Log Entry #8
Ever since Amazon introduced Kindle Unlimited, we authors have been at the mercy of the beast. Over the years, Amazon has implemented poorly conceived, and poorly enforced systems, resulting in a significant loss in revenue for authors for every book that is read through Kindle Unlimited rather than being purchased. Scammers play the system, costing us even more in lost revenue, and Amazon does little to prevent it. When they do, they often target honest authors by mistake. Amazon also punishes authors for not being in Kindle Unlimited, by counting a free read (through KU) greater than an actual sale when it comes to calculating sales rankings. Grossly unfair, since a read through KU is most certainly not a sale, since the customer did not have to pay for it.
Every book that is read through Kindle Unlimited rather than being purchased results in the loss of $1.50 of revenue. Considering that half of my revenue now comes from Kindle Unlimited, you can imagine the effect to my business. If I am to continue writing all planned 75 episodes (before I die) something has to change.
In the past, I tried to offset the loss in revenue by writing and releasing more quickly, and by raising prices. But that punishes you, the paying readers. You get less story because I have less time to flesh out each story’s potential. And raising the price just means you’re paying for those who don’t want to pay. Therefore, I’m going to be pulling my books out of Kindle Unlimited (which requires exclusivity to Amazon) and putting them up for sale on other platforms. They will still be for sale on Amazon as usual, just not available through Kindle Unlimited.
Now, the last time I tried to do this (back in 2014), I nearly bankrupt myself by pulling everything out at once. So, this time, I will be pulling the books out a few at a time, starting with the first 3 books of part 1. Over the course of 2 years, they should all be out. Out of respect for those who need Kindle Unlimited, I will continue to put the remaining episodes of part 2 in Kindle Unlimited, but not until 90 days after release, and then for only 90 days, after which they too will be pulled out. However, once I start writing part three, no new titles will go into Kindle Unlimited.
In addition, I will be pulling all of the Netcasts, except for Netcast Zero, completely off of Amazon. They, along with all future Netcasts, will be available for free on our website to anyone who subscribes to our mailing list. In addition to the Netcasts, additional scenes occurring between episodes will also be available through our website to mailing list subscribers, along with future graphics and chart, and, eventually, a full Frontiers Saga wiki. The additional bling is paramount to growing our mailing list, and our mailing list is our safety net against Amazon doing something else that impacts our revenue.
I thank you all for reading my stories, and I hope to continue entertaining you for many years, with all the adventures still dancing around in my crazy brain.
Ryk Brown
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We support you! Keep up the great work.
Ryk, I don't subscribe to Unlimited because of what I have read about the business models and issues for authors. Your book prices are reasonable anyway. I love all your books so do what is best for you so you can keep us entertained.
I've seen comments by many authors about the problems with KU and don't subscribe. I'd say you have to do what works for your business.I do think the "free sample" followed by purchase model works particularly well for unknown authors because it lets us read enough to see if their work is up to professional standards before the purchase. I've followed many authors who are new in their careers this way, or just new to me, including my first Ryk Brown reads some years back. I've since purchased every one of the part 1 and part 2 episodes that have been released.
The short episode releases can be a little frustrating compared to a fully fleshed out novel, but the price mitigates that to a large degree.
I will tell you that's its different with Audible releases. Many authors who tend toward shorter, more episodic work are releasing "packs" on Audible that make more sense there. I personally almost never spend an Audible credit on anything less than 8-10 hours -- as audible credits cost the same regardless of the length of the recording.
Take that feedback about Audible and use it or ignore it as you see fit. It's worth exactly what you paid for it.
Hi Ryk,I personally have, as an audible listener, benefitted from reading your series(s) through getting the book "free" through KU, not reading the text, instead paying $1.99 (or some small amount) for the audible version of the book as a benefit of my KU "purchase".
Those deals for your series have not been as nice of late, but you write such a great series that I will buy (the audible version) of your book at full price. You are my crack dealer!
Sorry to hear KU has messed with your ability to benefit from your writing. Personally, I will continue to buy your books however you price them - just please make sure you continue to get them into the audible format. Looking forward to "A Rock and a Hard Place" hitting the Audible store.
Mark Fleisher
I want to second the suggestion that you continue making your stories available in audible format. I have really enjoyed your stories and since I'm visually disabled I can not read them, even in enlarged kindle format. So my only option is an audio book. Thanks for your stories!
I support you, Mr. Brown. And if you have to raise book prices, so be it. It would be completely understandable. Perhaps consider joining Patreon, dedicated readers (such as myself :) ) would be happy to contribute, so you can continue to pursue your passion and keep releasing great stories.Jonas
Congratulations on your success, Ryk. I did not always like KU. but because of new interfaces, it makes it easier to see the revenue generated.
I did not know this was taking place with KU. Last year I turned it off as I rather own the books. Knowing more revenue goes to the authors makes it the right decision. However, I did find you from KU! For authors who are starting, it makes sense as they get found. Once they too gain traction, it would make sense for them to follow this route.As a suggestion, KU users (like me) don't OWN your books. However, why not sell the full series to KU readers at a discount? Each series is great, but I've forgotten so much which has gone on. I've started to purchase other series to read from the beginning - which I deeply enjoy. As you are now collecting mailing lists, I expect you'll find many readers who want to own the series and would be excited to start back from the beginning.
Thanks again for being an amazing storyteller!
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