Quote:
Originally Posted by Steven Lyle Jordan
It's been discussed around here before... and yes, I don't enjoy giving a low-star review of a book, but I make it clear in my review that it is strictly because of the production, not the content (which I do state is excellent).
Unfortunately, I don't know any other way to force publishers to improve ebook quality than to give it a review that may impact sales. Authors like Jack either don't know the condition of their books, or cannot force the publishes to take action and improve the books. Publishers won't even acknowledge my direct complaints. Publishers only respond to sales, and if they are aware that bad production is adversely impacting sales, they have a reason to act.
But if you think there's a better way to do this, by all means, let's talk about it (in this thread or elsewhere).
|
Steven, I did offer my suggestion of a better way above, but I recognize it's not a perfect solution, either. (If you think it's a 4-star book for content, rate it at 3 stars and give the reason. People do it all the time--e.g., "great movie, not so great transfer--would have given it 5 stars but knocked one off for the presentation.") When you rate a merchant on your satisfaction with a sale, they let you break it down into different components. Too bad they don't do that with books and other entertainment.
I don't think it's true that publishers
only respond to sales, though obviously sales are a strong motivating factor. Most of the people I know in publishing really do want to deliver a quality product. At the same time, producing books is a committee effort, and we all know what that can do.
Just because the publisher didn't answer you directly doesn't mean nobody paid attention. Your complaint might well have come up at the next committee meeting. (Courtesy and attention to customer relations is another matter, of course.)