Do my thighs look big? Some would be surprised French women ask themselves this question. But three months till summertime and, truth is, the French–men, women, and even children–are already dieting! They're talking about it at the picnic table, in the school yard, and in programs on T.V.
The other day I overhead the term "culotte de cheval" and guessed the subject was fashion (as in "riding pants are out this season"). How wrong I was…
culotte de cheval (kew-lowt-deuh-shuh-vahl)
: jodphur thighs
Back home we call it "pears." A person whose weight settles below the belt is considered "pear-shaped."
What about you? Where do you store your extra? Sur les cuisses (on the thighs) or on the belly (le bidou, as little kids say)? For me it's my middle–or anywhere, actually. I try not to focus on weight, for, as a dear friends says, what you focus on increases 🙂
Today I am focusing on reader satisfaction–a much better place to center one's attention! My new book is already arriving in mailboxes! And the funny thing is I have not seen a copy of it yet (having only read the PDF format).
Because you will be seeing my book before I see it, can you please tell me: how does it look? How are you enjoying the photo-filled stories? Did you notice the puzzle in the back–and the interview? That's new, too!
If you enjoy the book, please consider rating First French Essais here on Amazon. It will be a great help to my book. Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading your book review!
First wildflower bouquet of the season!
A Day in a FRENCH Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Finally, "Un Prix Amical!"
Thank you very much for purchasing my First French Essais. The rumble you made while rushing for my book propelled it–to no. 38 on Amazon's Top 100!
If you only knew how many years I've spent, eyes glued to Amazon's Bestsellers page. I watched Twilight hit the charts, then Eato, Prayo, Lovo (translated, it seemed, into a bajillion languages!). And when Shades of Gray lounged like a slut at no. 1, I threw my arms in the air. Help me God! How could a prude like me ever make it to the bestsellers? Without a big publisher? Without a G-string?
And yet I dreamed… One day… maybe one day….
Years passed and THE DAY CAME! What a thrill to hit my computer's refresh button and see my rank finally appear–straight at the top!
But this morning First French Essais tumbled off the list…
…and Amazon slashed my book's price by 40%!!!
As book rank and price radically shifted, I felt both excited… and terrible! On the one hand my book now had the friendly price I'd tried so hard to get, but on the other hand my most faithful and supportive readers–those who purchased during the book launch–did not benefit from a prix amical, or friendly price.
If only writers were mindreaders! I could not know, when pricing my book, that Amazon would sharply undercut it, within 48 hours! Surprised to wake up and find my book selling for $13.50 instead of $22.50, I was amazed at how little control one has, finally, when "self" publishing.
Let's go behind the scenes and see why:
When an author publishes her book, via Amazon's "print on demand" service, she sets the price based on page number and format–and how much she wants or needs to earn per book.
Because my book is 150 pages & full-color, the minimum price I could set it for was $18.50. But at this price, my royalties would be zero!
…To make 0.5 cents per book, I would need to set the price at $19
… to make .65 cents per book… I'd have to sell it for $20
But this was no where near where I wanted to price my book! My goal being to offer a full-color book at $15 (a price that seems friendly to all, author included!).
Only at $15, my earnings would be $-2.35! Would I actually have to pay Amazon?
What if I bought an inventory of books? Would the printer then lower the production cost? How about if I reduced page number? Or removed some color photos? Or did cartwheels?
I tried every which way to lower the price for readers. Nothing doing! To make a return on my book, I would need to set the price over $20. And one more thing…
In order to make my book available to libraries and booksellers (or anywhere other than Amazon), I would have to set the minimum price at $28! (Get outta here!)
I finally settled on $22.50. For this price I would lose sales to certain countries, making a few cents in others, like England and France (for the latter I make a whopping 0.12 centimes per book!). I would also lose the chance to work with libraries, but could still earn slightly more than a publisher would pay me. And isn't that, after all, the goal of self-publishing?
It is one goal of self-publishing. The bigger goal is to write what you want to write–and not what a publisher tells you to! But without a major publisher, one who who can buy 25,000 books and resell them at a cheaper price), I am at the mercy of Amazon (my printer).
Sunday morning I watched as Amazon threw me to the lions–or what I feared would be lions once my readers learned the current price of my book!! What to do now?
"Tell the whole story," Mom encouraged, as she always does. "People will understand. You must never be afraid to tell your story."
* * *
To those who paid the higher price, I am terribly sorry. I tried my best to get you the prix amical. But some things are out of one's control (a lesson I learn daily). Considering the life of a book, please know your purchase has given my First French Essais the healthy start every newborn needs!
Shane Cook, a reader in Texas, is the first to have received the book–as far as I know. Even I have not seen the actual product! I asked Shane to take pictures, so I could rest assured that the spine and covers were as they appeared online. Thank you, Shane! What a relief!
… And here is the back, as photographed by Shane. One detail, I just noticed, had escaped me: the note at the bottom of the polaroid. Thanks, Tami, at TLC Graphics, for the delightful caption!
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Kristin,
Such lovely words you wrote: “Considering the life of a book, please know your purchase has given my First French Essais the healthy start every newborn needs!”
Though I can’t imagine that anyone would have blamed you for the price difference, Jules gave you wise advice to tell the story, and you told it so well. It is interesting to know the process.
As I see it (or in my humble opinion, as people say) the price drop appears exactly because your book’s sales are up! It seems that other booksellers do the same – discount best sellers to reach a wider audience and earn more on volume. I am glad to hear that their price reduction means no reduction to you!
Questions: are you saying libraries are now unable to shelf any book that is priced under $28? Am I missing something there? I am sure my local library has a copy of Words in a French Life. In fact, I believe that is how I was first introduced to you.
Kristin,
Such lovely words you wrote: “Considering the life of a book, please know your purchase has given my First French Essais the healthy start every newborn needs!”
Though I can’t imagine that anyone would have blamed you for the price difference, Jules gave you wise advice to tell the story, and you told it so well. It is interesting to know the process.
As I see it (or in my humble opinion, as people say) the price drop appears exactly because your book’s sales are up! It seems that other booksellers do the same – discount best sellers to reach a wider audience and earn more on volume. I am glad to hear that their price reduction means no reduction to you!
Questions: are you saying libraries are now unable to shelf any book that is priced under $28? Am I missing something there? I am sure my local library has a copy of Words in a French Life. In fact, I believe that is how I was first introduced to you.
Dear Kristin, I enjoy your French Word-a-Day so much and have bought your first book. I intend to buy the most recent as well. I have a friend who published her book of poetry (French and English) on Amazon last year and is getting just pennies, literally, from each one! Amazon is making money, be assured! We need to figure out a way around this. It simply isn’t fair. By the way, I would have been perfectly happy to pay $22.50, or more! Keep up the good work! Rebecca
Dear Kristin, I enjoy your French Word-a-Day so much and have bought your first book. I intend to buy the most recent as well. I have a friend who published her book of poetry (French and English) on Amazon last year and is getting just pennies, literally, from each one! Amazon is making money, be assured! We need to figure out a way around this. It simply isn’t fair. By the way, I would have been perfectly happy to pay $22.50, or more! Keep up the good work! Rebecca
Hi Kristin,
I haven’t received my copy yet but I agree with Tim, t’inquietes pas! Your price was not unreasonable at all and if some people get the book at a discount now, good for them! 🙂
Hi Kristin,
I haven’t received my copy yet but I agree with Tim, t’inquietes pas! Your price was not unreasonable at all and if some people get the book at a discount now, good for them! 🙂
Kristi, your candour is always such a refreshing wonder. I cannot imagine any one of us who follows you here ever holding back from supporting your book at its original price as set by you.
I don’t know yet what Amazon Canada or Chapters.Indigo here will set as its cost; I only know I will grab as many copies as I can to share as blessings with my near’n’dear.
Kristi, your candour is always such a refreshing wonder. I cannot imagine any one of us who follows you here ever holding back from supporting your book at its original price as set by you.
I don’t know yet what Amazon Canada or Chapters.Indigo here will set as its cost; I only know I will grab as many copies as I can to share as blessings with my near’n’dear.
We just purchased the last Amazon copy posted today, Monday, 17 March. Purchase was completed at about 10:50 PM; delivery is guaranteed for Thursday, 20 March. Bon!
Merci, Kristin, pour nous montrer toujours comment tu fais preuve de courage en donnant au monde la vie. En fait, tu nous donnes des cadeaux. Grand merci!
NJ
We just purchased the last Amazon copy posted today, Monday, 17 March. Purchase was completed at about 10:50 PM; delivery is guaranteed for Thursday, 20 March. Bon!
Merci, Kristin, pour nous montrer toujours comment tu fais preuve de courage en donnant au monde la vie. En fait, tu nous donnes des cadeaux. Grand merci!
NJ
Just chiming in to reiterate what all the others have said. I purchased the first day and don’t regret it a bit! I am jealous that so many others have received their copies already or will in the next day or two! My copy apparently won’t arrive until the end of the week or beginning of next! I can’t wait! (I’m getting all 3 of your books! 😀 Yayyyy!)
Oh, . . . and regarding a little extra on the thighs . . . we called them saddlebags! 🙂
Just chiming in to reiterate what all the others have said. I purchased the first day and don’t regret it a bit! I am jealous that so many others have received their copies already or will in the next day or two! My copy apparently won’t arrive until the end of the week or beginning of next! I can’t wait! (I’m getting all 3 of your books! 😀 Yayyyy!)
Oh, . . . and regarding a little extra on the thighs . . . we called them saddlebags! 🙂
Hi Kristin, Take heart, I am more than happy to have paid full price for you book, to support your enthusiasm and the many hours and much heart you have put into this work of love. As a fellow self publisher I opted out very early from Amazon selling paperbacks as it was costing me money by the time I paid for postage from Australia. I set up my own sales from my website…www.wendyhaynes.com – for books on beautiful wedding, naming and funeral ceremonies! (It is a challenge, but yes, you have to let everyone now about your book, at every opportunity. We want to know!
Hi Kristin, Take heart, I am more than happy to have paid full price for you book, to support your enthusiasm and the many hours and much heart you have put into this work of love. As a fellow self publisher I opted out very early from Amazon selling paperbacks as it was costing me money by the time I paid for postage from Australia. I set up my own sales from my website…www.wendyhaynes.com – for books on beautiful wedding, naming and funeral ceremonies! (It is a challenge, but yes, you have to let everyone now about your book, at every opportunity. We want to know!
There is never a need to apologize for what amazon does, and most people are happy to give a start to a new book, for I cannot imagine a world without good books, and our choices for sales are our votes for what we want to see published and available in the world. Thank you for talking about the giant’s mysterious appetite to control their vendors; the more the public knows, perhaps it can be used to better the advantage of the little folk. For my book sold by them, they pay .25 less than what I paid to print it, PLUS I have to pay for postage to send the item to them. Recently, they have wanted me to send each book individually, when I could send 3 together for the same price postage, so my book has been out of stock for a while. Being out of stock actually is a benefit for me, because I sell more off my website that way. I offer free shipping, and can sign the books personally, also. This may be possible for you also, but a little tricky selling in two countries (you’d need someone in the US willing to do this for you). You might think about getting some of the lower price books yourself for book talks… Also, my book is in libraries (at 18.95) and as a school librarian, I never consider the price when placing my orders. Maybe that is another of amazon’s rules? Good luck; it takes courage.
There is never a need to apologize for what amazon does, and most people are happy to give a start to a new book, for I cannot imagine a world without good books, and our choices for sales are our votes for what we want to see published and available in the world. Thank you for talking about the giant’s mysterious appetite to control their vendors; the more the public knows, perhaps it can be used to better the advantage of the little folk. For my book sold by them, they pay .25 less than what I paid to print it, PLUS I have to pay for postage to send the item to them. Recently, they have wanted me to send each book individually, when I could send 3 together for the same price postage, so my book has been out of stock for a while. Being out of stock actually is a benefit for me, because I sell more off my website that way. I offer free shipping, and can sign the books personally, also. This may be possible for you also, but a little tricky selling in two countries (you’d need someone in the US willing to do this for you). You might think about getting some of the lower price books yourself for book talks… Also, my book is in libraries (at 18.95) and as a school librarian, I never consider the price when placing my orders. Maybe that is another of amazon’s rules? Good luck; it takes courage.
Dear Kristin
I signed up for your newsletter a good few months ago and really enjoyed your blog posts, then I bought your Blossoming in Provence and loved it and I landed up going through a link one day and realised that Jean Marc was a biodynamic winegrower which is what we are … serendipity. I just ordered your latest book on amazon.fr and can’t wait read it.
We are an hour and 10 mins from Bordeaux city. Apart from inviting you to visit us I want to ask you a favour.
My second book is due out in July 2014. I wondered if you would consider receiving an advance copy sampler of the first 6 chapters to read and give a short review? (if so please let me know were a postal address to send it.)
As a fellow writer I found your post today really interesting. Congratulations on your sales for that first day. wow! watch out shades of grey.
I look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks in advance.
another of your fans, Caro Feely (you can reach me at caro at feelywines dot com)
Dear Kristin
I signed up for your newsletter a good few months ago and really enjoyed your blog posts, then I bought your Blossoming in Provence and loved it and I landed up going through a link one day and realised that Jean Marc was a biodynamic winegrower which is what we are … serendipity. I just ordered your latest book on amazon.fr and can’t wait read it.
We are an hour and 10 mins from Bordeaux city. Apart from inviting you to visit us I want to ask you a favour.
My second book is due out in July 2014. I wondered if you would consider receiving an advance copy sampler of the first 6 chapters to read and give a short review? (if so please let me know were a postal address to send it.)
As a fellow writer I found your post today really interesting. Congratulations on your sales for that first day. wow! watch out shades of grey.
I look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks in advance.
another of your fans, Caro Feely (you can reach me at caro at feelywines dot com)
The comments concerning dieting are disconcerting, to say the least … “… three months till summertime and, truth is, the French–men, women, and even children–are already dieting! As a parent of a daughter with a eating disorder, I think this thinking is extremely dangerous, potentially life-threatening. Let’s talk about fitness and exercise instead.
The comments concerning dieting are disconcerting, to say the least … “… three months till summertime and, truth is, the French–men, women, and even children–are already dieting! As a parent of a daughter with a eating disorder, I think this thinking is extremely dangerous, potentially life-threatening. Let’s talk about fitness and exercise instead.
Trina, Thank you very much for your thoughts! Re libraries, it depends on the publisher. This 28 dollar rule is set by CreateSpace (Amazons Print on Demand company). It would seem libraries could go around this, by ordering from Amazon. (Maybe that is Amazons plan?)
Trina, Thank you very much for your thoughts! Re libraries, it depends on the publisher. This 28 dollar rule is set by CreateSpace (Amazons Print on Demand company). It would seem libraries could go around this, by ordering from Amazon. (Maybe that is Amazons plan?)
First a comment about culotte de cheval (one French phrase I hope to forget). I’m currently doing a 3-week magic detox/jumpstart diet that a French friend sent me. I’m making progress and have more energy (I should with all the greens I’m eating). But it also gives me insight into the tremendous self-disciple French women have when it comes to eating. I’m eating plenty of food, but no sugar or bread or caffeine at all. But it’s my own lack of discipline that got me here. Those French women know something about eating healthy.
Now, about your book. Thanks for explaining how Amazon works. I had no problem paying the original price because that’s what books with photographs cost. Most authors, big or small, are at the mercy of the Amazon behemoth. However, that thing about “library price” was really crazy. I would hope that libraries, since they serve the public good, would pay less for everything.
I would follow the suggestion someone made earlier and if the price drops again (or if they’ll sell at bulk price) that you buy many to have on hand so you sell them a little higher at book signings, etc.
First a comment about culotte de cheval (one French phrase I hope to forget). I’m currently doing a 3-week magic detox/jumpstart diet that a French friend sent me. I’m making progress and have more energy (I should with all the greens I’m eating). But it also gives me insight into the tremendous self-disciple French women have when it comes to eating. I’m eating plenty of food, but no sugar or bread or caffeine at all. But it’s my own lack of discipline that got me here. Those French women know something about eating healthy.
Now, about your book. Thanks for explaining how Amazon works. I had no problem paying the original price because that’s what books with photographs cost. Most authors, big or small, are at the mercy of the Amazon behemoth. However, that thing about “library price” was really crazy. I would hope that libraries, since they serve the public good, would pay less for everything.
I would follow the suggestion someone made earlier and if the price drops again (or if they’ll sell at bulk price) that you buy many to have on hand so you sell them a little higher at book signings, etc.
Dear Kristin,
I join so many others in saying that paying the first price is not an issue. I want to support you for all the fine posts you have shared throughout the years! It is always a pleasure to open your blog! You never fail to brighten my spirits or give me cause to pander something I had not thought of before!
So I bought a hard copy of your book for a friend and will be buying an e-copy for myself when it becomes available as well!
BTW, I will look forward to a day when I can come to your book signing in Northern CA! Is there any chance?
Dear Kristin,
I join so many others in saying that paying the first price is not an issue. I want to support you for all the fine posts you have shared throughout the years! It is always a pleasure to open your blog! You never fail to brighten my spirits or give me cause to pander something I had not thought of before!
So I bought a hard copy of your book for a friend and will be buying an e-copy for myself when it becomes available as well!
BTW, I will look forward to a day when I can come to your book signing in Northern CA! Is there any chance?
Thanks for the update, Kristin. They do make it complicated, don’t they?
Thanks for the update, Kristin. They do make it complicated, don’t they?
I was happy to pay the higher price–I am supporting an artist! And a tour guide and a sort of a friend, one who is living a dream every francophile has, and doing it with style.
I was happy to pay the higher price–I am supporting an artist! And a tour guide and a sort of a friend, one who is living a dream every francophile has, and doing it with style.
You are #4 on Amazon Kristi!!! Can’t wait for the Kindle edition here in Australia, and we are all supporting you in this new adventure- you already give so much to us! Leisa x
You are #4 on Amazon Kristi!!! Can’t wait for the Kindle edition here in Australia, and we are all supporting you in this new adventure- you already give so much to us! Leisa x
Kristin,
I bought the book at the ‘prix amical’ price, but even if your book was $30 bucs, I would have bought anyways. You are a breath of fresh air. I read your blog everyday sometimes 2 or 3 times. Love the pictures you take — I guess I had mentioned to you that I oil paint your pictures, just to practice, no worries, I am not going to commercialized them.
Your stories and culture comparison are delightful. Also, it is fun to learn and realize the similarities between the French culture and Brazilian culture. They are so close.
thank you for the great books and for being part of my jouney of learning French.
Lots of success!!!
Kristin,
I bought the book at the ‘prix amical’ price, but even if your book was $30 bucs, I would have bought anyways. You are a breath of fresh air. I read your blog everyday sometimes 2 or 3 times. Love the pictures you take — I guess I had mentioned to you that I oil paint your pictures, just to practice, no worries, I am not going to commercialized them.
Your stories and culture comparison are delightful. Also, it is fun to learn and realize the similarities between the French culture and Brazilian culture. They are so close.
thank you for the great books and for being part of my jouney of learning French.
Lots of success!!!
Kristin,
I was pleased to pay whatever price. I did not buy it because I thought it would be a bargain. No. I bought it, like many others, in order to support you and because I wanted to to read it.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I love the cover.
Betsy
Kristin,
I was pleased to pay whatever price. I did not buy it because I thought it would be a bargain. No. I bought it, like many others, in order to support you and because I wanted to to read it.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I love the cover.
Betsy
I was happy to support your work at whatever price, in appreciation for the many lovely stories and feelings you have shared with us, your faithful readers via your blog.
Amy
I was happy to support your work at whatever price, in appreciation for the many lovely stories and feelings you have shared with us, your faithful readers via your blog.
Amy
Finally… your new book has arrived! I ordered so many books ( to give to my friends) that I qualified for free shipping, and it took …forever~
It is beautiful, from the cover, to the layout, to the colorful pictures, to the tender stories and sentiments. The chapter for Mr. Farjon brought tears to my eyes. Yet another wonderful gift you have given to your readers, Kristin. Thank you…
Finally… your new book has arrived! I ordered so many books ( to give to my friends) that I qualified for free shipping, and it took …forever~
It is beautiful, from the cover, to the layout, to the colorful pictures, to the tender stories and sentiments. The chapter for Mr. Farjon brought tears to my eyes. Yet another wonderful gift you have given to your readers, Kristin. Thank you…
My copy has arrived, and I’ve been reading a story or two before bed each night – rationing it; probably when I’ve read through it, I’ll read it again. It’s well made, with good-quality paper. I suppose many books today are made with recycled paper, which is good, but the paper in your book is better, which ensures the quality of the photos.
I don’t know if libraries have a policy on what they pay for books. Judging by our local library, I don’t think so. I’m sure there are books that cost at least $28 there. What I’ve noticed, though, in the past couple of years or so, is that books are being replaced by CDs. I occasionally check out CDs to listen to in the car, but don’t consider them quite the equivalent of books; the percentage of books vs. CDs keeps shrinking. That would be more of a concern for me than the price, because yours is still a “real” book.
My copy has arrived, and I’ve been reading a story or two before bed each night – rationing it; probably when I’ve read through it, I’ll read it again. It’s well made, with good-quality paper. I suppose many books today are made with recycled paper, which is good, but the paper in your book is better, which ensures the quality of the photos.
I don’t know if libraries have a policy on what they pay for books. Judging by our local library, I don’t think so. I’m sure there are books that cost at least $28 there. What I’ve noticed, though, in the past couple of years or so, is that books are being replaced by CDs. I occasionally check out CDs to listen to in the car, but don’t consider them quite the equivalent of books; the percentage of books vs. CDs keeps shrinking. That would be more of a concern for me than the price, because yours is still a “real” book.
I feel a kindred spirit. My cousin (Georgia Howe) sent me your link. We have a few things in common. I just published my first book in December 2013, a memoir. I have a website, sarahtauber.com and my tagline is “On being happy again”. What you talk about re Amazon is so interesting to me. My book is on there as well. Don’t think it has a rating yet. I will check out your book. You sound delightful and wise. My book is “For Dear Life”. Best of luck to you! p.s. I used to speak French fluently – have forgotten a lot. It’s a beautiful language.
I feel a kindred spirit. My cousin (Georgia Howe) sent me your link. We have a few things in common. I just published my first book in December 2013, a memoir. I have a website, sarahtauber.com and my tagline is “On being happy again”. What you talk about re Amazon is so interesting to me. My book is on there as well. Don’t think it has a rating yet. I will check out your book. You sound delightful and wise. My book is “For Dear Life”. Best of luck to you! p.s. I used to speak French fluently – have forgotten a lot. It’s a beautiful language.