Quote:
Originally Posted by ficbot
Rather than focusing their efforts on the people who aren't going to be a sale---non-readers, and the tiny percentage that 'pirate' who nothing you do will stop them, it seems to me publishers would be better served focusing their efforts on making it as easy as possible for those who may actually be a customer to BE a customer. Offer the books for sale in print, in ebook, however people want them. Offer them unencumbered by DRM so that people can enjoy them on the device of their choosing. Make them affordable for the average reader and make them as easy to get and use as possible. THAT is the way to save the publishing industry.
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One of the biggest issues here is the fact that the "no sale" readers are so undefinable (see my earlier post) that simply dismissing them may not actually be the way to go. Sure, maybe Rowling won't miss a few of those no-sales... but a little author like me could find they make the difference between success or failure of a book, or a business. And as long as those numbers are unquantified and therefore ignored, it's impossible to say one way or the other.
It's always good to cater to your customers as much as possible. But it's also a good idea to try to draw in more customers, including those "no-sales," and convert them to "sales." In many cases, existing customers will buy more if some of their criteria are met. But meet the right ones, and you just might encourage
everyone to buy. And the more people you bring in, the more you'll find out about the customers, potential customers, and your actual market, and stop guessing about what's going on.
So, even though I don't use tools that tend to drive away customers, I still concern myself with those "no-sales," to the extent that I'd like to find out why they didn't buy, to see if I can offer something that will make them buy. Maybe I can write material they prefer (or just
write better). Maybe I can offer another e-book format. Maybe I'm offering too many formats, and need to cut the confusion. Maybe I need to offer free porn. Maybe lowering my prices below $2.50 will make customers swarm like locusts! Or maybe I just talk too much.
I don't know. But I'm willing to see what I can try.