Comments on Jamie Gambell: Digital and pricing and subscriptions

"In terms of direct market retailers, specifi...

2011-12-19T09:48:38.131-08:00

"In terms of direct market retailers, specifically – I understand where they’re coming from: If they’re selling comics for $2.99 or $3.99, then why should the exact same thing be sold in a different format for less? And honestly, why should it? What about the digital format makes it any less valuable than its counterpart?

I don’t think the real problem is with the price or the format, though. I think the bigger issue is how to reach more readers."

The above quote from from Eric Stephenson of Image. I tend to agree with him.

I outlined most of my thoughts in my recent column, but in general, I don't think indie creators in general want to compete on price.
Because let's face it, if the choice is between an unknown new indie book at $0.99 or a name brand big creator backlist book at $0.99, most new readers you're hoping to get to sample your product are likely to go with the bigger name.

The ONLY way to really succeed is to first produce something of value. I think you're well on your way of doing that Jamie.

I'd be a little bit wary that a race to the bottom pricing strategy might undercut the value of what you're producing.

But again, I'll be interested in picking this conversation up a year from now to see what we've learned.

Good luck!

Jahhdog - thanks. I've looked at a lot of mode...

2011-12-18T09:06:23.954-08:00

Jahhdog - thanks. I've looked at a lot of models and indie books tend to be priced free - 1.99 - with the bigger publishers going 1.99 - 3.99.

With third party apps and sellers offering the books, I think the return is something like 0.49c per sale at 0.99.

As a lesser known creator, with a smaller catalogue of published works, digital really is a kind of tester platform for me. I've had steady but small luck selling books digitally, but the main thrust is still the physical books. So, I guess, in a way I'm trying to make digital appealing with a lower price level.

I also agree with Paul Grist - who recently wrote that he likes the single issues, and that the push should be to make these items more appealing with added value, with the trades and digital editions more basic.

I think the digital pricing is inexpensive maybe a...

2011-12-18T08:27:54.729-08:00

I think the digital pricing is inexpensive maybe a tad under priced?