writers whose books are available on the Kindle? Wouldn't that be, like, most of them? This move is cutting off your nose to spite your face, and it will backfire.

[Dex]

This is too bad, because from what I've heard Amazon is selling the Thomas & Mercer titles to book stores at heavily discounted rates which will increase the stores profit margin and help them stay in business. By being so closed off to this unstoppable change, independent stores like yours and Mystery on Main Street are hastening your own demise.

I love independent book stores, always have, and I'm sad to see that you guys aren't going to be with us much longer. Hopefully other independent stores will put a little more thought into these kinds of decisions.

One question... You do realize that times have changed and things will never be the same as they used to be, right?