As posted on facebook:
To those who are upset regarding my print choices to go large print to accommodate disabilities without accommodating your specific disability,
I apologize that this choice has negatively impacted you.
I cannot continue to make two individual versions of the book in print, and I have been seriously debating discontinuing print altogether due to the heartache and trouble it creates for me–along with the expense. It is *not* a significant money maker for me. (To keep prices affordable, I make approximately a dollar per book, and even then, the prices aren’t all that affordable.)
I may convert the current books to mass market and discontinue print altogether, as no matter what I do, there is no way to make everyone happy.
I like offering print editions, especially for libraries and people who want the larger print because it’s easier on their eyes.
I cannot accommodate everyone, and this significantly bothers me. There is no middle ground for this in terms of font sizes; I cannot do a ‘middle of the road’ because that doesn’t work for anyone. No matter what I do, I exclude.
And at this point of time, I’m questioning the number of hours I am investing creating and maintaining the print editions.
To give you an idea, I receive maybe $100 a month in print royalties, and this change has cost me $65 to $100 a cover to bring to the mass market size. Any adjustments to the spine cost an additional $65 to $100 per book.
The vast majority of my readers are NOT print readers. I do not have many libraries ordering copies.
**I was doing print editions as a labor of love rather than a matter of earning money.**
I will make a decision regarding print editions after I’m finished converting the magical romantic comedy (with a body count) series, but “because I want to” isn’t good enough anymore, and I’m tired of the lashback because of this change.
Maybe it is better to please nobody than continually upset everybody.
I’m tired, and I’m tired of trying to make everyone happy and failing spectacularly at it.
Thanks for reading.
Do what you need to do. If it is taking a toll on your sanity and not financially working then discontinue. I am sure most people would rather have you continue being a writer than go broke making people happy.
I’m sorry that my comment (among others) brought so much turmoil to you. My intention was never to make you feel bad about making the change (as I’ve said, I don’t even think it’s going to be bad enough to make me stop buying print books)…maybe somewhat to make you feel bad a little for justifying it being better for everyone and calling out people on not considering people with disabilities.
People will always complain, no matter what you do. My intention was not to complain, but to share a different perspective. Choosing things that are better for most people is the best people can expect from anyone.
I hope you do not discontinue print editions, in whatever print size.
But at the end of the day, your goal was to make me feel bad. That’s all right, though. I get it a lot.
I’m sorry you misunderstood my comments. My goal was NOT to make you feel bad about your choices, work, or yourself. If that is the only thing you read, I am sorry again. Nowhere in my comments I have felt or expressed negative or aggressive feelings to you personally. I was having a conversations. It seems it made you feel like I was screaming obscenities at you. It seems my conversational abilities are too low to be understood correctly. I won’t come again. I wish you good luck.
I’m sure you know you can’t please everyone. I would like to acknowledge the good thing that you are doing. As a person whose sight was limited for years by cataracts, I can tell you that finding books in large print was very difficult… and very much appreciated!
You’re doing a good thing, but if it gives you grief, then maybe it’s best not to do print books for a while. I for one would much rather have you writing happily than stressing yourself emotionally and financially to create print books. I enjoy your books very much, and will continue to buy your books regardless of your decision. You tell wonderful stories! Please just keep writing them.
Normally I do not make comments but I feel you are being too hard on yourself. While my preference is small print I understand your dilemma. Libraries are important. And I would like you to know that cold flame was fantastic I only found one misspelled word an dcc unfortunately I don’t remember where it was to tell you but that’s an accomplishment in my opinion. You are my favorite author and so funny and articulate. Do what’s best for your conscience and that’s what’s important.
Please RJ, don’t take these negative comments to heart. For some reason, it seems easier for people to be rude and disrespectful in this “new” world of instant, but anonymous communications where they can just blurt out their own dissatisfaction that something isn’t exactly what “they” think it should be and blame the provider (in this case you) for not seeing what they want and instantly providing it. It is so easy for people to misconstrue a comment when there is no face-to-face hearing and seeing of what else goes with that comment that it makes people careless of each other. I did this myself a couple days ago, and realized that I was totally in the wrong and had no business calling that person out. (yes, I did apologize – in writing and in person because what I did was not deserved, but I understand how easy it was to be mean and rude without thinking it through).
These folks who leave hurtful comments have little understanding of how damaging careless words can be, and their honor and integrity do not engage so they don’t care since they can’t see the damage they do and the hurt they cause… so there’s no guilt.
Please don’t give these folks your pain and frustration, please be like the person that I wronged… tell them (in your heart – cuz they won’t hear your words) that you understand why they are using you as a convenient and anonymous way for them to vent their rudeness, and that you hope that the next time they feel the need to be hurtful the can stop and think of the person on the other side of these words, and not their own selfish wishes.
The old sayings always ring true… you can never satisfy everyone all of the time.
Please RJ, do and write and give us what you WANT to give us… if we don’t like it, we don’t have to buy it… and that’s the only truth that you need to keep in your heart.
Your posts are your way of keeping us, your readers, informed, educated, and entertained… it is also YOUR area to vent and rant and cry and laugh and cheer and celebrate with those of us who love your writings and the worlds you have created for US. So vent away Lady!! Let those who are nasty go spend their monies elsewhere, I’m sure there are authors out there that write what they want to read. WE want to read what YOU write!
I know there are many readers who like holding “real” books. My 89 year old mother in law is one of them. However, I gave her one of my old kindles, and she reads exclusively on that now. It took awhile, but she appreciates the light weight, the ability to control the font size, and the lighting. She also puts her books in collections, etc. Change can be hard, but sometimes it can be a blessing.
I love your books, and have both print and ebooks. Do what’s easiest for you, and don’t worry about trying to please everyone. It really can’t be done, and isn’t worth the stress.
I am so sorry for all the grief you’ve getting over this…yes I want the bigger print for my eyesight…and the same time I like slightly smaller for my arthritis..so no answer is perfect for me alone…I’m just grateful you do a print addition…I will happily buy what ever size additions you have printed…I want your books..your stories because they make me happy..I’m one of those people who like print ,audible,and E books…and yes I have each book in all formats available…I squeal when I see another book available on audible…I and your other readers want you happily writing and not having to put up with petty bullshit. Do what is best for you…we’re thrilled with whatever stories in whatever format your willing to do..thanks for your hard work…oh..I loved Cold Flame..
your books are amazing please stop stressing yourself out. you absolutely can not please everyone. Please yourself people will still buy your books they are great. Please be healthy and happy love to you and your family D
I love what you do and honor the fact that you donate your efforts to Public Libraries because, lets face it — you are really making a donation of $1 a book. I respect that and the fact that you do so with care specifically for people with disabilities makes me love YOU even more. Your books NEVER fail to surprise and bring me sincere enjoyment and I can’t tell you how happy I am that I found them!
Well, the last time I shipped a box of books to a library, it was $150 at base print cost. Books aren’t cheap! My current costs can range anywhere from $4-10 per copy, and I have to pay the printing fees when I do book donations to libraries.
I don’t know if the libraries pay the same rate as retail, however. I’ve never had access to a library catalog to find out what my distributor charges libraries for their copies.
It doesn’t matter what you do, there will always be some one who is unhappy and will b__ch and complain. Do what is best for your health and sanity. I’ve enjoyed all of your books that I’ve read, some more than others. Looking forward to your next Copperfield and Franklin books.
You do you, RJ!! Your brilliant workings always have me looking forward to the time I can get home from work and indulge in the worlds you create! Don’t let these asinine comments from individuals, that could NEVER create the magic that your making, get to you! Thank you for all of your books! ???
I wholly support big print editions. In my opinion, people who complain about this are small minded and should be ignored.
Sweetie, this is a “people” problem, not a you problem. I spent too many years and tears trying to please “people” who, frankly, didn’t care about me…just themselves. Do not fall into that trap.
You want people with visual difficulties to be able to enjoy your books. That is selfless, not selfish and deserves praise. Be proud that you are a kind person. We need more kind people.
I only do e-books due to the fact I am cleaning out my family home after my mother’s death. She had developed a hording disorder and I just wanted her to be happy and as comfortable as possible while I worked to support the two of us. It is overwhelming at times, but I just have to take it day by day. I need to re-home so many print books, and frankly…it is difficult. No one really wants them. I will be putting most of them in donation bins.
Take a deep breath, and do what you feel is best for you. I will continue my fanatical support no matter what.
And we are loving Rachel and Ethan to the max. In fact, I need to get back to reading to the Husband Beast.
Yeah, print books are so hard. I had to rehome a huge collection of print books because I moved from a 2,200 square foot house to a 685 square foot apartment. There’s such limited space for books. 🙁
I still have too many books, but I’m almost down to signed books only, which REALLY helps.
I love my e-readers, which my husband (mostly) supports. He’s not so keen I have like twenty of them, but…
People like to complain. Do what makes you happy. Just please don’t stop writing. I love your books.
Personally, I have an emotional dependency connected to reading. I carry a book(tablet) everywhere even when I know there will be no opportunity to open it. I made the switch to e-readers a few years ago. Between the library app and kindle and nook, there are plenty of options. I will on occasion check a paper book out of the library but don’t enjoy that as much as discovering new books on my tablet. E-readers are convenient, and large print is optional. The book size is always the same and I reduced the impact of the paper books on my allergies. Now I just need to get rid of the thousands of favorites stored in my garage.
I would kindly remind you of Ricky Nelsons song and lyrics: You can’t please everybody so you may as well please yourself.( It has been 20 years or more since I heard that song so I may have misquoted but you get the gist.) Girl, just keep writing. I’ll keep buying!! Ignore the trolls. ??
I’m so sorry that writing/providing books is so difficult ?. I am an avid reader and LOVE when I find an author I truly enjoy. You (as Bernadette, Susan and RJ Blain), as well as Ilona Andrews, Anne McCaffrey, Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs, Tamora Pierce, etc are/have been some of those go to authors. I think I have “all” of your works on my e reader (so easy to find and down load -thank you) as well as several copies of “book books” to share with those who don’t use e-readers. I Love that several e books are available through our library too! Please keep writing and sharing as you are and know that you are very much appreciated ???
You can request more of the ebooks with your library. My entire collection is available in the library systems. <3
Thank you for letting me know what you plan to do. I agree – it is impossible to please everyone, so do what you think best. After all, you are the person producing the books. If some of your readers cannot understand that for you this is both a business and a labour of love, they will just have to deal. Thank you giving me some of these books in print as a result of the Kickstarter programs. If you want to run another, please do! I will definitely sign up for that again!
You can never please everyone. Honestly my opinion is that as an author, you have the control of your content and publishing. If you aren’t making enough money and not having fun, you may eventually move on to something else.
As a reader, I’d be sincerely disappointed to see that. Have I ever mentioned how much I love your royal state books? I love them and the whole idea of having the USA divided into these principalities.
You shouldn’t have to worry about making everybody happy! If they want a certain size print they can buy the digital version and have it small, medium, large, or anywhere in between. I love all your books and I buy them on digital so I can read them with the print I like and I don’t have to worry about whether the light is bright enough. Your doing a great job!
With my, shall we say, encroaching geezerhood, I appreciate the thoughtfulness of going large for print editions, even if I tend to almost always go digital these days. I do nto know that that will endure… or is how long I will endure (it)? So what if the books don’t form neat mil-spec rows? Pages, words, ink. Size? They’d BOOKS, not Pringles! or bricks, or….
My elderly mother is so annoyed about all the problems that people have been giving you about this. She has decided to order the new print style of the books even though she all ready has all of them in ebook!
Oh, that is so sweet of her. <3 I'm still missing three covers, but as soon as all are processed in the ingram system, I'll share links with where to get them.
RJ, I bless the day I discovered you and your rom-coms with a body count!!! I have every one on my kindle, and have read them all at least 3 times. This series bring me laughter and smiles, and helps lift the darkness that sometimes overwhelms me. It’s hilarious, the looks I get out in public as I’m giggling like a maniac reading one of the series, and I’ve shared your name and titles with people brave enough to ask what I’m laughing about!
Know that your writing is vastly more important than the format it come in. Ignore the complainers, do whatever is best for YOU! We love you!
Just sending you hugs and a large cup of tea.