Do readers expect a book priced at 99 cents to be as good as one priced at $2.99 or higher?
He said…
When I first started to answer this question, I thought wow, this is easy. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized the answer will vary considerably; with the book, the subject and the reader.
Let me start with me. The first thing I look at with any book is its cover. Does it attract me? Make me want to know more? Next are the books genre and description. Is the genre one I read or have an interest in (even if only slightly) and does the description make me want to read it? From there, I’d like to say I might notice the price but, by that point, it has little influence over my decision to buy and read it. Once I’m hooked, I’m hooked and, willing to pay whatever the author is asking.
But wait, that’s not true. In fact, I often do look at the price. If the book is priced above $10, (for a Kindle book, $20 for a paperback) I’ll begin to question if I really want to read it that bad. Is it worth that much? Am I being ripped off because the publisher and author think they’re on the best-seller list (or should be) and that makes their book worth much more? Some of the crappiest books I’ve read were “Best Sellers” or on “Oprah’s Book Club List”.
Likewise, if a book is listed at 99 cents, my mind immediately goes to advice for authors that I read about not selling yourself short when pricing your book: To ask a fair price for your efforts and skill as a writer. So, when I see 99 cents, I do ask myself Why is this author selling themselves so short? Don’t they think their book (and storytelling ability) is worth more? Do I only do this because I’m an author, though?
To break my mental tie, I asked my wife this question. (She is not an avid reader like I am but does enjoy reading.) Her answer, “Once I like a book and want to read it? I’m buying it. As long as it’s under $50. (Wow, I need to reprice my books! Oops, better see if she likes them first.)
So, my answer: Yes, no, maybe and back to, the answer will vary considerably with the book, the subject and the reader.
Have fun with this one Ash. I can’t wait to see your answer. (And how you price your book when you finish it.)
She said…
Oh, Bob, Bob, Bob! You gave me a fun one. This is actually something I have a pretty strong opinion about and I’ll tell you why…
So, I can honestly say I most likely don’t own a book on my Kindle that cost me more than $5 – save for the reference books that I couldn’t find for less (and yes, I said Kindle because I no longer read paper books). Anyhow, as I was saying before my brain interrupted, I WILL NOT pay for expensive books no matter the author, genre, storyline, or any other reason.
My policy is such because I have found too many extremely amazing books that I got either for very inexpensive or straight up free. Yes, you heard me, free! It’s actually what led me to my love of indie published books. I happened upon a book that I got for under $5 by an author who anyone who loves paranormal romances should know, Lisa Olsen, Wake Me When the Sun Goes Down (Forged Bloodlines Series Book 1) – and her books all run for around $3.99.
Price is actually the first thing that draws me to a book. Once I determine it’s a price I will go for, I check out the cover and blurb. Obviously, the blurb is more important to me than anything, but the cover is super important as well. So, if all three are in line, I grab it up.
One of the things I love are these amazing emails I receive on a daily basis that lists discounted or free books. You can set up your preference of genres and every day I receive a substantial amount of emails full of awesome books so I can go shopping. I kid you not, I have over 3,000 books on my Kindle. Although I don’t always have time to read a book I’m not reviewing, occasionally I’ll take a “vacation” and read something from my treasure trove of books. You know, I think I’ll get a post set up with some of the sites you can go to and sign up for free or reduced price books. You can really find some gems!
Another great help to me – and I think Bob will agree, as well as some of our other reviewers – has been Kindle Unlimited. I pay a flat fee every month and have the opportunity to “borrow” a ton of great books, ten at a time. When I’m done with one, I simply exchange it for another one.
So, I think you can gauge from the aforementioned that price is definitely important to me. That’s what “she” has to say…