At this time, I’m awaiting proof copies of SCOTT SHAW!’S SONIC DAYS before the book goes to press and bound together, upon which it will be shipped and I’ll be in full update mode letting everyone know the progress being made.
However, unlike the previous FIP releases, I’m encountering headwinds. While orders are coming in, they’re at a much slower rate than previous releases at this time, which behooves me to tell people I need their support now more than ever.
The part that really has me concerned is that Trump and the Chinese government are playing hardball with each other at this time that could make what I paid in tariffs on the KEN PENDERS’ KNUCKLES OMNIBUS look cheap in comparison.
As everyone knows, I didn’t raise my price on the Omnibus while keeping to my commitment of paying out advance royalties to creators. In fairness to my printers, they are currently working to make sure the tariffs have little to no impact on SONIC DAYS, but I’m in a believe it when I see it mode at this time.
With SONIC DAYS, I’m still keeping my pledge not to raise the price while everyone else is raising theirs as well as paying out who needs to get paid. But unless sales pick up sooner rather than later, it will have a very real impact on future FIP releases.
While I have no expectations of getting rich from the book sales, I’d at least appreciate NOT losing money on this or future releases.
Look, I get it. $50 for a book can seem pricey to people, especially when adding $15 shipping on top of that plus sales tax if one lives in California. The economy is shakey and people are wondering how badly Trump’s tariffs are really damaging the economy.
So while I would like to see an increase in book orders at this time, I’m currently taking a number of steps that will be implemented in the days ahead, beyond asking people to buy a print or T-Shirt or even a patch, as every little bit helps. I’m already working to expand the back issue selection and plan on having a sale at a discounted rate in the days ahead.
And I’m also adding a DONATE button to the homepage of this website. I’ve been asked about this previously, and I’ve hesitated for a number of reasons, but if people want to pitch in, this is my version of any Patreon page. If it’s not yet up when this post is published, it soon will be.
At this time, the USPS is increasing their shipping rates along with everyone else, so that’s an additional expense, and the costs of this website will be going up next year as well. Either I become more proactive in keeping everything moving forward or let everything whither and die, which is not in my nature.
I will also soon be listing THE LARA-SUCHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS and the KEN PENDERS’ KNUCKLES OMNIBUS available for sale on Amazon once those items have been approved to be included in the Amazon inventory and search engine. In the meantime, they’re still here available for sale, shipped out within 24 hours of order placement.
People ask why I release the books I do instead of the traditional comic book format, and the answer to that is the comic book format is dying a very slow death at this time. Distribution has become a major obstacle for small publishers as a result of Diamond’s implosion and subsequent bankruptcy. A lot of small publishers have lost huge sums of money as a result and are doing what they can to survive. Comic shop retailer friends of mine tell me a lot of small publishers have no means of distribution other than doing what i am. Those that make it to the distributor catalogs can just as easily fall through the cracks for a variety of reasons.
I am taking the steps I am to publishing and releasing the books I have so far precisely because of all the uncertainty in the marketplace. I believe if one puts out a quality product and provides great customer service, one should be able to navigate through the rough spots.
The part I really suck at? Marketing. I’m not a sales person and I don’t have the budget to advertise in ways I would like to. Part of the problem is I’m more interested in getting work on the app completed than spending time promoting. So I’m doing the best I can, and counting on everyone to get the word out I could use help.
I appreciate the support of everyone who has purchased a book or other items beyond what words can express. I just need a few more friends at this time along for the ride. Thank you for your consideration and patience in the meantime. Take care.