The One Sentence Publishers Love to Hear From Authors

A few years ago, my friend Tommy inked a deal to write a book with a traditional publisher. I saw his book on Amazon and quickly noticed something alarming: the price. The hardcover retailed for $99, and the Kindle came in at $79.

I'm not making these numbers up. Can someone say sticker shock?

I congratulated Tommy on his forthcoming release. Irrespective of the title's price, his accomplishment is worth celebrating. After a little back-and-forth, however, I broke the ice and asked him, “What's up with the cost?”

He responded, “I told my acquisitions editor that profits aren't a primary motivation for me.”

A Simple Litmus Test