Well, I get that Amazon’s algorithms don’t know they’re pitching my own book to me when they make recommendations based on what I’ve searched. I buy all of my e-books as soon as I bring them up, and the algorithm doesn’t know I’m the author. But here’s what Amazon doesn’t know: this time I was searching my own book because of this:
You see that? This time, Amazon is telling all potential customers that said book is not available for them to purchase. Sure, it’s probably only on some devices. But that a product shows up as unpurchaseable on any device is appalling. And it’s a horrible business model.
Now, I print trade paperbacks through Amazon Createspace so I’ll have physical copies for book signings and author fairs. I don’t expect massive on-line sales. But I have enabled all the distribution channels—including Amazon—and I’ve enabled the feature that allows customers who buy the paperback to get the e-book at a steep discount. That’s assuming a customer is able to purchase the paperback.
I reached out to Createspace Support, and made them aware of what I was seeing. I wish I could say they expressed concern. Or a desire to correct the issue. Or even acknowledged that there was an issue. I wish.
Now, I print trade paperbacks through Amazon Createspace so I’ll have physical copies for book signings and author fairs. I don’t expect massive on-line sales. But I have enabled all the distribution channels—including Amazon—and I’ve enabled the feature that allows customers who buy the paperback to get the e-book at a steep discount. That’s assuming a customer is able to purchase the paperback.
I reached out to Createspace Support, and made them aware of what I was seeing. I wish I could say they expressed concern. Or a desire to correct the issue. Or even acknowledged that there was an issue. I wish.
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