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To e-book or not to e-book, that is the question!

While formatting my first book BODIES, I made a conscious decision NOT to publish an e-book version. I'm sure most think this is crazy. The obvious argument might be that not doing so limits sales numbers. I get that. 

I've never owned or used an e-book. To me, that's not how I enjoy reading. Give me a proper book - a paperback, a hardcover, or a glorious old leather-bound tome! That's how I prefer to read. That said, there are other ways and they each are valid. 

I heard from a friend this morning, asking if BODIES is available on Kindle. I explained my reasoning for not producing an e-book. I have no reason whatsoever to trust a company with digital inventory. Over the years, I've been screwed left and right on this. Music downloads led to insane piracy of my BACK FROM THE DEAD album. Honestly, the bootleggers sold more copies than we did! While I'm thrilled people enjoy my music, it would have been nice to reap some financial benefit. Amazon screwed me just as hard when I released the single "BYE BYE" in 2012. I heard from people from all over, who downloaded it and enjoyed it. At 99 cents per download, I've estimated a loss of at least a few grand. But again, people enjoyed the music - so not a total loss. 

No one, not even me, goes into the creative arts to make money. Unless that's your only goal - it's stupid. The industry has changed so much over the decades. A lot of people still believe that so-called celebrities get RICH and famous. The fame is easy. The rich? Not so much. Ever wonder why 80 year rockers are still touring? They kinda have to. 

As a (now) indie author, I try to be mindful of the needs of my prospective readers. My aforementioned friend lives with low vision. Picking up a paperback copy of a book is no longer the best way for her to enjoy a book. Personally, I found that I can enjoy a good audiobook. After my spinal surgery in 1998, I was bedridden for the better part of two months. My world became daytime TV and audiobooks. I returned to them in the early 2000s with David Sedaris. His audiobook versions are even more enjoyable than his written formats. His voice is perfect for his stories!

So, here's the question: Should I publish e-books as well as physical copies?

I don't really concern myself with sales. I don't imagine my name on the NYT Best Sellers List anytime soon. My books, like my music, are considered 'niche' by so-called experts. I have my own style - and you might like it, or you might not. I create because that's just what I do. If I don't believe a story, a book, or a song is worth reading/listening to - I just won't release it. I have tons of material (musical and written) that you'll never know about. Some are just for me. Some - well, they just suck (as far as I'm concerned). 

Anyhoo, what are YOUR thoughts?

E-books?

Audiobooks?

Paperback?

Hardcover?

Smoke signals?

Hello...hello...hello...is there anybody out there?


MCM 7/6/26 6:31am

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