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Dear Amazon, I’m a Hachette author and my book releases tomorrow

By August 18, 2014Blog, Featured

Dear Amazon,

My name is Matthew Paul Turner. If my name doesn’t ring a bell, chances are, you’d definitely recognize my credit card number. My wife and I—proud Amazon Prime members!—do a majority of our  shopping online at Amazon. Because it’s convenient. And because you’ve made buying almost everything—from diapers to wood carving knives to books and entertainment—easy.

Not only do I shop at Amazon, but as an author who’s written numerous books for a variety of publishers, I’ve also faithfully sent my audience to Amazon to buy both my books as well as the books of hundreds of other authors.

And my next book—my first in 4 years—releases tomorrow (Tuesday, August 19).

Turner_GreatBigAmericanGod_HC

As you might expect, I’m excited about the release of Our Great Big American God: A Short History of Our Ever-Growing Deity. I worked for more than 2 years on this book, researching, writing, and editing. I’m proud of this book and am eager for people to experience it.

But that said, I’m also anxious about its release, too. You know why. Because my new book is being published by Jericho Books, and as you might know, Jericho Books is one of the many Hachette Book Group imprints.

Yep, I’m a Hachette author. And you don’t like Hachette right now. For that reason, for the last three months, you have treated me and my new book like lepers. Basically, you’ve boycotted my book. That wouldn’t be a huge deal if you didn’t command 50 percent of the publishing industry, including 65 to 70 percent of all ebook sales. And yet, according to you, as of August 18, my book isn’t available as an ebook despite you knowing that it is.

But you’re the publishing industry god, which is why it’s been quite upsetting to see my book’s listing at your site appear dead, as though you have no idea that it releases tomorrow, as if you and I haven’t engaged in a professional relationship for the last ten years. So that’s why your refusal to list my book’s Kindle availability sort of hurts, because we’ve worked with each other for quite some time.

However, most hurtful to me and my new book up until now has been your decision to take away my ability to use your site to pre-sell my new book—hardcopy or ebook. Presales matter as you know. Preselling a book is a practice that helps spark buzz, interest, excitement, media, and of course, sales. And you took away my ability to do that on Amazon.

And at first I thought that was where your boycott stopped. But I was wrong. At least, according to how you’ve treated other Hachette authors with new book releases, I was wrong to think that.

Listen, I get it; you’re not happy with Hachette right now. For months the two of you have been at odds with each other, negotiating the cost and pricing of ebooks. According to you, it’s far bigger than that; you say you’re negotiating the future of publishing. And perhaps you are. While I thought the letter you wrote to readers was slightly melodramatic, I’m also quite sure that Hachette isn’t pure in this debate. Heck, maybe Hachette’s even being stubborn and/or old fashioned.

But that’s business, right? Negotiations between two large conglomerates is rarely pretty, and often it becomes ugly and unfriendly and extremely difficult. But of course, usually the negotiations stay inside boardrooms or on conference calls.

But not this time. You changed that.

Earlier this year you decided to make these negotiations personal, very personal. You made the choice to limit the potential of all Hachette authors. You turned a host of authors into your pawns.

And again, I get it; it’s business! And while I think your decision to use authors in this debate as negotiating tools is horrible, I get it. And so far, I’ve managed. I’ve improvised. It’s not been easy. But you knew that it wouldn’t be. You didn’t want it to be easy. That’s why you used me and my book in your negotiations. Because you can. You own the publishing industry and you can do whatever the hell you want. And because all is fair in love, war, and capitalism.

Which is why I’m writing. Because my book releases tomorrow, Amazon.

And because I want you to stop boycotting my book. I’ve been watching what happens to other Hachette authors when their new books finally release. Sure, you turn the link’s lights on. But you don’t treat them same way you treat other books who have different publishers. In fact, you treat them like Lady Tremaine treats Cinderella, like the stepchild you never really wanted in the first place.

Listen Amazon, I’m not trying to pick a fight with you. I might feel like David in a fight against Goliath, but I also love Goliath! I need Goliath. And because I’m not JK Rowlings. I can’t afford to make you angry. I’m not a New York Times best seller. Heck, I’ve only broken the top 1000 on Amazon twice. I’m small potatoes compared to many (most?) of the names on the Hachette author list.

Every single sale matters to authors like me. Every single media hit makes a difference. And every single limitation matters.

Which is why I’m asking you to be fair. For three months, I’ve been quiet as you’ve made my new book a part of your negotiating tactics. I’ve tried to stay out of the debate between you and my publisher. Because I love both of you. And I need both of you. But my book releases tomorrow. Which is why I’m writing, to ask that you show us Hachette authors a little mercy.

Limiting presales is one thing, but please, stop limiting the potential of our books on and after their release dates.

I’ve worked far too hard on Our Great Big American God for it to be reduced to a negotiating tool in your ebook pricing negotiations. I’ve poured too much into this book to simply just sit back and watch you treat it like it’s less than it is.

I need Amazon. Just like I need Barnes & Noble, BAM!, and all the other bookstores. Because you’re huge! And I am small. And because my book is good and it deserves better. So please, show us authors some mercy. Keep the negotiations in the conference room. And let us sell our books.

Sincerely,

Matthew Paul Turner, author.

UPDATE: Amazon.com has made my book available for preorder! And they’ve added the Kindle edition!! Thank you! Not sure if it’s a coincidence or not… but thank you!

UPDATE #2: The hardback edition of the book is “temporarily out of stock”…

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Matthew Paul Turner

Author Matthew Paul Turner

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Join the discussion 28 Comments

  • ryanlrobinson says:

    I’m past the point of still loving Amazon despite stuff like this personally. When they sent an email to me and every other KDP publisher begging us to protest Hachette on their behalf, it actually made me feel a little sick. I’m not quite yelling “boycott!” but I have redirected shopping elsewhere as much as I can. I even recently bought a PVR digital tuner and knowingly paid $20 more for it to get it in store at a smaller Canadian chain than it would have been to ship it from Amazon. I use Kobo for eBooks (it’s Canadian-based although now owned by a Japanese company and it has better apps, but smaller book selection) and I think I can find everything else at least close to the same price in other places that are not so bent on world domination.

  • Matthew, which store would you prefer we order from for right now?

  • Lisa Bertolini Lisa, Barnes & Noble or BAM are probably your best/fastest options!

  • My heart goes out to you, Matthew, and to all other Hachette authors. As an author myself, with a different publisher, I wait with baited breath until my fate is similar to yours and many others. If it’s Hachette today, who’s next? At what point will all authors suffer the fate of Amazon’s decisions?
    Yours is a good one, Matthew, and it makes me happy to see it on my nightstand. All the best for your big launch week, brother.

  • TshOxenreider Thanks Tsh. Your encouragement means so much…

  • TshOxenreider Thanks Tsh. Your encouragement means so much…

  • SarahMae says:

    This stinks. I’m so sorry. Your letter is wonderful though, and I hope someone from Amazon reads it.

  • HollyJB says:

    So no Kindle release tomorrow? Giant bummer! I have a long flight Thursday AM and I was pumped to have some uninterrupted time to enjoy this bad boy.  Boo Amazon BOOO!

  • HollyJB says:

    So no Kindle release tomorrow? Giant bummer! I have a long flight Thursday AM and I was pumped to have some uninterrupted time to enjoy this bad boy.  Boo Amazon BOOO!

  • MatthewPaulMewhorter says:

    MatthewPaulTurner Lisa Bertolini I ordered mine from B& N…(almost as fast as Amazon)

  • MatthewPaulMewhorter says:

    MatthewPaulTurner Lisa Bertolini I ordered mine from B& N…(almost as fast as Amazon)

  • Keedly says:

    I’m confused. I just pre-ordered the Kindle edition of your new book on Amazon.com.

  • Keedly says:

    I’m confused. I just pre-ordered the Kindle edition of your new book on Amazon.com.

  • Keedly They just changed it. See the update!

  • Keedly They just changed it. See the update!

  • jodyo70 says:

    Matthew, I clicked on over here via Jennifer Dukes Lee on Facebook (I was on her book launch team).  This was a brave letter and I applaud you from afar, as a voracious reader and a part time blogger.
    And yay, God, for turning the Amazon tide. I believe that would be okay to give Him credit, yes?
    Anyway, good luck on the book!

  • jodyo70 says:

    Matthew, I clicked on over here via Jennifer Dukes Lee on Facebook (I was on her book launch team).  This was a brave letter and I applaud you from afar, as a voracious reader and a part time blogger.
    And yay, God, for turning the Amazon tide. I believe that would be okay to give Him credit, yes?
    Anyway, good luck on the book!

  • baylormum says:

    When I put mpt and click on Our Great Big American God, it only takes you to the hardcover. If I hadn’t seen Jess’ link to your letter and the link you added at the bottom, I would have missed out today. You rock because now I have it on my little Kindle. Now, how do I get it autographed from this little-known author who is gonna be big someday! Ha! Congrats, my friend. You keep fighting the big guys! Muah!

  • baylormum says:

    When I put mpt and click on Our Great Big American God, it only takes you to the hardcover. If I hadn’t seen Jess’ link to your letter and the link you added at the bottom, I would have missed out today. You rock because now I have it on my little Kindle. Now, how do I get it autographed from this little-known author who is gonna be big someday! Ha! Congrats, my friend. You keep fighting the big guys! Muah!

  • tulrich125 says:

    For what it’s worth, I went to Barnes & Noble and bought a hard copy.
    In fact, I just finished it. I couldn’t put it down, really.
    At this point in my life, a 27-year-old young woman, who only came to understand the Gospel three years ago, after living as a Pharisee for most of my short life, who has started reading Scripture with healthier eyes and heart, I have become increasingly frustrated with the Christian culture by which I find myself surrounded. And now I know why. Thank you.
    I feel like America’s God should be saying righty about now, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”

  • tulrich125 says:

    For what it’s worth, I went to Barnes & Noble and bought a hard copy.
    In fact, I just finished it. I couldn’t put it down, really.
    At this point in my life, a 27-year-old young woman, who only came to understand the Gospel three years ago, after living as a Pharisee for most of my short life, who has started reading Scripture with healthier eyes and heart, I have become increasingly frustrated with the Christian culture by which I find myself surrounded. And now I know why. Thank you.
    I feel like America’s God should be saying righty about now, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”

  • DebbieNewman says:

    I ordered your book n Amazon. It has taken longer than usual, but they did fill it! Can’t wait to start it!

  • DebbieNewman says:

    I ordered your book n Amazon. It has taken longer than usual, but they did fill it! Can’t wait to start it!

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  • LisaAlan says:

    baylormum

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  • LisaAlan says:

    ryanlrobinson

    !!! How Dr.Ukaka Restore My Broken  Marriage And Bring Back My Lover !!!

    My name is Calvin Rose am from Germany, am a woman who love and cherish my husband more than any other thing you can imagine on earth continent. My husband was so lovely and caring after 3years of marriage he was seriously ill and the doctor confirm and said he has a kidney infection that he needed a kidney donor, that was how I start searching for a good Samaritan who can help,doctor has given me a periodic hour that he will live just 26hours left, that was how I ask the doctor if I can be of help to my husband that was how he carried out the text,the confirming was successful, I was now having this taught that since 3 years now we got married I have not be able to get pregnant can I be able to get bring again? That was the question I ask the doctor, he never answer his response was did you want to lost your husband? I immediately reply no I can’t afford to loose him. After the operation my husband came back to live and was healthy I was also ok with the instruction given to me by the doctor, after 3months my husband came home with another lady telling me, that is our new wife that will give us kids and take care of us, that was how I was confused and started crying all day, that was how my husband ran away with his new wife cluaralle. Since then I was confuse don’t no what to do that was how I went back to the doctor and tell him everything, he told me that, this is not just an ordinary it must be a spiritual problem that was how he gave me this email (freedomlovespel@gmail.com) that I should tell her all my problem that she can help that was how i contacted her and I do as instructed. After 3days and I have done what she ask me to do, my husband start searching for me and went back to the doctor, that was how we well settle she also told me not to worry that I will get pregnant, this month making it the fifth Month I contacted her am now 3months pregnant. These great spell cater is a great man, if you are any kind of problem you can contact him here on his email (freedomlovespel@gmail.com) also contact him on his web site: http://freedomlovespel.yolasite.com

  • LisaAlan says:

    ryanlrobinson

    !!! How Dr.Ukaka Restore My Broken  Marriage And Bring Back My Lover !!!

    My name is Calvin Rose am from Germany, am a woman who love and cherish my husband more than any other thing you can imagine on earth continent. My husband was so lovely and caring after 3years of marriage he was seriously ill and the doctor confirm and said he has a kidney infection that he needed a kidney donor, that was how I start searching for a good Samaritan who can help,doctor has given me a periodic hour that he will live just 26hours left, that was how I ask the doctor if I can be of help to my husband that was how he carried out the text,the confirming was successful, I was now having this taught that since 3 years now we got married I have not be able to get pregnant can I be able to get bring again? That was the question I ask the doctor, he never answer his response was did you want to lost your husband? I immediately reply no I can’t afford to loose him. After the operation my husband came back to live and was healthy I was also ok with the instruction given to me by the doctor, after 3months my husband came home with another lady telling me, that is our new wife that will give us kids and take care of us, that was how I was confused and started crying all day, that was how my husband ran away with his new wife cluaralle. Since then I was confuse don’t no what to do that was how I went back to the doctor and tell him everything, he told me that, this is not just an ordinary it must be a spiritual problem that was how he gave me this email (freedomlovespel@gmail.com) that I should tell her all my problem that she can help that was how i contacted her and I do as instructed. After 3days and I have done what she ask me to do, my husband start searching for me and went back to the doctor, that was how we well settle she also told me not to worry that I will get pregnant, this month making it the fifth Month I contacted her am now 3months pregnant. These great spell cater is a great man, if you are any kind of problem you can contact him here on his email (freedomlovespel@gmail.com) also contact him on his web site: http://freedomlovespel.yolasite.com