The posts last week about buying books at SBL spurred a bundle of questions. I\u2019d like to answer this one today: <\/p>\n
I thought I\u2019d submit a possible topic that has interested me for years: what are the ethics of book buying as they relate to used and borrowed books? As I come to know more authors, and see the life of sacrifice that writing is for most, I feel a little uneasy about buying used books, or sharing mine with friends, or borrowing from individuals or libraries. I\u2019ve even thought twice about buying \u2018new\u2019 books from places like abebooks.com , since I\u2019ve heard that the are often slightly damaged copies which don\u2019t register as sales for authors. Am I cutting into profits or royalties or recognition for my favorite authors when I buy used or borrow? (I realize that my question probably betrays a misunderstanding of the book business, and would love to be corrected).<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
And this from a former student! Now you have to love loyalty. The first thing is that I\u2019m going to tell you how I buy books.
\nAnd it begins with this: 90% of the books I buy are new \u2014 and I get them at our local Barnes & Noble or online or at bookstores where I happen to see them. So, overall I support the new book trade. (And I don\u2019t mind if you do, too! 8) )
\nNow on buying used books\u2026
\nFirst, I have no qualms about buying used books. Since I was in college I\u2019ve been a used bookstore junkie \u2014 it\u2019s just now that I use a \u201cused bookstore\u201d called Abebooks.com. I usually see if the book I\u2019m trying to purchase can be found there. I scan the price range, the condition of the book, and always try to buy from a dealer in the area if possible \u2014 just area loyalty.
\nSecond, yes, when buying used books the author does not get a royalty. That author already got a royalty (most likely). (Royalties vary from about 10% to 20% of retail price \u2014 depending on how many copies sell.)
\nThird, here\u2019s the truth: very few writers (and I\u2019m not one of them) can make a living by writing. Very very few can. So, any hesitation about hurting an author should be only a slight hesitation.
\nFourth, if you have extra funds, and you like an author, think about helping the author out by buying new \u2014 and if you really want to be kind, buy from a local bookdealer instead of a chain.
\nHere\u2019s my only request: never buy a copy of a book that says \u201cAdvance Uncorrected Proof\/Not for Resale.\u201d<\/strong> Why? Those books were given away by the publisher to create a stir about the book, and anyone who sells such books is going contrary to fair trade principles. I got a book like this in the mail once, sent it back for a refund, and then called the bookdealer \u2014 who thought I was a Puritan from a strange planet. \u201cWe all do it,\u201d was the response.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The posts last week about buying books at SBL spurred a bundle of questions. I\u2019d like to answer this one today:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":197,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[476],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-books"],"yoast_head":"\n
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