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[ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4668: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4670: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4671: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4672: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) Horror World • View topic - A Message From Don D'Auria at Dorchester Publishing
Given the many changes in the publishing industry over the last several years, Dorchester has made the decision to more tightly focus its distribution models so that we may fully capitalize on the most profitable emerging technologies.
Starting with September titles, we will be moving from mass-market to trade paperback format. This will delay new releases roughly 6-8 months, but it will also open many new and more efficient sales channels.
And we’re pleased to say all titles will be available in ebook format as originally scheduled. The substantial growth we’ve seen in the digital market in such a short period—combined with the decline of the mass-market business—convinced us that we needed to fully focus our resources in this segment sooner rather than later.
Inventory for backlist titles is currently in the process of transition to a new warehouse from which all reorders will continue to be fulfilled.
Dorchester has always been known as a company ahead of the curve and willing to take risks. As bookstores are allocating the bulk of their capital to the digital business, it only makes sense that we do the same. Everyone keeps hearing that the industry has to change if it’s going to survive. We’re excited to be at the forefront of that change and will continue to keep you posted on further developments.
How fascinating; especially as I've just spent two days bouncing the idea around in my head of publishing true pocket-sized paperbacks of authors' back-titles that are out of print, priced at $14.99, coupled with e-book versions of the same titles at $9.99.
Perhaps I'll stick with the big paperbacks and charge $19.99 as usual then?
_________________ Ian Alexander Martin; Proprietor, Atomic Fez Publishing
Like I said Thad, Don was trying to dispel some rumors. They weren't ready to announce this yet but it somehow leaked out and the leaked information wasn't accurate
I understand where everyone is coming from, Nanci, but my point remains. If this was announced to try to dispel some rumors, then all that's been done is creating more rumors and the soon-to-come rampant speculation. Maybe not here, but it is coming. I've seen some of the discussion on your Facebook page. It is starting.
If you're going to do this to dispel any rumors and set any stories straight, then put all your cards on the table.
And by the way, I agree with you Thad. I think more thought should have been put into the press release, all this does is get people more nervous about a lot more things.
And Atomic Fez...paperbacks at $14.99? Do you mean trade? And older books released as ebooks at $ 9.99? Those numbers seem awful high to me.
Thanks for the link to the Konrath blog, Tt. The comments after the blog were pretty insightful and illustrate my point exactly.
I have a lot of questions, but I'm hoping those will be answered soon by Dorchester. There is one I will ask, though. I see everyone talking about authors, but I don't see anyone mentioning us. So, is anyone wondering about the consumers?
Dorchester Drops Mass Market Publishing for E-Book/POD Model by Jim Milliot Aug 06, 2010
Mass market romance publisher Dorchester Publishing has dropped its traditional print publishing business in favor of an e-book/print-on-demand model effective with its September titles that are “shipping” now. President John Prebich said after retail sales fell by 25% in 2009, the company knew that 2010 “would be a defining year,” but rather than show improvement, “sales have been worse.” While returns are down, the company has had a difficult time getting its titles into stores as shelf space for mass market has been reduced, Prebich explained. Dorchester recently let its field sales force of seven go, although Tim DeYoung remains with the company as v-p of sales and marketing. The editorial team remains intact, although Prebich said the number of titles released monthly will likely be reduced from over 30 to 25. He said the schedule for 2011 is set and Dorchester has books in the pipeline through June 2012.
Dorchester will continue to do print copies for its book club business and has signed a deal with Ingram Publisher Service for IPS to do print-on-demand copies for selected titles. According to Prebich, some e-books that are doing well in the digital marketplace will be released as trade paperbacks with IPS fulfilling orders; the company, however, will not do any more mass market paperbacks for retail distribution.
Prebich said Dorchester’s e-book business has had “remarkable growth” which he expects to double again in the next year. Still, digital sales accounted for only 12% of total revenue prior to the company making the transition to the e-book/pod model. Prebich conceded that Dorchester will have lower revenues, but he expects margins to improve. He said the company is working out a new royalty rate with authors that he expects to announce next week. Editors are talking to authors now about the changes. “We hope they’ll stay,” Prebich said. Dorchester’s e-books are available at most major vendors and compatible with most platforms at an average price of $6.99. Trade paperbacks will be priced in the $12 to $15 range.
On his decision to drop the mass market format Prebich explained: “These are like pioneer times in publishing. We felt like we needed to take some chances and make a bold move."
This article only talks about the Romance portion of the buisness, I wonder what they will do with the horror portion. And if I understand it correctly, if it does include the horror portion, we will still be getting paperback books, only they will be trade sized. I am going to guess that we will be paying the same monthly fee, only instead of recieving two books, it will be one large one.
I've spoken with Don D'Auria a few times today and my guess as to why we're not getting more answers is simply becuase they aren't sure yet. There are still lots of things that need sorted out, like author royalty rates and production schedules, so it will still be a while before things are smoothed out.
And this definitely isn't just the romance line. I'm unfortunately the first horror author affected by this. Starting with September, there are no more mass market papebacks so my VALLEY OF THE SCARECROW is not shipping in the next few weeks as I'd hoped. It will be available as an ebook in September, but that's it. There will be a trade paperback version released in 2011 sometime but Don said they still are working on a publishing schedule. I have no idea about prices or distribution or anything like that. All I know is this is a sad day for publishing in my opinion. I personally hate ebooks but understand they are here to stay. Maybe this new approach will be wildly successful for Leisure and I truly hope it is, but we'll all have to wait and see.
I as well am saddened to hear about this. I just joined the book club a few months ago, and found it much more convenient and easy, rather than having to venture to the supermarket, bookstore, or having to order them through Amazon or such. I have absolutely NO interest in Ebooks. To me, it's like watching a tv show or movie on your phone. It just doesn't have that same appeal. I'd rather hold it in my hands, than just read it on a screen. Very sad day indeed, but unfortunately, the voices that hate it are quieter than the ones that embrace it. I guess it's TPBs from now on
I've tried to avoid giving my opinion, but after reading several blogs and Facebook postings from fans and authors, I want to get it off my chest.
Dorchester just pulled out a shotgun and Kurt Cobained themselves. I'm actually quite surprised they haven't been renamed as the Titanic.
They waited until August to announce something they're implementing in September. One post I read is that some authors weren't aware of this. Then there are no details forthcoming to the consumers, let alone the authors. A move as big as this, and they don't want to tell anyone? That jolt they just felt was the iceberg scraping their hull. Because not only are horror fans jumping ship, it appears that romance fans are, as well.
My personal opinions of Leisure and some of its employees aside, this is just sad. They were at least dedicated to bringing horror fans two books a month, and now...well, I don't know. My prediction is none of these horror books see the light of day as a trade paperback.
What's even sadder is that my choice of buying or not buying an ereader is quickly being taken away from me. I'm starting to feel like I have no say in that matter, and that's bullshit, pure and simple. If you have an ereader and like it, great. I'm happy for you. There's different reasons for getting one (like Nanci's and Laurel's reasons differ). If you're an author who does this and you can make money on it, more power to you. But to read some of these authors and stories now, you need one. I honestly think people like Craig and I who don't want one, people who can't afford them, and people just like the feel of books, aren't factored into the equation of ereaders, or our lost sales are just the cost of doing business.
I read a lot of the posts and comments to Mom. She asked if that's where books were going, to become ebooks. I said years down the line, but it seems inevitable. She said that was a big steaming pile of horseshit and she hopes she's not around to see it happen.
Been a long night and day adjusting to all the news. I have a deep respect for Don D'Auria and all the people over at Leisure. I have no idea why they felt they needed to make this decision but obviously they had their reasons. They are intelligent men and woman and I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe in the long run this ends up a great thing for the genre. Maybe not. Time will tell. I'm just disappointed that they didn't take the time to inform their writers and agents first, before the shit hit the fan. The only way I found out about it was when I emailed to say hi and ask if I could order 100 copies of my new book for upcoming conventions and book signings. That was yesterday. Today I'm willing to look at this with an open mind and see what happens. I truly hope this is the start of great things for Leisure Books and the horror genre. It's going to be a strange year:)
What pisses me off is that while I want to simply say F--K YOU to Leisure, I also want to support the authors I know and love. Keene, Rollo, Malfi, Ketchum, etc. Now WTF am I supposed to do? I will not spend a couple hundred bucks on a Kindle, plain and simple. I guess I'll wait for the trade paperbacks, but only ones that I REALLY want, which means Leisure is going to lose a lot of sales from me. I realize my purchases mean nothing to them, but it still pisses me off.
Oh, and I don't know about anyone else here, but I was so excited that Leisure was going to finally be releasing Richard Laymon's FUNLAND this year - my favorite novel of his. So much for that.
Not that I'm accusing anyone of doing this, but try to remember -- no matter what point in the chain you are at, no matter what you're doing at any given time -- this is a business. If people don't buy enough mass market paperbacks to permit a publisher to make enough revenue to cover their costs, they aren't going to make that format of books. Chances are doubling the RRP of those MMPs would have the same effect as this decision is having on some people. If changing to a dual stream of Trade Paperback and electronic books means they can make enough money to pay authors, cover artists, editors, and so on, then they'll do that. There is nothing that is owed to the reader, other than offering products in the hope enough of them will buy those products.
If you do not like their products, you do not have to buy them. If not enough people buy the products, then they don't have to make them.
Like many people, including me and the rest of us here, the employees and authors at Leisure want to eat and pay their mortgages.
_________________ Ian Alexander Martin; Proprietor, Atomic Fez Publishing
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