Random House is testing an idea of selling books in pieces, one chapter at a time. “Publishers are convinced that as it becomes easier to download books, and screen technology improves, an ever-larger number of readers will opt to receive digital content,” reports Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg of the Wall Street Journal. Also, HarperCollins is publishing some books for free online access, testing the waters for its ability to increase sales.
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I write for a very niche market of austen fan fiction. My online sotytelling goes back ten years. In the last three years I’ve posted two novels chapter-by-chapter.
My posts are free. I removed the content of the first novel when the book was available for sale. At the moment, the content for the second is available, all chapters. The novel is being editied and will be available for sale this summer. Many have read it already and are waiting not-so-patiently for it in book form.
I’ve sold several thousand copies of the first novel. Might I sell more if I didn’t put the content online? Maybe, but the goodwill I’ve generated with readers can’t be ignored. E-mails from readers in countries under embargo–Iran–and from readers who can’t afford the book have made it clear I have cast bread on the waters and I think it will come back to me someday.
Take care–Sue
Very nice, Susan. I wish you all the best.
May I ask you a question? Do you think your fan fiction would find an audience without the Austen tie-in? I’m sure you have written good stories, but do you think they would enjoy them as much or give them a try in the first place without the fan-fic element?
To be honest? No. I labored in the fan fiction vinyards and took advantage of a fan base. My biggest advantage, (other than being a good wirter? (-;): I write using characters from a novel other than Pride and Prejudice. Some like Austen but tire of Lizzie and Darcy, some like Persuasion–the novel whose characters I’ve used–and enjoy the few stories that come along.
If I were writing straight Regency, without the fan fic tie-ins, I think I would not have a chance at publication. I can write romantic elements well enough, but they aren’t the main feature. I think I would also be limited to writing about the political intrigues of Whitehall and Regency society. My nautical knowledge goes only far enough to get me into serious trouble with those truly knowledgeable about sailing and ships of the time.