EBook writers seem to be following a similar vein in advertising strategies... from those on Kindle store to authors on Mobipocket: temporary deep discounts on one or more books to encourage readers to buy the others.

As hard the idea of 'de-pricing' a beloved piece (on which you slaved most passionately) the downturn in the economy almost demands a 'deal', from time to time. We've seen this trend develop on the answer boards at LinkedIn, in various Yahoo groups and book and literary forums on which we post... most all the authors embroiled in discussion are moving towards offering at least one of their books for 99 cents, or a free eBook with other purchases. Apparently, readers faced with a free incentive or that just under a dollar feel more inclined to 'buy it and try it' than before.

I must admit as a consumer, I have purchased books at yard sales and estate sales, where I would not have shelled out $20 for the same title at Barnes and Noble...

Almost all of them, for whom this strategy has worked, recommend a short duration of said discount, usually no more than a month. We decided to follow suit and instituted a 'Holiday Special', ending on Christmas Eve. The first books in all our series are just 99 cents; being a newer website we hope this enhances the number of daily visits.

If you give this strategy a try, or have done so, pray post your general results here for other writers to learn by. We'll evaluate our numbers after Christmas and do so as well. All in all, I think the readers of digital books will be the ones benefiting most.

Cheers,

Meredith Greene