Taking Giveaways to a New Level (Soon)
Friday, March 21, 2014 at 9:04AM 
Not too long ago I wrote a blog post called "No More Ebook Only." I had made the decision to add paperback editions of my three books that had previously been available only in Kindle. (The Long, Steep Path, Always Chloe and Other Stories, and Subway Dancer and Other Stories.) I made my initial choice because I knew these books--an essay collection and two story collections--would not sell quite as briskly as my novels. And the vast majority of my book sales are in Kindle these days. So I didn't expect to see a great deal of sales on those paperbacks. But when I could afford to, I added them anyway. Because some of my readers still love paper, and some read exclusively in paper. I didn't want them to be left out.
Then along came 365 Days of Gratitude (well, it will be coming along... soon) and a conundrum. The book consists of some text, yes, but mostly 365 high-resolution color photos. My production cost on a paperback is likely more than you would want to pay. Once I have it distributed to bookselling sites, and they take their cut, the price tag I'd have to put on it would be downright silly.
But I made a decision. I'm going to have it set up for paperback anyway. But I'm not going to sell it. I'm going to start by ordering fifty copies for my own use, with the option for more. And I'm going to offer them to readers, but as gifts and giveaways. That way I can honestly say that none of my books are available in ebook only.
So keep an eye on this blog. It will take awhile to get the paperback set up. But I promise to keep you posted when it's here, and available to be won. I'll probably give some away on my Facebook author page as well.
More news as it becomes available.
Catherine
I got a question by email from Susan Schleuss about people being able to buy them if they are willing to pay the high price. Well, the price would be about $60 just for me to slightly more than break even.
So that should settle that.
But it gave me a great idea. Anyone who wants one of these books and isn't having any luck winning one is welcome to buy a copy... from the author. I'll sign a book and mail it to anyone who asks, and only charge what it cost me, which is about $27. That might work, right?
But don't be too quick to jump at that idea, because I'm going to give a bunch of these puppies away! Stay tuned!
Reader Comments (9)
I love how you "walk the walk" with your PAY IT FORWARD giving.
Thanks for "being" YOU, Catherine!
Thanks, Sue! I really love the loyalty of my devoted readers (like you), so that makes it an easy decision!
I love the Gratitude pictures you have posted, Catherine, some are "just" beautiful, some have emotions attached and some have arrived just in time to brighten my day (especially those snowy, dead of winter days)! Thank you for sharing! I can't wait to see a book full of Gratitude !
Thanks, Fran! I seem to recall that you have a Kindle. It should be out in Kindle fairly soon. I'll keep everybody posted.
How lovely, that you've written this kind of inspirational book. With our daily news full of sad stories, we need reminders of what a beautiful world we live in. Best of luck with it, Catherine.
Hi Diana, and thank you. I agree, the news steeps us in despair. And then we begin to think it's s tragic and horrible world. The truth is, it's both. It's as wonderful as it is terrible and as terrible as it is wonderful. Our challenge is to decide where we will place our focus. That's the heart of a gratitude practice.
So true. I've been caught up with what's happening in Ukraine. Makes my blood boil (funny expression). Being first generation Canadian, I am so aware of my roots in that country. But I can't dwell on it. It's too big, too complicated. Its history, like that of Israel, Ireland, and many more countries is fraught with conflict, which is sad. I'm glad that so far, even with all the provocation, there has been no war. I hope it stays that way, and reason prevails. It's too easy to miss the big picture. How many wonderful people there are everywhere. It is such a beautiful world. I just have to go into my garden and marvel at nature's gifts to feel at one with the world.
Hi Catherine... I am so glad to have stumbled upon the author of Pay it Forward. I saw the movie years ago and was deeply moved by it. What a beautiful spirit you have. When I Found You was an Amazon recommendation book. Of course I read the description with the mention of you as the author of Pay It Forward as well. I am back today to order Don't Let Me Go, Second Hand Heart, When I Found You and Pay it Forward ( It bears re- visiting, as well as passing it on and paying it forward!! I had an amazing pay it forward MIRACLE involving a dental convention, a good deal of money (mine), a Boston cab on a freezing January night , and a man and his wife whom I have never met. The wife made it clear she was merely "paying it forward" and that I may feel led to do the same! I have done just that, many times. I may be be blessed with meeting you someday and I will tell you the story. In the meantime it is strengthening to find others who acknowledge a troubled world, but choose to focus on the good. It will always triumph... we just have to LOOK. Susan
Hi Susan, and thanks! I think you'll be surprised when you read the book. There's a lot in there that never made it into the movie. I'll look forward to hearing what you think. Not just of that one, but of everything you ordered. My email address is on the Contact Me page. Thanks for finding me and connecting!