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After working with a $2.99 book and the two 99 cent books, I’ve noticed some obvious differences. Others not so obvious when I started. Now, this isn’t to say one is better than the other because that’s for the author to decide. That and I’ve had that conversation so many times this year.
Pros and Cons of 99 Centers
- PRO- For a first time author with no reputation, this can be appealing to some readers. There is the idea that all indie authors are unpolished, so this pricing can be enticing.
- CON- If you start at 99 cents, it’s difficult to go higher. People might wait for you to get frustrated and drop the price back down.
- PRO- Several advertising sites require that you have a 99 cent pricing. This opens up more doors even if it’s for a sale.
- CON- You need to sell a lot to get higher up the Amazon rankings.
- PRO- Once up there, you’ll stay up a bit longer. A big push for a 99 center can be bigger than other pricing, which puts you at a higher total. The ‘low risk’ or ‘deal’ mentality help get a few sales every day and this is why you might find a gradual decline instead of a plummet.
- CON- Some people might avoid the book because they think the low price is a sign of the author having no faith or low quality.
Pros and Cons of $2.99
- PRO- You get a bigger royalty from each sale. You need to sell fewer of these books to reach the same amount as a 99 center. For example, Allure of the Gypsies has sold fewer copies than the previous books, but has made more in first month royalties.
- CON- Amazon list rankings fluctuate A LOT more at this price range. I notice a few sales and the book will leap. A few hours of no sales and it plummets. So it does big jumps instead of gradually moves. The 99 centers required a day with maybe 5 sales to do the same as this one when 10 were sold.
- PRO- It shows a level of confidence in your own work. Readers will see you as a professional.
- CON- The amount of sales won’t be as high. I’ve been having to remind myself that a 99 center can gain more sales in the first month than a $2.99. It’s simply how much money people are willing to spend and if they perceive a deal.
- PRO- You can do a price drop sale that people will notice because it will be an actual deal.
That’s all from personal experience. I’m curious how the second month is going to go with Allure of the Gypsies. Again, it comes down to advertising and making sure people know your book exists.
