I’ve had a few lovely readers ask me to add ‘tip jar’ function to the audiobooks I’m selling direct and/or to the Conduit Series serialization that I’m currently posting on my blog weekly on Tuesdays. I’ve always shied away from the idea of a monthly Patreon or a tip jar because I feel like it has the potential to create an imbalance between myself and my readers. I prefer to produce a product and make it available for purchase only after I believe I’ve made it the best it can be. In the case of a monthly Patreon, I also worry that it would put too much pressure on me in general and on the writing of new words specifically.
But I understand that a few readers feel like I undercharge for my work, and that specifically, I’ve priced the direct sales audiobooks too low. [Remember that I’ve priced for my Canadian readers, so my USA, UK, and some other international readers currently get a 30% (or so) ‘discount’ because of the exchange rate].
If you want to support me, and the writing of new words, the best thing you can do is purchase one of my books (in any format). I’ve broken down the ‘profit’ I see from those just so you can get a sense of how of your much of your money filters into my accounts already, thusly supporting my chocolate and character art illustration habits. Plus, you know, helping pay my mortgage. 😁 Because you all freaking rock.
The numbers below are ‘before’ the actual expense of the production of a book, of course. I’ve blogged about that somewhere before in more detail, but in short, an ebook/paperback combo costs me $5k-7k (depending on the cover designer and any ‘extra’ art, etc) for editing, proofing, formating, etc. And an audiobook costs around $5k now (the exchange rates are seriously killing my budget).
I clear $3 to $4.50 on eBooks. I am in the process of raising my prices by a dollar, but you know, I’m a little crazy busy and it’s a slightly involved process so, well … I’m getting to it slowly.
I clear $3 to $4 (or so) on paperbacks.
I clear $2 to 3 on merchandise (currently really just T-shirts, etc).
And, I clear $8 (or so) on any audiobooks you buy from me directly (current list)(more coming).
So … if you’ve purchased all my eBooks, and aren’t interested in collecting paperbacks or T-shirts (or you already have what you want), the best way to funnel extra cash to me is to grab one of the audiobooks I’m now selling directly. I will be adding to my audio catalog, slowly and steadily, until you can download every audiobook I have available. Yay!
Side note: a lot of us are feeling financial strain right now. Food is suddenly crazy expensive, rents are crazy high, and extra cash just isn’t a thing. Even I’m on a chocolate/yarn/book-buying moratorium at the moment (and you know I don’t give up any of those easily). That’s why I already make my books available for free via libraries (OverDrive charges libraries a minimum fee). I’m also slowly adding my titles to KoboPlus (a monthly subscription that includes audiobooks) and my books have always been available via a Scribd subscription as well.
The other way to support me – and all your fav authors – is to talk about our books! Share our ‘marketing’ social media posts or make your own. Genuine word of mouth is the kind of publicity we can’t actually buy.
If you still wish to support me beyond the eBooks/paperbacks/audiobooks, and/or specifically for the Conduit Series, I have set up a Paypal donate button thingy. I would genuinely prefer you buy an eBook or audiobook, etc, but if you’d also like to ‘tip me’ for the Conduit serialization or simply buy me a hot chocolate, here is the PayPal Tip Jar link (you don’t have to have a PayPal account to use it):
If you are so inclined, and you are specifically ‘donating’ toward the ongoing serialization of the Conduit Series (I added a drop down menu because I thought it was fun), I’d love to list your name in the acknowledgments in the back of Conduit Book 1 so please fill out your preferred name in the ‘add a note’ section!
Again, please don’t feel this necessary or expected by me at all. Your support already means the world to me – I wouldn’t have this career without you! I will (eventually) get the next book written and will be genuinely pleased when you buy it or borrow it from your library.
Sunshine & Lollipops!
– MCD
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