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It seems to me that the highest value in a book is tied to time. Books first come out in hardback and if you really want to read them right away you pay hardback prices. Then they come out in print.
Baen has shown that readers will pay more for electronic copies that are released early (ARCs) as compared to the same title released in an electronic version a bit later.
Many authors and publishers have experimented with using older novels to promote newer novels.
So, my proposal is to sell to libraries down the road. High prices on new ebooks (slightly below hardback levels); lower prices one year after release (paperback book tier); release to libraries two years after release.
I don't have the facts here, and would appreciate a heads up from someone who does, but this is based on my assumption that libraries pay less for books/ebooks than the general public -- if for no other reason, then on a per reader basis.
Anyway, this approach would let the publishers to provide a steady stream of ebooks to libraries without cannibalizing existing sales.
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