Barry Eisler's New Book Pricing

Fbone · 10-07-2011, 04:48 PM

Things like this tickle me.

Barry Eisler originally planned to self-publish his books turning away from a 2-book $500,000 contract with St Martin's Press. Amazon's publishing company Thomas & Mercer then offered him an attractive deal which he accepted. He hasn't disclosed the terms.

Now his book The Detachment is available. These are the prices on Amazon. VAT included in non-US prices.

Amazon US $5.99
Amazon UK £1.99 ($3.08)
Amazon France €4.99 ($6.68)
Amazon Germany €5.89 ($7.88)

Why is it half price in the UK?
There is no mention of "Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited." Does this mean there is DRM?
Also I can't test for geo restrictions. The ebook is so far not available at B&N, Kobo, or Sony.

susan_cassidy · 10-07-2011, 05:06 PM

If Simultaneous Device usage isn't limited, the limit is 6.

"Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited", if present, means that there is no DRM.

Fbone · 10-07-2011, 05:08 PM

Thanks. He decided to put DRM on his book and possibly geo restrict.

wallcraft · 10-08-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fbone

There is no mention of "Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited." Does this mean there is DRM?

This is usually the case. I agree that The Detachment product page does not say this, but the ebook is DRM-free anyway.

Fbone · 10-08-2011, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallcraft

This is usually the case. I agree that The Detachment product page does not say this, but the ebook is DRM-free anyway.

Did you purchase the ebook from the US or UK site?

wallcraft · 10-08-2011, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fbone

Did you purchase the ebook from the US or UK site?

From the US site.

caleb72 · 10-09-2011, 01:10 AM

It's available to me on the US site from Australia in case that helps clarify anything.

Fbone · 10-09-2011, 03:23 AM

Thanks. I was wondering if it was available for you on the UK site. It isn't for me.

I've learned there is no reliable way to ascertain if a Kindle ebook has DRM or not.

HarryT · 10-09-2011, 09:38 AM

It is available on the UK site at £1.99, but ebooks on amazon.co.uk are only available to UK customers.

Fbone · 10-09-2011, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

It is available on the UK site at £1.99, but ebooks on amazon.co.uk are only available to UK customers.

Yes, and at half price. Amazon is probably pricing their published books with separate market conditions in mind. Curious to see if Mr Eisler's book will be available at other retailers and its cost.

fjtorres · 10-09-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fbone

Curious to see if Mr Eisler's book will be available at other retailers and its cost.

Print retailers, yes, though at least some are boycotting the imprint on "principle."
ebook retailers, doubtful.

Fbone · 10-09-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjtorres

Print retailers, yes, though at least some are boycotting the imprint on "principle."
ebook retailers, doubtful.

We'll find out on Oct 18th when the print edition (paperback) will be available.

JSWolf · 10-09-2011, 05:40 PM

Barry Eisler decided to go exclusive with Amazon and thus, I hope he goes bankrupt.

luqmaninbmore · 10-09-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Barry Eisler decided to go exclusive with Amazon and thus, I hope he goes bankrupt.

So someone should lose their livelihood because they make a move you disapprove of? Not very ethical. And, given that he is offering the book at a low price and without DRM (in the US, at least), it is not anti-consumer. By it from Amazon and convert it if your reader of choice doesn't read Mobipocket format books.

Connallmac · 10-09-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Barry Eisler decided to go exclusive with Amazon and thus, I hope he goes bankrupt.

That is the level of maturity and decency I've come to expect from you JSWolf, thanks for never disappointing!

10-07-2011, 04:48 PM	#1
Fbone Is that a sandwich? Posts: 8,318 Karma: 103930826 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Nook Glowlight Plus	Barry Eisler's New Book Pricing Things like this tickle me. Barry Eisler originally planned to self-publish his books turning away from a 2-book $500,000 contract with St Martin's Press. Amazon's publishing company Thomas & Mercer then offered him an attractive deal which he accepted. He hasn't disclosed the terms. Now his book The Detachment is available. These are the prices on Amazon. VAT included in non-US prices. Amazon US $5.99 Amazon UK £1.99 ($3.08) Amazon France €4.99 ($6.68) Amazon Germany €5.89 ($7.88) Why is it half price in the UK? There is no mention of "Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited." Does this mean there is DRM? Also I can't test for geo restrictions. The ebook is so far not available at B&N, Kobo, or Sony.

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10-07-2011, 05:06 PM	#2
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	If Simultaneous Device usage isn't limited, the limit is 6. "Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited", if present, means that there is no DRM.

10-07-2011, 05:08 PM	#3
Fbone Is that a sandwich? Posts: 8,318 Karma: 103930826 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Nook Glowlight Plus	Thanks. He decided to put DRM on his book and possibly geo restrict.

10-09-2011, 01:10 AM	#7
caleb72 Indie Advocate Posts: 2,863 Karma: 18794463 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Device: Kindle	It's available to me on the US site from Australia in case that helps clarify anything.

10-09-2011, 03:23 AM	#8
Fbone Is that a sandwich? Posts: 8,318 Karma: 103930826 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Nook Glowlight Plus	Thanks. I was wondering if it was available for you on the UK site. It isn't for me. I've learned there is no reliable way to ascertain if a Kindle ebook has DRM or not.

10-09-2011, 09:38 AM	#9
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,560 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	It is available on the UK site at £1.99, but ebooks on amazon.co.uk are only available to UK customers.

10-09-2011, 05:40 PM	#13
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 80,782 Karma: 150249619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Barry Eisler decided to go exclusive with Amazon and thus, I hope he goes bankrupt.