Monday, June 15, 2015

The Elephant in the Room



Some people don’t know what talking about the elephant in the room means, so let me explain. Sometimes there’s a topic that people don’t want to touch with a ten foot pole. It’s usually something big and people don’t want to get involved by mentioning it, or they’re afraid it will cause a family rift or an argument between friends. The point is, it’s there and everyone is afraid it’s off limits.


My elephant in the room is book sales. The huge mammal is sitting across the room, squinting at me and looking enormous. Every once in a while his trunk twitches. All I can do is shrug my shoulders.

I’ve talked to several authors lately who tell me their sales have very suddenly fallen off, and in many cases they’re almost nonexistent. What happened?

There are several theories. Some say it’s because young people aren’t reading anymore, that they’re spending all of their time playing games on either their iphones or their computers or ipads. Could be, although that breaks my heart. Books can take a reader away from the mad rush to live life as fast as possible.

Books can make you laugh, cry, get the heebie jeebies, surprise you, make you sigh over a romance, or just plain entertain the reader. Movies can do that, too, but when movies are made based on a book, there’s a lot of detail that has to be left out. The viewer is missing a lot by relying on the movie rather than the book. In fact, I’ve read books that I couldn’t put down, and then I’ve seen the movie which is based on the book. In many857 cases, I was disappointed in the movie.

Another theory is that there are too many “free ebooks” websites. That’s probably true. Why would someone pay the exorbitant price of 99 cents or $2.99 on an ebook when they can get it for free? Am I being sarcastic? Of course, but that’s just me.

Theory #3 is that there are too many authors offering books. There are too many to choose from, and too many choices cause stress. I added the “stress” part myself.

Of course there are libraries, but that’s been an issue for years and didn’t seem to cause falling book sales.

I understand that the current economy is an issue for a lot of people right now. Even 99 cents can seem daunting.

My excuse? I used to be an avid reader. My life, at one point, consisted of working a full-time job and reading, with a little TV in between. Things have changed. I now have approximately one hundred books waiting to be read. Due to circumstances, I haven’t been reading anything lately. Sometimes life gets in the way, and that’s the case at the moment.

Many of us have tried thinking of a promotional idea that’s outside the box, but most of what we come up with has already been tried.

There are two life choices that can make or break a person. One is opening a restaurant. The other is becoming a writer. The competition is enormous and one itty bitty mistake can put an end to our dreams of success.


However, think positive. Someday those kids I mentioned are going to realize there’s a whole new world to join by reading books. One day someone is going to say, Hey! Stop giving my books away for free, and someone will listen and turn to some other freebie. One day priorities will change. Things will slow down. Instant gratification will change to a restful time with a good book.

Have you noticed that I didn’t mention any of my own books? That could be because I’m not trying to be self-serving. There are so many good authors out there. Try one of their books and if you like it, buy another. If you don’t like it, move on to another author.

So let’s hear it. Why aren’t you buying books anymore? You probably have some favorite authors, so why aren’t you buying their books?

There! The elephant may leave the room now, to be replaced some other mammal and some other topic.

Until next week, read more blog posts. Think of the posts as a showcase for an author’s writing style, and try one of their books if the post entertains you.

CLICK HERE to visit Marja McGraw’s website
CLICK HERE for a quick trip to Amazon.com

21 comments:

  1. I still buy books--though not as many as I used to because I get so many free to review.

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    1. I don't know how you do it, Marilyn. Reviewing must take up so much of your time. I'm glad you're putting up reviews. Thank you so much for commenting!

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  2. I still manage to read a couple of books a week, plus visit the library and check out the new books. But the elephant in my room is the same as yours for my formerly and now reprinted OUP books. I don't know what the answer is, but I keep reading and hoping others will too.

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    1. I hope to get back to reading (and writing) soon. I hope, like you, that readers will continue to buy and read books.

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    2. And thank you so much for commenting today!

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  3. I buy books almost every day--especially if they are offered at 99 cents. Just how I"m going to live long enough or my eyes last long enough to read them, I don't know. And worst of all, when it once took me only a day to read a book, it now takes me at least a week. And that elephant in my room is probably worse than yours, Marja, but I keep plugging away. Great post!

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    1. I understand about reading taking longer, Pat, and I hope I can get back to it soon. Thank you for buying books, no matter what the price. Thank you for commenting today!

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    2. Marja, I think so many authors offering free books is a big part of the problem. Also, in these economically squinched times, people are remembering that books are free at libraries. I don't know the answer to the problem, but hopefully one will come along. Meanwhile, my elephant is lonely and wants to know if yours wants to hook up.

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  4. Time and/or money can be issues when it comes to the subject of buying books and that applies to a lot of people, including me. So, because I absolutely love to read, here's what I do.
    1. I go to the library for books by the BIG NAME authors with one exception. I always buy Mary Higgins Clark's newest release.
    2. Although I prefer paper books that I can hold in my hands, I buy MOST of the books written by small press authors on my Kindle solely because of price.
    3. For mid-list authors, I buy some; I get some from the library.
    4. If a small press author is one of my favorites, I try to order their book in paper whenever I can afford to.
    I can't imagine living in a world without books - and I don't want to. Thanks for addressing the elephant in the room!

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    1. I like your list, Pat! It makes sense. I can't imagine a world without books either, but apparently games and apps take precedence for some people. One of these days they'll discover books.

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  5. Earl, You always manage to crack me up. You'll find my elephant waiting in front of the local library. I also believe the economy has a lot to do with sales dropping, but one comment I've heard so often is that the drop happened so suddenly. ?? Thank you so much for commenting!

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  6. Has it happened suddenly? I didn't realize. Since my publisher has changed her policy about royalty payments from every quarter to once a year, because it's much easier on them, so I don't know what marketing techniques are working. I've been doing a lot of marketing in the past couple of months, but I won't find what the sales are until next January. This is my elephant in the room.

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    1. That's quite an elephant, Evelyn. I couldn't wait patiently for that long. I sincerely hope your marketing is paying off! Everyone I've talked to said it was very sudden. ?? Thank you so much for commenting.

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  7. I'm not buying as many books anymore too. One reason is because I don't have much time to read either. I'm trying to remedy that, as I'm still trying to find the right balance of work, family and writing. The other reason is finances to which I have to say thank god for paperbacks. Although I would love to buy hardcover books, it's just too rich for my blood. And I prefer holding a book in my hand, turning the pages, and breathing deep its smell. Than reading books on an e-reader even with its advantages of having as many ebooks as you want. And because ebooks are cheaper. They're just not the same. On the bright side, I was able to buy three new books from 2nd and Charles a few months ago. I love that place and if I didn't have other family related stuff to do, I would've stayed there all day.

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    1. I can definitely understand spending all day looking at books, Lidy. Finances seem to be an issue for many of us nowadays. I certainly hope that turns around. I'm more likely to try an author who's new to me as an ebook, but those I know and enjoy, well, I'd rather have a paper book. Thank you so much for commenting today!

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  8. I know what you mean about life getting in the way of reading. That is currently my status, and I don't know if/when it will change. I listen to books, rather than reading them, and listen to the same cassette for weeks. My goal is to get it to relax me enough to fall asleep. My writing is suffering similarly. Ah for the good old days! Meanwhile, I hope your situation (both the reading and sales aspects) improves soon. Hang in there!

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    1. I understand, Sharon. I hope things turn around for you. As far as sales aspects, it's not just me. Several authors are going through this and no one knows what's causing the drop in sales. We can only guess. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  9. Good post, Marja. I don't believe that the economy is the reason for the downturn in book sales. In the past people turned to books for entertainment when finances were in the doldrums. I blame the lack of book sales on all the freebees and multitude of indie authors.

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  10. You could be right, Jean. I wonder if we'll ever have a definitive answer. Thank you so much for commenting!

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  11. Late to your blog, Marja, but as always loved it. And also as always, a thoughtful post. For me, not only am I ignoring the elephant, I'm also sticking my head in the sand. I've found I can barely keep my eye on the writing ball (don't know how Marilyn Meredith does it all), much less be concerned about sales. I'm considering myself a not-by-choice non-profit! (smile) Great post!

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  12. Thank you, Madeline. I really like your descriptive not-by-choice non-profit phrase. I think I'll adopt that one. : ) Thank you so much for commenting!

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