UPDATED: As of Wed., October 22 A Map of Her Own is now readily available on Amazon for the retail price of $16.95. Find it here. That being said, you can still find it under the other book buying options listed below.

It’s a good thing this wasn’t my first or second, or perhaps even third book. Because I’m certain this issue arising with Amazon would drive me bonkers or at least even more bonkers than it is today. The fact remains that the paperback version of A Map of Her Own, officially released on October 14, is not available from Amazon directly but by a third party with a higher retail price and lengthier shipping times.

I do hear other authors having similar problems, and although I’m tempted to take it personally because of my blog (see: Supporting Independent Bookstores Over Amazon), I also know I’m neither that powerful or noticeable. But it allows me to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, as I try to promote my book. So, here we go!

Book Buying Options

Ebook

It is available anyplace you ordinarily buy your ebooks (including Amazon).

Paperback

1. Support your local bookstore.
   Because I am traditionally published (thank you Bedazzled Ink Publishing) and it is distributed via Ingram, virtually all bookstores that buy new books have ready access to ordering it and selling it to you for the retail price of $16.95. Better yet, some have it on their bookshelf (thank you Annie Bloom’s, Bold Coffee and Books, Tsunami Books, and soon, Time Enough Books.) Hopefully some others (local B& N, please Powells, etc.) will add a few copies to their shelves as well, especially if patrons encourage such a thing! They most likely will not charge you shipping or delivery as long as you pick it up at their storefront. So you may need to wait up to a week or more but that’s OK – you’ve got other stuff to read right? Yes I know, Amazon has taught us we need everything delivered in eight hours. And that’s why some of those jobs are so stressful, remember that.
   
2. You can also support independent bookstores by ordering through Bookshop.org.
   Right now Bookshop.org is selling A Map of Her Own for a dollar below retail. This is a lovely organization that gives back to whatever bookstore you choose. (And in case you wonder, I make the same royalty – those big bucks authors pull in (haha) – no matter what price the book sells for, as it is based on retail price.)
   
3. Buy a signed copy at an upcoming event!
   I’ll be at Portland’s Annie Bloom’s on Thursday, October 30 at 7 pm, Eugene’s Tsunami Books on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 2 pm, and Portland’s Bold Coffee and Books on Friday, November 14 at 7 pm. I’ll also be at the Oregon Historical Society’s Holiday Cheer book event on Sunday, December 7 from noon- 4pm. (Yes, a great spot for holiday gifts). See all my events.
   
4. From me directly.
   If you are somewhere near me or will see me someplace, I’m happy to sell a signed book.
   
5. Libraries…hopefully soon.
   West Linn Library (Clackamas County) will have one in circulation soon. Patrons can make a request to their own frequented library too.

Whew! Enough for today. Happy reading!

Learn more about A Map of Her Own.