The joy of publishing

A FUNNY thing happened – as it always does – on the way to publishing the paperback of my novel for Australia Day 2013.

Someone at Amazon decided that my novel Iraqi Icicle was part 1. It was declared Iraqi Icicle was part 1 of a series. I suspect that someone at Amazon decided it would help me sell my book if readers decided it was part of a series. But what of the readers who thought it was not the stand-alone novel that it is?

I never thought I would agree with anything philosopher Ayn Rand wrote but this was definitely a case of “I don’t want your help”.

The problem was mostly sorted by Australia Day, January 26. The link between the paperback and the eBook is yet to be re-established. The paperback sells for $14.99 so it emphasizes the value of the $4.99 eBook.  I have no doubt the link between the print and electronic versions will be soon sorted.

The responsive crew from Amazon sent me a list of electronic stores from which you can buy.

Canada is not on there, so I presume the Canadians mount their purchase from the US.

India and China are not on the list, so I am not sure what is happening there. Brazil and Japan also missed the cut for the list I was sent. All very confusing but I do not like to trouble the Amazonians with a heap of questions. I will find out what is going on, all in good time.

We in Australia are used to paying top dollar for our novels and I would imagine the shipping from Amazon US would be at least $10.

I am selling my copies in Oz for $25 with a 40% discount for local books shops, provided they pay cash up front. I have stated I am a commercial Luddite, but sale-and-return seems like a nightmare for me. Having to pick up unwanted copies is an “insult to injury” job. I am like that famous model; I won’t get out of bed for less than $9.99.

Below is the list of the electronic stores where you can but Iraqi Icicle for $14.99. Do it now; you know you wanna.

Here is a pic of the book. It is almost 380 pages long. Nothing more to say really.

This Aussie band is doing the theme song for the product launch.