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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MOM! XOXOXOXO
MOM! XOXOXOXO
Kristin,
I am so glad I purchased your book and, without your asking me to, I might not have done it so quickly. Thank you for being so brave as to put yourself ‘out there’ for us to see and enjoy. We are your fans! Also, thank you for explaining how book publishing actually works. I had no idea.
Kristin,
I am so glad I purchased your book and, without your asking me to, I might not have done it so quickly. Thank you for being so brave as to put yourself ‘out there’ for us to see and enjoy. We are your fans! Also, thank you for explaining how book publishing actually works. I had no idea.
Like some others, I noticed the price when I bought your book on the launch day, and thought it a bit high just because Amazon always seems to ‘undercut’ prices. But, let me tell you, it did not make me pause for more than a nano-second as I thought if I can give you back a wee gift for all you have given me, then this is just perfect. Bam, hit the Buy Now!!! Yes. I am sitting in a bookstore at my daughter’s university in MS and I am just so anxious to get back to her house this evening and see if your book isn’t sitting on her front porch. I hope, I hope! I had it sent here instead of to my home in CA, as I just can’t wait to read it and ‘see’ it!!!
Like some others, I noticed the price when I bought your book on the launch day, and thought it a bit high just because Amazon always seems to ‘undercut’ prices. But, let me tell you, it did not make me pause for more than a nano-second as I thought if I can give you back a wee gift for all you have given me, then this is just perfect. Bam, hit the Buy Now!!! Yes. I am sitting in a bookstore at my daughter’s university in MS and I am just so anxious to get back to her house this evening and see if your book isn’t sitting on her front porch. I hope, I hope! I had it sent here instead of to my home in CA, as I just can’t wait to read it and ‘see’ it!!!
Hi Kristin,
When I saw your note encouraging your fans to buy your new book the first day it was available, I immediately bought it online. Why would a fan not want to help you??? So I was glad to do it. OK, now you tell us that Amazon immediately dropped the price rather dramatically. Big deal. I won’t miss those few dollars…and I’ll probably forget about it soon. Meanwhile, when the book arrives soon, I will be among the first to enjoy reading it and learning more details about how you have turned a long-ago dream into a complete life meme avec des enfants, des amis Francais partout, and des gens comme moi qui sont aussi des Francophones depuis leurs jeunesses. So don’t worry too much about disgruntled readers feeling bad because they missed getting a bigger bargain by helping you hit that Top 100 List! Pas grande chose.
-Ed Klinenberg in Menlo Park, CA
Hi Kristin,
When I saw your note encouraging your fans to buy your new book the first day it was available, I immediately bought it online. Why would a fan not want to help you??? So I was glad to do it. OK, now you tell us that Amazon immediately dropped the price rather dramatically. Big deal. I won’t miss those few dollars…and I’ll probably forget about it soon. Meanwhile, when the book arrives soon, I will be among the first to enjoy reading it and learning more details about how you have turned a long-ago dream into a complete life meme avec des enfants, des amis Francais partout, and des gens comme moi qui sont aussi des Francophones depuis leurs jeunesses. So don’t worry too much about disgruntled readers feeling bad because they missed getting a bigger bargain by helping you hit that Top 100 List! Pas grande chose.
-Ed Klinenberg in Menlo Park, CA
My book should be arriving today and I can’t wait to look through it. I never hesitate to buy any book of yours. That is so nice of you to be concerned about those who bought at the higher price. I truly believe we all did that because it was you. You give of yourself through this blog and for that I know I am grateful.
xoxo
My book should be arriving today and I can’t wait to look through it. I never hesitate to buy any book of yours. That is so nice of you to be concerned about those who bought at the higher price. I truly believe we all did that because it was you. You give of yourself through this blog and for that I know I am grateful.
xoxo
I think a lot of us bought on line right away and I suspect we will all love your book regardless of the price..my son is a major amazon buyer/player so I am well aware of their price reductions..he waits for them, I decide how much I want the item and decide if I want to play the wait and see game. Glad to have the education on self publishing and glad that you are assured of some monetary return for your excellent work. We have all enjoyed your text and photographs for years..and to have it in bookcase form is a treat indeed.
I think a lot of us bought on line right away and I suspect we will all love your book regardless of the price..my son is a major amazon buyer/player so I am well aware of their price reductions..he waits for them, I decide how much I want the item and decide if I want to play the wait and see game. Glad to have the education on self publishing and glad that you are assured of some monetary return for your excellent work. We have all enjoyed your text and photographs for years..and to have it in bookcase form is a treat indeed.
I would have paid the $28.00 to get you in US libraries…
I would have paid the $28.00 to get you in US libraries…
Thanks, Ed, and to all who have left such amazing words of support (beginning, today, with Tims message). I read and appreciate every single word. I am so touched to know that a high school student continues to read my blog, 7 years after her teacher made the blog assigned reading, and I am moved to see another reader ask Forget the price drop. How can we help you?
Though I do not mention each persons name when responding to these comments, I am grateful to each person! (Always nervous to leave somebody out… so best not to try to address each note!) Mille mercis for your generous words!
Thanks, Ed, and to all who have left such amazing words of support (beginning, today, with Tims message). I read and appreciate every single word. I am so touched to know that a high school student continues to read my blog, 7 years after her teacher made the blog assigned reading, and I am moved to see another reader ask Forget the price drop. How can we help you?
Though I do not mention each persons name when responding to these comments, I am grateful to each person! (Always nervous to leave somebody out… so best not to try to address each note!) Mille mercis for your generous words!
I’d never have known! Very interesting to learn the ins-and-outs of self-publishing with Amazon. Now I can pass on the knowledge to some of the historians I know that are interested in getting their works published.
I don’t mind the few extra dollars. The joy of buying it on the first day was well-worth it!
I’d never have known! Very interesting to learn the ins-and-outs of self-publishing with Amazon. Now I can pass on the knowledge to some of the historians I know that are interested in getting their works published.
I don’t mind the few extra dollars. The joy of buying it on the first day was well-worth it!
Ce n’est pas grave! I am excited to receive my copy today or tomorrow. I look forward to the pictures and having it to complete my set. In the big picture, it is just a few dollars. I appreciate you sharing the story about the pricing. Everybody will understand. You won’t lose any fans over this. Bonne journee!!
Ce n’est pas grave! I am excited to receive my copy today or tomorrow. I look forward to the pictures and having it to complete my set. In the big picture, it is just a few dollars. I appreciate you sharing the story about the pricing. Everybody will understand. You won’t lose any fans over this. Bonne journee!!
Eagerly awaiting my book. At whatever the price – your work is worth every penny.
Je suis de tour coeur avec toi…..
Claudette
Eagerly awaiting my book. At whatever the price – your work is worth every penny.
Je suis de tour coeur avec toi…..
Claudette
What a joy to read your mom and all of your readers wonderful, supportive comments comme toujours cherie. You enlightened us with the details of self publishing today, as all of your posts do with words of inspiration. Mille mercis to you Kristin and a very Happy St. Patricks Day to bless you along your path.
What a joy to read your mom and all of your readers wonderful, supportive comments comme toujours cherie. You enlightened us with the details of self publishing today, as all of your posts do with words of inspiration. Mille mercis to you Kristin and a very Happy St. Patricks Day to bless you along your path.
My book has not yet arrived in my mailbox, but I was glad to pay Amazon’s original price for it. Sorry that you aren’t making much money on it. Don’t get discouraged; keep writing.
My book has not yet arrived in my mailbox, but I was glad to pay Amazon’s original price for it. Sorry that you aren’t making much money on it. Don’t get discouraged; keep writing.
Our dear Kristi,
That you even wrote today’s post not only speaks volumes for your character,but also reminds us again how privileged we are to share in your life.
I received my wonderful book on the 15th(Amazon shipped it quickly…had ordered it on the day you wrote about it).We had just returned home from a tiring trip,and reading your words was like a balm to raise my spirits. It’s beautiful,Kristi,interesting, and easy to
read (both typeset and content),with wonderful pictures..A few dollars difference in prices is not going to make an iota of difference to anyone. Your writing is a gift to us all.
Love, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
That you even wrote today’s post not only speaks volumes for your character,but also reminds us again how privileged we are to share in your life.
I received my wonderful book on the 15th(Amazon shipped it quickly…had ordered it on the day you wrote about it).We had just returned home from a tiring trip,and reading your words was like a balm to raise my spirits. It’s beautiful,Kristi,interesting, and easy to
read (both typeset and content),with wonderful pictures..A few dollars difference in prices is not going to make an iota of difference to anyone. Your writing is a gift to us all.
Love, Natalia XO
What I was taught is not to expect to make money on your books, or even make your money back. The book gives you credibility. Most people with contracts make about $1/bk and unless you’re in the elite, you don’t have an advance and fancy hotel book tour.
We certainly hear about people who are making money self-publishing, usually includes vampires or shades of gray but not always.
John Locke has a great ebook on how he made $$ publishing. Twitter relationships, are one of the keys.
We all love you and love your books. You make a difference every day. Love, Lorrie (written fast because I should be working, so not re-read for clarity and grammar.)
For what it’s worth, The Great Gatsby was considered a failure during Fitzgerald’s lifetime because of it’s poor sales.
What I was taught is not to expect to make money on your books, or even make your money back. The book gives you credibility. Most people with contracts make about $1/bk and unless you’re in the elite, you don’t have an advance and fancy hotel book tour.
We certainly hear about people who are making money self-publishing, usually includes vampires or shades of gray but not always.
John Locke has a great ebook on how he made $$ publishing. Twitter relationships, are one of the keys.
We all love you and love your books. You make a difference every day. Love, Lorrie (written fast because I should be working, so not re-read for clarity and grammar.)
For what it’s worth, The Great Gatsby was considered a failure during Fitzgerald’s lifetime because of it’s poor sales.
A dream come true is worth the price
And honesty is always nice
The price I paid rewarded twice
Years of “French Word A Day – A generous slice!
A dream come true is worth the price
And honesty is always nice
The price I paid rewarded twice
Years of “French Word A Day – A generous slice!
I went to Amazon to order the paperback…not the Kindle version. It’s not an easy find! The site kept giving me “Blossoming in Provence.”
It took three tries but I bought it! I can’t wait for it to arrive.
I went to Amazon to order the paperback…not the Kindle version. It’s not an easy find! The site kept giving me “Blossoming in Provence.”
It took three tries but I bought it! I can’t wait for it to arrive.
How about I buy the book at the current price and send the extra direct to you? Congratulations on your hard work.
How about I buy the book at the current price and send the extra direct to you? Congratulations on your hard work.
I must reiterate what has been said above. Please no explanations are needed. I have enjoyed your blog for a few years now; used your information and references for my trip to France last year; and all this free of charge. I appreciate the effort you make to do your blog each time. Those of us who buy books, understand that we are going to pay $20 or so per copy which we may keep for a lifetime. I can’t wait to receive your book soon.
I must reiterate what has been said above. Please no explanations are needed. I have enjoyed your blog for a few years now; used your information and references for my trip to France last year; and all this free of charge. I appreciate the effort you make to do your blog each time. Those of us who buy books, understand that we are going to pay $20 or so per copy which we may keep for a lifetime. I can’t wait to receive your book soon.
Sharon, No worries (thanks for thinking of it, though). My price earned per book is not affected by Amazons price cut. Amazon does not give a lot of leeway in the beginning, but royalties, once set, are secured. Now… if I want to earn more per book I could raise the price. We will see. Meantime, I am thrilled with the current price, which is very reader-friendly. Now to remember this lesson and price my book accordingly the next time! Those readers who want to help launch the book, will have the option to do so. Other readers can wait for a better price. Either way, purchasing my books are a great help to getting the word out about these stories which I love to share!
Sharon, No worries (thanks for thinking of it, though). My price earned per book is not affected by Amazons price cut. Amazon does not give a lot of leeway in the beginning, but royalties, once set, are secured. Now… if I want to earn more per book I could raise the price. We will see. Meantime, I am thrilled with the current price, which is very reader-friendly. Now to remember this lesson and price my book accordingly the next time! Those readers who want to help launch the book, will have the option to do so. Other readers can wait for a better price. Either way, purchasing my books are a great help to getting the word out about these stories which I love to share!
Kristin,
I’m slow to order your new book and was hoping to be able to get it through my local independent bookstore instead. I’ve called them and they do not think they can get it though, so I may be forced back to Amazon and at the lower price. I wanted to pay more!
Bonne chance,
Alice
Kristin,
I’m slow to order your new book and was hoping to be able to get it through my local independent bookstore instead. I’ve called them and they do not think they can get it though, so I may be forced back to Amazon and at the lower price. I wanted to pay more!
Bonne chance,
Alice
Think of all the poor folks whom you are depriving of the pleasure of reading your book by NOT pricing it at $28 so the libraries can get it. Next time go for the Library rate, you’re worth it!!
Remember what Suze Orman says about not putting yourself on sale “girlfriend”!!
Think of all the poor folks whom you are depriving of the pleasure of reading your book by NOT pricing it at $28 so the libraries can get it. Next time go for the Library rate, you’re worth it!!
Remember what Suze Orman says about not putting yourself on sale “girlfriend”!!
Dear Kristin:
I just ordered your book today. I wanted it SO badly on the day of release, but my budget would not allow it no matter how I tried to tweak it and how many different ways I tried to look at it. So the price drop was wondrous for me, and I would imagine I am not the only one in my particular bateau. 🙂 You are a dear to have gone into that detailed explanation, and also for alerting your readers that there was, indeed, a price-drop. A real blessing for the procrastinators and for those whose PayPal accounts are pretty sparse! It felt good to hop on over and purchase, rather than waiting on the Kindle version (which is how I do most of my reading!). Now I am excited to join the first-day buyers and have your book on its way to my door! Merci beaucoup!
Dear Kristin:
I just ordered your book today. I wanted it SO badly on the day of release, but my budget would not allow it no matter how I tried to tweak it and how many different ways I tried to look at it. So the price drop was wondrous for me, and I would imagine I am not the only one in my particular bateau. 🙂 You are a dear to have gone into that detailed explanation, and also for alerting your readers that there was, indeed, a price-drop. A real blessing for the procrastinators and for those whose PayPal accounts are pretty sparse! It felt good to hop on over and purchase, rather than waiting on the Kindle version (which is how I do most of my reading!). Now I am excited to join the first-day buyers and have your book on its way to my door! Merci beaucoup!
Kristin, your fans have better ideas than to have you fuss with Amazon! To recap their words, we go directly our sites and “like” this fantastic book (mine arrived today…glorious, Kristin!!). Then we each buy an extra copy (Amazon’s low price today day helps) to either donate to our local library or to head straight to Anthropologie or our local Francophone shop to “help” them create a spring window display with your book snuggled in among their items. In all cases, your publicity would be underway! In the meantime, I’m snuggled down with your book, a late afternoon tea, and a big smile. Thank you for years of free smiles.
Kristin, your fans have better ideas than to have you fuss with Amazon! To recap their words, we go directly our sites and “like” this fantastic book (mine arrived today…glorious, Kristin!!). Then we each buy an extra copy (Amazon’s low price today day helps) to either donate to our local library or to head straight to Anthropologie or our local Francophone shop to “help” them create a spring window display with your book snuggled in among their items. In all cases, your publicity would be underway! In the meantime, I’m snuggled down with your book, a late afternoon tea, and a big smile. Thank you for years of free smiles.
Not to worry about the price. I bought it because I have enjoyed your wonderful stories, photos, and French lessons. And it came today.
And it’s great! What fun to read about your adventures. I love your writing style – it seems like you write the way you speak. The pictures are very nice – not as bright as on the computer, but they still capture the essence of Provence.
Merci mille fois.
Not to worry about the price. I bought it because I have enjoyed your wonderful stories, photos, and French lessons. And it came today.
And it’s great! What fun to read about your adventures. I love your writing style – it seems like you write the way you speak. The pictures are very nice – not as bright as on the computer, but they still capture the essence of Provence.
Merci mille fois.