Amazon & Used Books II: Bezos Strikes Back

theodp writes: "Last week's call for authors to de-link Amazon from their sites has reportedly prompted Jeff Bezos to fire off a letter to all Amazon Marketplace sellers, asking them to help out by sending e-mail on Amazon's behalf in response to the Guild's call for Amazon to stop placing prominent used book ads on each title's main web entry and soliciting new books purchasers to resell their books through Amazon shortly after purchase. Bezos wants everyone to be 'super-clear' that Amazon.com is supportive of and good for authors, indicating that Amazon's steep discounting of new titles and royalty-less sales of used books are two examples of how Amazon helps the book industry and authors. Good to see Jeff's found a new cause, since it looks like he's done with up patent reform."

Comments

Just one question, Mr. Bezos ...

[ProfMoriarty]

Amazon's steep discounting of new titles and royalty-less sales of used books are two examples of how Amazon helps the book industry and authors.

How?

I mean that authors receive royalties for the books sold after the publisher takes their cut for the advance and publicity for the books.

Now, I suppose you could attempt to claim that you sell new books cheap ... so you "help" the authors by getting to their royalty payments a bit faster (by paying off the publisher faster).

But how does this help the authors for used books? Hmmm? They don't receive ANY royalties from these sales ... nor does the publisher. So what's in it for them if you do this? Now ... if I could find a new book for $30 (which pays royalties, and Bezos loses money) or a used book for $15 (which pays NO royalties, and Bezos gets $$$ for the listing) ... certainly the $15 book would probably get sold. Personally, I don't normally buy used book, except in very good condition, and a title that I want.

However, the only thing this helps is your pocket, profit, and the bottom line. NOT the author or publisher.

Yea, I agree

[Hobobo]

It's too bad, but books are not the biggest moneymakers right now. Most books sell about 30,000 copies, so it's pretty easy to see how the "Buy it used" thing could hurt sales. Amazon really needs to find some royalty deal that will please publishers, or it'll be th eauthors (and customers) who suffer.

Re:Writers

[jgerman]

Christ don't let Ellison know that, that asshole would fly off the handle knowing you're getting his books without him getting any cash out of it. Guy's a complete dick. Don't know if his writing is any good, after hearing abou him from friends that met him and seeing him various places, I have no desire to read his work.