If You Can’t Afford My Books…

I recently read an article about ebook piracy (specifically, this article) which said authors shouldn’t get upset about ebook piracy because, hey, it’s an audience!

Jack Sparrow will read your books. He just won’t pay for them.

That article, plus a pricey car repair last week, has me thinking about money.

Now, I know some romance and erotica authors make bank. I’ve been pretty open about the fact that I am not one of them (yet, anyway). I fully intend to write about the financial side of my indy publishing experiences someday…

Instead, I’d like to talk directly to you, Potential Reader Who Can’t Afford My Books.

1. No Judgement

So you say you can’t afford my $2.99 or .99 books?

That’s cool.

No, really. My husband is a high school teacher and I make less than 10K a year as an adjunct philosophy professor. We’ve got two kids. I know what it’s like to have a tight budget.

Also, I’ve spent a lot of years in adult education. I’ve worked with people who live in poverty. If you’re one of them, my hat’s off to you. Your life is far, far harder than mine.

So use that $2.99 to put food on the table, or pay the rent, or get the electricity turned back on. And then…

CALL ME!

Because I’ll be honest here.

There’s something I want more than your $2.99 (or the $1.47 I make off your $2.99).

2. I WANT YOUR REVIEWS!

Apparently Amazon reviews are the gold standard for selling books.

Look at those sweet, sweet reviews!

You can’t afford my book, and I want your review. (Even if it’s a bad review – honest!)

So hey, let’s make a deal!

Before you resort to the least-sexy part of piracy – actual stealing – drop me a line and let’s talk about getting you a copy of my book in exchange for a review.

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