Most of the book publishers seem to be trying to get readers used to the idea of higher-priced books. And in the case of HC, I think they do want to control the "deals" and when they happen. I suspect they will still offer deals, but less of them and timed to be convenient to themselves.
Honestly, the majority of readers don't buy by publisher name, they buy by author. So the readers will either take a pass and get books at the library if they cost too much, wait for a sale, buy used or just pay the price.
Some readers have converted over to shopping by price even for books. Those readers are more likely to follow places like ereaderiq and wait for sales or find something else to read.
So I think. But I make stuff up for a living, so I might be wrong.
