The joy of publishing

A FUNNY thing happened – as it always does – on the way to publishing the paperback of my novel for Australia Day 2013.

All’s well that ends well: let’s get that out of the way.

Someone at Amazon decided that my novel Iraqi Icicle was part 1. It was declared Iraqi Icicle was part 1 of a series. I suspect that someone at Amazon decided it would help me sell my book if readers decided it was part of a series. But what of the readers who thought it was not the stand-alone novel that it is?

I never thought I would agree with anything philosopher Ayn Rand wrote but this was definitely a case of “I don’t want your help”.

The problem was mostly sorted by Australia Day, January 26. The link between the paperback and the eBook is yet to be re-established. The paperback sells for $14.99 so it emphasizes the value of the $4.99 eBook.  I have no doubt the link between the print and electronic versions will be soon sorted.

The responsive crew from Amazon sent me a list of electronic stores from which you can buy.

Canada is not on there, so I presume the Canadians mount their purchase from the US.

India and China are not on the list, so I am not sure what is happening there. Brazil and Japan also missed the cut for the list I was sent. All very confusing but I do not like to trouble the Amazonians with a heap of questions. I will find out what is going on, all in good time.

We in Australia are used to paying top dollar for our novels and I would imagine the shipping from Amazon US would be at least $10.

I am selling my copies in Oz for $25 with a 40% discount for local books shops, provided they pay cash up front. I have stated I am a commercial Luddite, but sale-and-return seems like a nightmare for me. Having to pick up unwanted copies is an “insult to injury” job. I am like that famous model; I won’t get out of bed for less than $9.99.

Below is the list of the electronic stores where you can but Iraqi Icicle for $14.99. Do it now; you know you wanna.

https://www.createspace.com/4115087
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0987278444
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0987278444
http://www.amazon.de/dp/0987278444
http://www.amazon.es/dp/0987278444
http://www.amazon.fr/dp/0987278444
http://www.amazon.it/dp/0987278444

Here is a pic of the book. It is almost 380 pages long. Nothing more to say really.

This Aussie band is doing the theme song for the product launch.