Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
They believe that readers will decide to buy hardcovers instead of ebooks--instead of deciding that there's no notable difference in quality between mainstream publisher ebooks and indie/self-pub $1.99 ebooks.
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There is a difference, though. I buy quite a few indie and self-published e-books, and the lack of professional editing is noticeable and notable. I don't know if it should be generalized , and the lower prices do make up for it to a degree, but if I buy a book (in whatever format) from an established publishing house, I'm likely to get a properly content-edited book that meets certain literacy standards.
The downside is that it's usually same-y, dependent on what editors and agents believe currently sells. With self-published books you may or may not get something of equal quality. It's far more uncertain, in my experience. The advantage is, and that is why I enjoy self-published works, that indie books are frequently fresh and more daring.
I don't disagree with your point and I would add DRM issues to the list of reasons why publishers might prefer paper books. I'm not saying self-published stuff is always worse, but with "publisher-published" books you get professionally edited books more often.