I thought you might find this bit of sociology interesting and worth pondering.
At Thanksgiving in 2000 the book I had written comprised of historical stories about Galveston, Texas was published. It was a trade paperback -- that means a regular hard cover book-size paperback -- and it sold for $19.95.
Over the following years, amazingly literally thousands have sold. I had told the publisher when they first approached me that I doubted more than 500 would sell, and I advised him not to print many more than that. Instead, the first printing was 5,000 and there has been a second printing but I am unsure of how many thousand were in that printing.
Nevertheless, since Hurricane Ike hit the island, apparently there has been a re-surging interest in my book by the public. Add to that that they are in short supply.
I noted today that according to amazon.com, used copies of the book are selling for over $40 each. New copies are as high as $80.
That does not feather my nest. I still receive the same per-copy royalty.
BILL CHERRY, REALTORS
DALLAS
Bill...too bad you don't make a bunch but it's great that you wrote it! I'm sure it has been a joy to a lot of people this year!
Is there anything you haven't done?!!! This is very cool, and income or not, I am sure you are thrilled with every right to be! Congrats!
Paula
That is really interesting. Hopefully you have a bunch that you can sell on the side and make a big profit too. :)
Miss Joanie and Miss Patty, you're right. I should have kept a big stock. But I didn't, and those I did get I gave away.
Miss Paula, I've followed my nose and done pretty much everything I've ever wanted to do. That's a rather dumb plan if your goal is to be well-fixed or wealthy, but if fun is at the top of your list of things you want to accomplish in this lifetime, my plan seems to have worked just fine.
Very interesting. Thanks for the information!