It’s become a common complaint, but it’s always interesting to get a look at how online mega-retailer Amazon operates and the effect it has on the rest of the publishing world. Writing in the Guardian Lynn Michell gives a small press perspective:
Sadly, Amazon has the monopoly on book buying. It is the most visible, known and comprehensive book market in the world. Nowhere else is buying a book so simple, so convenient, even so addictive. Whether you want an obscure book on growing tomatoes or the ninth thriller in a series starring the same tough cop, type in the title and click. Our authors expect us to sell their books here, and we do, but neither they nor the buying public necessarily knows the full and hidden story.