By Pablo Toledo
Stephen King, Nora Roberts and Donna Tartt are among the hundreds of authors who have added their names to an online letter criticizing Amazon.com for restricting access to works published by Hachette Book Group.
The letter, initiated by Hachette author Douglas Preston, urged Amazon to resolve its standoff with Hachette over e-book prices and other issues. Readers were asked to email Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and “tell him what you think.” Amazon has slowed delivery on books by Preston and other Hachette authors, limited discounts and removed pre-order tags for upcoming releases.
In a telephone interview Thursday, Preston said he was receiving so many emails of support that he felt like “a data entry clerk.” Known for such thrillers as Blasphemy and The Codex, Preston said he admired Amazon and appreciated how many of his books have sold through the online retailer. But he objected to Amazon’s “scorched earth tactics.”
“Our focus for years has been to build a bookstore that benefits authors and readers alike,” read a statement issued Thursday by Amazon. “We take seriously and regret the impact it has when, however infrequently, a terms dispute with a publisher affects authors. We look forward to resolving this issue with Hachette as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, best-selling science fiction author Hugh Howey has written a petition addressed to readers that praises Amazon for offering low prices and for paying generous e-book royalties to authors published by Amazon. Howey, who has had great success selling e-books through Amazon, has been a leading defender of the Seattle-based company and an advocate for self-publishing.
“You probably aren’t aware of this, but the majority of your favorite authors can’t make a living off their book sales alone,” reads the petition, which is supported by J.A. Konrath and other popular Amazon writers.
“Very few authors could when New York Publishing was in charge. That is changing now that Amazon and other online retailers are paying authors a fair wage.”
Adapted from a story by Hillel Italie, AP National Writer
