Selling Older ARCs
I feel like it's a conundrum. I mean the book clearly states: NOT FOR SALE, it's for promotional purposes. I get all that, believe me! It sickens me when I hear about people selling them on ebay for outrageous prices. But these were older ARCs, the newest of them was from last year, but all the books have since been released and published and are even in their paperback printing now, if not past that! But still, a tiny part of me thought this is wrong.
But then the other part was saying they are older. The books are in their nth printing run for the paperback copy--though I really have no idea what print run they are in since none were ones I felt like I had to have for collecting purposes.
The other upside is that the proceeds of the book fair go to help literacy programs and the like. So it all does go for a good cause. But still, there was a tiny nagging voice that kept saying ARCs are not for sale. But again, I know we tend to find ARCs in used bookstores or Goodwill stores or even garage sales. So it does happen I suspect.
But what are your thoughts on the selling of older ARCs? Do you think it's okay or are you too left with confusing and conflicting thoughts?
I feel like the ARC really is a gift from the author to the person that is reading it.. On the other hand, knowing myself, if I received an ARC and loved the book, I would also buy the book later on, and then you could sell or give away the ARC..
ReplyDeleteCONFUSING!!
Personally, I would just donate my ARCs. I would always feel a bit guilty because I go the book for free, and I'll be making money off of it. However, if I didn't want the book and there was no way to donate it...I would sell it. I think. As you can tell I'm conflicted! :)
ReplyDeleteI also cannot cross that "not for sale" line. I feel privileged to get those ARCs. I will do giveaways, pass them on, or donate them, but I won't sell them.
ReplyDeleteSam @ WLABB
While I personally wouldn't sell them, I would donate them to thrift stores and such. If they are already in print, it's not hurting the publisher by getting rid of them. Where I think the trouble mostly is is when people sell arcs at exorbitant prices just after a conference and the book won't be out for months. Meaning the people are spending hundreds on an arc instead of waiting for it to be released. Selling them after they are in print, honestly, has the same affect as trading them. And publishers are okay with that because it helps circulate the titles more.
ReplyDeleteI know this is a really taboo subject, but that's my thought on it. If it's been out a long time and someone is selling the arc for $100 or more, the only people that are going to buy it are collectors. If the person wants to just read it, they will buy it for $10 from a book store or borrow it from the library. And in that case, like I said, the publisher lost no money, because it's a collector purchasing it.
Christina @ Books & Prejudice
I definitely think it's not okay to buy or sell ARCs at basically any point. I've seen people acquire even super rare and prized ARCs via trade, so it's possible to simply go that route :) Awesome discussion post!
ReplyDeleteBrittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles
I always do giveaways or donate my ARCS. My library actually has a program where they loan arcs and allow patrons to write in the margins. Then the next to borrow can read the thought software others and add to it. So I donate here often. It's called Graffiti in the Margins! I also put some in the Little Free Library near me and donate to places like seniors centre (well my fiction books not my YA). I don't think it's ok to sell them since they were a gift for review purposes. And then I keep some... I have taken some to author events to have signed. 😀
ReplyDeleteI always do giveaways or donate my ARCS. My library actually has a program where they loan arcs and allow patrons to write in the margins. Then the next to borrow can read the thought software others and add to it. So I donate here often. It's called Graffiti in the Margins! I also put some in the Little Free Library near me and donate to places like seniors centre (well my fiction books not my YA). I don't think it's ok to sell them since they were a gift for review purposes. And then I keep some... I have taken some to author events to have signed. 😀
ReplyDeleteI've never sold an ARC and I don't think I ever would, but I know what you mean about seeing an ARC somewhere and the temptation to buy it for a collection---especially if the money is going to charity. I guess I would just use your own discretion when it comes to this.
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction