This is the eleventh post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.
And, here is where we spend money.
Consider buying:
- a print book
- a digital version
- as many as you can
Buying books is essential to your writing career. If you don’t buy books (when you can), who will? If you don’t buy books, how can you expect others to buy your books?
I utilize many of the free ways to read books — the library, a loan, a review copy, and free promotions. But, I also strategically use my extra cash for the books I really enjoy and want to own. If I see an author at a conference, I will buy books and get them signed.
If you can’t get the physical book, consider digital versions of your favorite books. If I can’t find a picture book at the library, I will buy the discounted ebook. {I recommend you review picture books immediately after purchase, because the format quality is not always ideal. I’ve asked Amazon for a refund for some picture book ebooks due to the poor quality. So, always check your picture books. If you aren’t happy, return it.}
The digital market has reduced the cost of many books, especially series. You can often buy the first book at a reduced rate (or even free), because the publisher knows you’ll get hooked and buy the other books in the series. Divergent by Veronica Roth is less expensive than Insurgent or Allegiant.
The fact you can begin reading ebooks immediately is priceless.
If you don’t have money for books, don’t buy them! But, remember, if you don’t make buying books a priority, don’t be offended when a publisher says the market isn’t ready for your book, because {insert your type of book} doesn’t sell well.
For writers, buying books is important to keep the publishing industry open for business, to authors who want to make a living, and to bookstores and online retailers.
What’s your favorite method for buying books?
Reading: I’m still working my way through the The Death Class: A True Story About Life by Erika Hayasaki.
If you missed any of the Reader University posts,
- I share why I’m doing Reader Universtiy here.
- My first post Reader University: Try
- My second post Reader University: Read
- My third post Reader University: Name
- My fourth post Reader University: Review
- My fifth post Reader University: Follow
- My sixth post Reader University: Learn
- My seventh post Reader University: Share
- My eighth post Reader University: Request
- My ninth post Reader University: Connect
- My tenth post Reader University: Travel
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
I don’t have anything green for you, but I did make this video for a contest our Pikes Peak Library District is holding. I’m taking the Video Idiot Boot Camp with Katie Davis. I’m not finished with the class, so I’m sure the remaining lessons will help me clear up a few problems I know I have. I shot this video with my iPhone and an 8mm app. I used graphics instead of audio, because I haven’t had that lesson yet.
Sue Wang
If I am trapped on an island, just ship me my books. I love browsing and buying books. It’s infinite knowledge and wisdom and perspective, to me that’s all I need. Oh and the time to READ the books. 😉 I totally resonate with buying books, from the readers’ and writers’ POV.
stacy
I love browsing for books too – even online. I do love to “touch” books in a store though.
Susanna Leonard Hill
Love this video 🙂 Just finished reading The Glass Wives which I did not like nearly as much as I’d hoped to. Now I have to decide if I’m going to read Allegiant or Lauren Oliver’s new book, Panic. Ooh, decisions! 🙂 I buy a lot of books – more than I should! – but I love to read, and as a writer I like to support other writers!
stacy
We’re off to see Divergent on Saturday … we really know how to “date night!” Good luck picking a book.
Erik - This Kid Reviews Books
I love the ending of your video (NOT because it is over!) – the book-return scene is priceless! 😀
stacy
Thanks Erik! Nice to know it wasn’t just because it ended.
Rosi
There is never enough time to read. I do buy a lot of books, and my intentions for reading are always greater than time will allow. If I could just buy reading time along with the books, that would help!
stacy
That’s a wonderful idea Rosi. I always think if I have them in my pile to read, I will find time to read. Then, I find more books to read.
Cather Johnson
That video is awesome, Stacy and how cute is that last scene with Enzo. You must have read more lessons than me. Scholastic book orders are great for getting a small discount on the best books. The Day the Crayons Quit is in this month’s 🙂
stacy
I’m on lesson 5 Catherine. I was trying to keep it under the one minute time-line, so likely should have held the last frame a bit longer. Still don’t know transitions. I can’t wait until Enzo gets the Scholastic catalogs.