At the chain I worked for, many self-published authors never got the idea that we could not sell their books; not on commission, not buy them outright for resale - none of it. Even after talking to the home office several still didn't see why I couldn't sell them on the sly. I had one guy tell me he was calling the Better Business Bureau on me and that he would tell all the local writing groups that my store wasn't local author friendly. Which was outrageous as I worked many of the local writing group bookfairs and they got 20% of the proceeds.
I think many people don't really understand the concept of Head Office, which is almost beside the point. I think people work themselves up in a state of desperation in which they justify some pretty boundary-crossing behaviour as an acceptable action when it is done for their labour of love.
I've worked at both a chain and an independent, and it can be frustrating. Although I think we've only had to deal with one furious, frustrated self-published writer. You have my sympathies!
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branchandroot
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Date: 2010-09-09 04:41 am (UTC)I think many people don't really understand the concept of Head Office, which is almost beside the point. I think people work themselves up in a state of desperation in which they justify some pretty boundary-crossing behaviour as an acceptable action when it is done for their labour of love.
I've worked at both a chain and an independent, and it can be frustrating. Although I think we've only had to deal with one furious, frustrated self-published writer. You have my sympathies!