A Reluctant Announcement
This past December I announced that I was dropping the price of my books to $0.99 to make the books more affordable for everyone. At the time, I had a small following of readers and didn’t really anticipate a need to raise the prices. I promised that I would keep the prices low as long as I could afford it. Unfortunately, I never thought my books becoming popular would actually make everything more expensive.
When I started publishing, I did it on my own with absolutely no help from anyone. I edited my books, answered my own emails, handled Facebook, designed my own website, etc. Sometime later I started to receive help from Lieve with editing and the website. Maura came on board sometime after that and they helped me for free. Thanks to their help and a few other things that I figured out for myself, I was able to keep the price of the books down.
As word spread about my books, things started to skyrocket to the point where I needed a lot more help and I can’t possibly accept help for free anymore. It’s not right. I had to hire a Personal Assistant to help free up my time and she does a wonderful job. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be able to get more than a half an hour of work in a day. There have been a lot of unexpected costs that came along with the sales increasing that I have to cover.
For the last couple of days I’ve sat at my computer, looking everything over and trying to figure out what I could do to keep the price at $0.99 without risking financial problems for my family and doubling my workload. There’s just no way. Without the backing of a publishing house I have to handle everything on my own. Right now the help that I have allows me to work. If I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t be able to write. It would be impossible.
I’m in the unhappy position of now needing to raise the prices to keep up with expenses and have enough time to actually continue to write. I will be raising the cost of each book to $2.99 to cover the cost of publishing, editing, help and the charitable acts that we do that I absolutely refuse to stop. This change will happen gradually over the next couple of weeks as each book is edited.
There are several of you out there that wrote to me, thanking me for the low price because otherwise they would not have been able to afford my books. I apologize for having to raise the price, but once again I have kept the price set as low as possible. This is not about getting rich, but meeting my financial responsibilities that allow me to write. For those of you who absolutely cannot afford the new price, email me or Christi and we’ll see what we can do for you. I will periodically give out a book for free to make up for this price increase.
I apologize for the need to raise the prices. It’s not something that I wanted to do or truly anticipated, but it is a necessity. I hope you understand.
Sincerely,
R.L. Mathewson
Never EVER under value yourself! There is nothing wrong with putting a value on your time and talent. Lots of fortunate people got to get introduced to you and the cost of a growing empire (which is what an author is building) is never inexpensive! You are worth it!
Your books are totally worth it! I totally agree with CeeCee never ever under value yourself. I am such a fan of a N B H series. So keep hiring more people so you can have the time to write the next N.B.H. book!! Congrats..
Thanks for the heads up on the price change! I totally understand why you must increase! And just want to say that I love your books so much I will keep buying them even if the price is 20.00!
Keep up the great work and great books!
Xoxo. Lizzie!
Truthfully, I thought .99 was ridiculously cheap. I have no problem with the new price. Love your books!
I came across your books looking for a new read and fell in love with them .99 cents was a bonus and a steal, 2.99 i still a steal and well worth it. If i bought in a store books cost as much as 20 dollars I can live with 2.99
While I can certainly appreciate 0.99 books, your books are without a doubt, worth more then that. As someone who buys Kindle books frequently I can say that I buy them based on rating first and then price. I don’t like to spend much more then 4.99 unless I fully expect them to be something I can’t do without. I think it was a great idea to sell them so cheap initially as that did help to get them out there. I personally bought your NFH and Pys/Sentinel series because of the price but now eagerly await the next books. I have recommended them to others who have read them and feel the same. I will eagerly snatch up your books at 2.99 and I appreciate that your still trying to keep them cheap. Thank you!
I have read you books, You are obviously very talented. I would surely pay for the increase. I have read 6 of your books In about a weeks time. I saw many mistakes. That is not your fault as you are the writer, proofreader and editor. You do need good help. I think with paid help you will be able to excel in your writings. Your literature is very entertaining as it made me laugh and cry. Please keep up the great work and I and waiting for the next addtion to the NFH series and any of your future writings.
Honestly, that’s still crazy cheap for your awesome books which provide hours of entertainment. In fact I always felt a little cheeky about paying such a small price when I get such joy in return. In fact I will feel less guilty if anything so think of it as a good deed (!), providing guiltless pleasure to the masses 🙂
I love your books and have no problem paying more for them. I can’t wait for more to come out.
It’s totally understandable. Thank you for keeping it low as long as you have. And I’d also like to send some thank yous to your support system for helping you out =) your books are like your babies, it takes a village… Keep them books coming because I’ll definitely keep on buying and reading! =)
I support whatever you need to do and will always be a fan no matter what. Let me know if I can help out a fan who can’t afford the new cost. Everyone should be able to read your work and I am happy to help in any way I can.
I agree with Deb, I love your books and think they are worth more than you were selling them for, will still buy them after the prices have risen. Worth every penny and more. Can’t wait till you bring out more!
I just discovered your books and love the “Neighbors from Hell” series..so funny and sexy! And you should get a fair price for all the hard work that goes into writing and publishing books. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Thanks for being considerate enough to be honest …… The increase is not so bad your books are still very affordable and well worth the asking price…. Looking forward to reading your future books
Please don’t worry.. Your books are absolutely worth more. I have read many and for more $ and your stories are worth every penny of 2.99. Don’t be silly..! You are a generous lady and your fans appreciate you. Now, go get us another Bradford book!!! Mmmkay?
Thank you Ms. Mathewson.
I love your books and 2.99 is still a low price to pay and I will pay that gladly!! I have read all your books and look forward to more!
$2.99 is still a great price! $0.99 is good for a promo or introduction or even a short stort story but really authors need to be compensated for their time, effort and creativity.
Cheers
Your books are fantastic and well worth the price! This is your livelihood, so it’s completely understandable to raise the price (which is still very affordable). I look forward to reading future books and supporting a great self-published author! 🙂
I’d pay $10! You can’t feel bad about raising prices. You need to think of yourself too. Looking forward to your future releases. I’m a big fan.
I understand your trying to keep your prices low to get your books out there….now that you have us hooked on your work, price will not keep me from reading what you put out there next.
Keep writing wonderful books for us book lovers!
Ou are worth it! Your true followers will pay.
You have to do you.
I love that I was able to get the books for $.99 but I’m more than willing to pay more for them. They are that good. As far as I’m concerned, $2.99 is still cheap.
Hey I’ve paid far more for books by authors who did not provide great stories. Don’t worry we’ll still support you & give us more Bradford’s!
thank-you for letting your fans know.
i think $2.99 is still a great price. when i look at books to read i also look at pages in a book. and your book defiantly deserve the $2.99 price.
you have been lucky to have free help so far but as you say your work increase is also increasing there work and in this day, you were lucky to have free help. (all your fans would love to help). but you can only have so much help and you have done great with the 2 you have. adding a PA well done. i guess every writer wants to have best sellers and you have done that. but with that comes more work and more help. no one but you can write your books.
Keep it up,
keep it real
keep your family happy
and thats what your doing.
love your work, love that you were honest about why you needed to rise the price. and not only thanx to you but Leive and Maura.
No worries on the increased prices! You got me hooked and more than willing to pay practically any price to read the next book. Lower prices encourage larger readership which is what you want and now that everyone knows how great your work is they should know that nothing great comes without a price! Keep up the great work!
Totally support. 2.99, in my opinion, is still considered a steal for something I truly enjoy.
thank you for letting us know, but I’m glad you are raising the price it’s still really cheap and I would gladly pay more for your books beacuse they are that good and you deserve it. xoxo
I agree with everyone else. Still an excellent price and totally understandable. I was also looking for something new to read and thought 99 cents was worth taking a chance…so glad i did and now i recommend your books to others. Your still making them at a price that people will be willing to try them out and fall in love with them. Can’t wait for the next NFH book!
As everyone says: “Everything comes with a price” I always believe that $0.99 is not an appropriate price for your books because you’re a very talented author and please keep it up. We, your fans would always support you regardless of anything. I agree, your price of $0.99 is consumer-friendly but that does not mean you do not need to raise it. Again, I would like you to know that I’m an avid fan of your works and support you all through out! God Bless and Thank you!
TO be honest $2.99 is still REALLY low.. I would rather pay that then $13.99+ I understand that when you start to get a bigger fan base the output will be even greater for you. I sure have read all of your books which is a first as I dont read like I used to and I have just started getting back into it, but now I tell all my friends to read your books when books are suggested.
I have no problems with the price rise at all I would be happy to buy your books at any price! Keep up the great work 🙂
Thanks for letting us know ahead of time. I’m willing to pay $2.99 for your books, especially since you don’t write novellas. Just keep ’em coming!
Im astounded you’ve managed to keep writing and corresponding as long as you have, and kept your books at .99. I like many others absolutely love your work and want you to continue writing so if that means you have to bring your costs inline with other authors so be it (not before time). I’ve spent a lot more on books I’ve deleted because they were quite frankly rubbish, yours on the other hand have a special folder on my kindle
Never apologize for expecting a living wage when what you are delivering is a quality product, across a range of titles. There are other authors out there getting $12.99 for a book that doesn’t begin to approach the depth of character, scope of plot nor continuity of story lines throughout several titles. You accomplish all of this and make it seem effortless. Go for it! Breathe. Sleep well
I’m a voracious reader but my bank account isn’t. When I see a new author that I’ve never read, I look for their lowest price book. It’s a good way to see if I like the authors writing style. I happily tried your NFH books at .99 and was hooked. Of course, I then read everything you had listed. I think you did a great thing by pricing your books at .99 but now it’s time to raise the price. Like the other comments, I certainly don’t think 2.99 is going to make your dedicated readers unhappy. Your a talented writer who obviously cares about the people who buy your books. Thanks for the heads up. Looking forward to the next NFH!!
I dosen’t matter what your prises are, I’ll always be a fan xx nothing should hold you back, people read your books because you get them involved in each and every book, not just on the low price xxx
Wow even at $2.99 they are a bargain, I personally would be happy to pay more as I believe your books are worth it & as a business owner myself totally understand the expense that is involved & how costs need to be met! I loved your pyte/sentinel series, just finished your NFH series and can’t wait for the next books for both, i’m about to start the HH series 🙂
Keep up the great work, i’m a huge fan & am recommending your books to everyone 🙂 Thank You!
I still love your books. And I still anticipate for the next book to come. The price increase will not hamper me from buying all your future books. You’re one talented writer and deserve all the help you need to keep the books coming. I will still recommend your books even after the price hike. It’s still affordable and worth every cent. Keep up the great work!
I absolutely love your books! I’ve read them all and I’m in the process of buying the paperbacks as well. I believe your books are worth more than $0.99 anyway which is why I’ll spend the $10 or so on your paperbacks as well 🙂
Alicia and everyone else,
Don’t buy the paperbacks! They are getting fixed. If you buy them now you’ll get old, poorly edited copies. It won’t let me take them down without screwing with the ISBN. We are working hard to fix the books now. Please wait.
R.L.
Oh yes, please please wait till we are done with all the edits…. I have already proofread 2 of them, and as soon as Bosslady here looks them over, they will be ready for formatting for print 🙂
Alright I’ll wait ! Let me know when there ready 🙂
I came to read your books, buy accident. When I read the first book I just could not find enough books to read, I am disabled and reading a good book is my only pleasure. If possible could you let me know or maybe other fans could inform me of any new releases,I spend quite a lot on books the price you are asking is well worth the read. Your books are very very good, do not stop writing you have a talent.
The next book to be released is Checkmate. It is the 3rd book in the Neighbors from Hell series. We are looking at an Oct./Nov. release. At this moment we are all working to re-release all the previous books with new edits, we also plan for those books to go to print as well :).
Thank you for letting us know. I love you books, I dont mind paying more. You are well worth it. Now stop worring about this and write some more! Please. I am just finishing Tall Dark and Heartless. Such a great series. After that one I have Sudden Response to read. I think I have read all your books then. So more please…I am a loyal fan and support you no matter what. Great Work!!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! — I absolutely LOVE your books and would pay much more than $2.99 if necessary; so please don’t underestimate your value to your readers. You publish them, I [and others] wil surely buy them; no questions asked! Can’t wait for whatever book is next. You are an AWESOME author and those of us that love your work will purchase what you produce.
Skip the coffee and read a book. This will not deter me from reading your books.. Please give us something soon, I’m dying waiting..
Thanks for the heads up, but I am glad that you are raising your prices. I mean your books are great and you should be making money on them. I might have been upset if they went from .99 to 7.99, but 2.99 is still a great price. Thank you for everything that do! I can not wait for your next books to come out.
Hon’ your books are worth the money, don’t feel bad about charging more for them, besides $ 2.99 is really cheap if you think about it.
Thanks for the heads up on the price change. I think your books are awesome!! And whether their .99 or more, if I like an author I pay the price for a great book. $2.99 is still cheap (and I thank you for that), but whether you charge $2.99 or $7.99 you will still have me buying your books. I think you’re an incredible writer and absolutely can’t wait to get the next one!! So keep writing!!!! You’re well worth the money!!!
Thanks for the heads up!
Love your books. Keep writing and I will keep buying and reading!
It works out I pay 79p (im in UK) for your books. They are worth more. I enjoy your books and love your style of writing and that in the end is what matters. The price increase won’t deter me from buying more. I can’t wait for the next NFH!
🙂
I don’t care if it is 6.99, if you write another Sentinel novel I will buy it. I love love love your writing. Your sense of humor is the best. Your books are worth paying more for if we get to keep reading them. Don’t apologize! We love you and your writing. Do what you need to do to keep going and we will support you.
The price of your books is more than worth the price. Your talent is priceless.
Oh and fyi, my email is cehrlich@bookryhtm.com. Not sure if this is going to be my email for all time…but when and if I get one that is directly related to RL, then i will let you know. So any questions, please email me!
New email….christi@rlmathewson.com…see the woman really does own me now 🙂
I would gladly pay more than $2.99 a book. Especially if it means we can get more of your books faster!!!!!!
Keep writing, we are impatiently waiting for more!!!!!!!
Thanks for the heads up on letting us know about the price change, Dont Worry I love your books an if the future ones are anything like your previous books there well worth the price. I for one will continue reading your work. Can’t wait till the next NFH is out…
Just found your books. I love them but I will admit the typos and word misuse will often take me out of the story. I also hesitate to recommend your books for this reason. A good editor would be wonderful but a good proofreader would be a great start. A personal pet peeve is misuse of “discrete” when you mean “discreet.” Off to buy your backlist.
All of the books are going through another round of edits. I just finished proofreading 2 of them and we are working very hard to get the rest finished so we can publish them. 🙂
It’s great that you’re redoing the editing to correct the proofreading errors; however, how does that help those of us who have already purchased the books with all of the mistakes in them? I agree with Renda that the rampant mistakes can repeatedly take me out of the story. The stories are wonderful and I really enjoy them. I’m one of those people that loves to go on occasion and reread a whole series. It would be great to have the newly edited versions instead of the ones with all the errors.
That being said, keep those great stories coming! 🙂
Joan,
Still getting the newly edited versions up, but I think that you can get a new copy from wherever you purchased it. Contact wherever you bought it from and ask them what happens if your copy gets deleted off your device. I think that’s how it has to happen. You own a copy, so I’m pretty sure that you can get a copy from whatever site that you bought it from. Let me know what happens so that I can see what I can do. I apologize for the mistakes. They’re embarrassing and that’s why we’re fixing them.
RL, Sweetie!! We don’t care about the price – just keep churning ’em out, babe! Well worth the extra coupla dollars…… Now, can I mention that there are lot of us here in Aus who would really love the next NFH???? (This is what is known as a subtle hint…..)
I am new to your books but already I am a MAJOR fan. Believe me, it was a wonderful surprise to be able to purchase the books for $.99 but no way will I give up such wonderful stories simply because the price had to go up. I think $2.99 per book is still a great bargain for the great entertainment and joy I receive from your writing. My goodness, the Bradford clan from the Neighbor From Hell Series ALONE is worth more than that. 🙂 I laughed so hard at those guys and I really hope there will be another book coming that features that family. Just keep writing, I’ll keep purchasing and enjoying. 🙂 P.S. – I just finished the first of the Pyte-Sentinel Series and I love that, too.
I just finished the Neighbor From Hell Series. MORE PLEASE!!! What a great series. I don’t care if the price goes up – I WANT MORE!!!
I’ve mentioned before that you should charge more for your work. .99 cents is incredible. I thought when I bought the first of your books that it was just a promotional price so I never expected all your books to be priced that low. You have a family to provide for and deserve to be compensated for your work and if you can use your income to employ somebody else, well, hey, that’s the way it is supposed to work in America! I would pay far more than .99 cents for your stories, R.L. and I’ve no doubt that many, many others would happily do so, too.
Downloading that first NFH series was one of the best moves I ever made! Having read almost all of your work I can get my hands on I would gladly write you a check for what I’ve paid vs. what I think your work is worth (and i can assure you it’s a hell of a lot more than 2.99 a book!) I cannot even begin to express how much I’ve enjoyed them… especially the “Bradford’s” (OMG they crack me up!!!) I just finished A Reclusive Heart… I mean seriously… SO GOOD! You have an amazing talent for telling a story and I for one am honored that you give us all the opportunity to be a part of that! I’m glad to hear you hired an assistant… your time is valuable, dont ever underestimate or undervalue it!
Art isn’t free. Writting is an art. Work is work and we all deserve to be paid for the work we do. 2.99 is a very resonable price for a book. I love your work and happily pay for it! My one request…please write faster!
I must admit I bought my first book because it was 99 cents and I am sure others did the same. But, it was such a great read, that I will continue to buy your books. Good authors are hard to find and you are a great one.
If you want to keep hooking readers like me, keep the first book in the NFH series at $0.99, but then raise your others to $2.99. At $0.99, many more people will give you a try, and believe me, once someone reads the first NFH book, they will try more, even if the price is higher. I’m happy to hear that the books are being edited though, since that’s my only complaint about them. Best wishes!
Since all of the books are being proofread and edited, the price increase will start with each re-edited book. 🙂
re-edited and re-released, sorry, my brain is only functioning at half for some reason!
I LOVE all the books and no matter the price I will keep on buying. You’ve hooked me in and I’m here to stay 😉 -Candice
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” – Dr. Seuss
I just “discovered” your books and you this week. I read both Playing For Keeps and Perfection back to back without stopping. Even at $2.99 your books are a bargain. Do not feel bad for making a living! I’d rather pay $2.99 to an author self publishing than to a publishing house making more money than the author!
I’ve paid a lot more for books that I didn’t enjoy near as much as yours! Can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Totally understand the need for raising prices and you’re books are definitely worth the $2.99 (I’d willingly pay more though as I love your books and have re-read them several times now on my iPhone!!) Can’t wait for the next NFH book 🙂 Seriously, need it now haha! xx
I love all of you books, especially the pyte sentinel novels! I think $2.99 is still a great price! Ive paid more than that for books that werent near as good! I will be anxiously awaiting for your next books to come out!
You do good work, so don’t sweat it. That’s still a really good price. Take the time to look at the crap that people are selling for $10+ out there, and you’ll feel a lot better lol.
I absolutely love all of your books and if I have to pay a bigger price for them I truly don’t care as long as you keep writing – the faster the better. Thank you for sharing your great stories with me
I suspect I will say the same as most people, but $2.99 is still dirt cheap. Your books are great, you are entitled to make a great living doing this as you share so much fun with your stories. All I can say is thank you, and never undersell yourself. Charge what you need to.
2.99 is still a great price. I would pay more than that if I had to because i love your books. NFH series is awesome. Also pyte/sentinel novels are great! keep up the great work and do not fret over the price. Your writing is well worth an increase in price
[…] I check out her books. While I was looking around to see what I wanted to read first, I ran across R.L Mathewson’s website and found out that she will be raising the prices on her books soon. Right now, they are still .99 […]
Don’t feel bad! 2.99 is still a terrific price for a book. It is ALOT better than the $5 and $6 dollar prices I see on books that are only 20 pages or so and don’t have half as much awesomness in them! 🙂
I have read and enjoyed all your books so far, I totally understand the reasons why you have to raise your price. Don’t feel bad you just do what you have to do so we can have some good books to read. Your books have got me through a long deployment so thank you very much for all your hard work.
As many have already stated– your books are worth it!
I love your books with a passion and THEY ARE TOTALLY WORTH IT! I (and most probably everyone else) totally appreciate the fact you would take the time to address us as your consumers and fans to tell us this. It illustrates not only your love and passion for the books you write but also for the people that read them. You are more than worth the cost of your books and because all of them are just beyond PERFECT, you deserve to be compensated in anyway possible. $2.99 is nothing but a brush off the shoulder for the talent you gift us with through your writing.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH 🙂 x
As an addicted reader for all of 3 days and 3 books I can say with all honesty I’d be willing to pay what ever you charge for these books because they are just that good!
Ok so now that everyone agrees that raising the price will not stop anyone from purchasing your books.. Lets get to the pressing matter.. When is the third book from N.F.H is going to come out?? I cant wait any longer… sigh 🙁
We are hoping for an Oct/Nov. release for Checkmate 🙂
I started reading your books a week ago after seeing a Playing For Keeps for £0.99 on ibooks. I read that book within the day and had purchased four more of your books.
I adore your stories, although they are taking over my life! I would be more than happy to pay £2.99 for your books.
Don’t feel bad for making a profit on your talent especially as you are making charitable donations. You should allow yourself to be more that Dana and embrace the lifestyle of a up and coming author 🙂
I look forward to reading more of you!
I admire you.
Seriously??? You are apologizing for a TWO DOLLAR increase???? When a Starbucks coffee is $5+ ???? Your books last much longer than my Starbucks treat does and has less calories. You keep writing and I’ll keep reading.
BTW, if there is anything I can do to move up the next NFH installment, let me know….proof reading, giving advance review….etc. Just here to help. 🙂
I’ve read all of your books that are out and you are extremely talented! One of my favorite authors! Please don’t feel bad about your prices! While 99¢ was fantastic, your writing is worth much much more! I think it’s awesome that you care about your readers, but as one of them, I’d gladly pay more for your books! Thank you for being a wonderful writer and person! 🙂
I’d be happy to pay $10 a book. I’ve only read of you books so far but I loved them all.
I love your books and is impatiently awaiting the next installment of NFH & the Pyte series. Your books are a great work of literature that should not even be free. I find it odd that the best books are always free. It has so much more value than that and I’d pay whatever your asking price to be. At 2.99 your books would still be undervalued. Because I’ve paid more than thrice that price on books and haven’t had this much fun even if they were good reads. Thank you for returning my love for reading.
You know what? I just found your books as I was browsing around iTunes for something new to read. At $0.99 I didn’t expect much. Honestly, they are worth more than that. I’ve read several of them now and have really enjoyed them. I’m not a fan of the supernatural/vampire stuff so I tend to skip those, but I’ve really enjoyed the others so far.
As others have said, don’t undervalue yourself. You deserve to be paid for your work. I’ve definitely noted a few glaring typos and continuity issues in a couple of the books. In one I even realized there’s even name reference that’s wrong. Honestly, though, those things are easily fixed with a little more editing and assistance — which you could afford if you charged more. I would definitely pay a little more because there is a quality and potential to your storytelling not seen in some other novels popular right now.
Well worth the money to read about the Bradfords. Just fell in love with all of them and love that you are going to included them in the 3rd book.