Reading a forum post recently lead me to review what was happening with eBook prices. I was surprised to find quite a few blog posts supporting the rather extortionate prices currently charged.
Quite rightly they point out that the production and distribution of a book actually accounts for only around 13% of the book cost (not counting mass edition paperback were this percentage rises significantly as the price drops.) They forget to point out though that all the remaining costs are fixed, and that the percentage is to cover those costs, once they are covered this percentage changes into profit. They also are blind to the idea that lower costs might mean increased sales. This would mean higher revenues and as all costs are fixed increased profit.
..but don't let me preach to you. Here are two very good reads putting forward both sides of the argument.
For or Against
(Even the one defending the pricing does admit he thinks they are slightly over priced and would never buy an eBook were a cheaper paper back was available.)
Personally I can't accept that eBooks are not significantly less than physical edition books, and am outraged by eBooks 5 times the price of the physical book. (e.g. The Da Vinci Code is £1 in many shops in mass edition paperback. eBook price £4.99.)
I'm gonna start a name and shame page for shameful profiteering on ebooks. I'll post any book were i feel the eBook price is unjustified.
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