MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Backlist e-book pricing

Kiteology · 04-06-2011, 01:52 PM

Over the last several years one thing I have consistently found in this and many other forums, as well as articles on the subject of e-book pricing, is the failure to separate backlist pricing from new release pricing.

As I see it, it can be argued that the pricing strategy of just about any new release is a component of any number of factors related to the title's newness, the author's newness or previous reputation, it's release as a hardcover or trade paperback, its promotion costs, and so forth. In short, there is the potential for a lot of volatility and as many potentially valid opinions on how pricing should be handled. But once the dust has settled (is a year's time too conservative?) it seems to me that many of these variables have been tested and answered.

Am I the only one who believes that the topic of backlist pricing should be a separate subject? Dare I add, a topic that can be discussed with actual data?

I would like to try and start a thread specifically and solely dedicated to your thoughts and opinions on the pricing strategy of backlist items. Any takers?

04-06-2011, 01:52 PM	#1
Kiteology Member Posts: 15 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Way Upstate New York, USA Device: Kindle3, PC, iTouch	Backlist e-book pricing Over the last several years one thing I have consistently found in this and many other forums, as well as articles on the subject of e-book pricing, is the failure to separate backlist pricing from new release pricing. As I see it, it can be argued that the pricing strategy of just about any new release is a component of any number of factors related to the title's newness, the author's newness or previous reputation, it's release as a hardcover or trade paperback, its promotion costs, and so forth. In short, there is the potential for a lot of volatility and as many potentially valid opinions on how pricing should be handled. But once the dust has settled (is a year's time too conservative?) it seems to me that many of these variables have been tested and answered. Am I the only one who believes that the topic of backlist pricing should be a separate subject? Dare I add, a topic that can be discussed with actual data? I would like to try and start a thread specifically and solely dedicated to your thoughts and opinions on the pricing strategy of backlist items. Any takers?