Conversations With Kav – Blog Biz., Authors as Booksellers + Giveaway

Hate to start out with a bit of a reality check, but here we go. With the onset of tariffs and the uncertainty around how that will affect both the Canadian and US economies (and the book and publishing industry specifically), I’m giving fair warning that giveaways on this blog will have to adapt. That means there might be fewer giveaways per week or more ebook giveaways or ecard giveaways instead of specific book giveaways. I’m just going to play it by ear week to week so it’s important for you to check the giveaway details (or lack of) each day.

What Giveaways Will Look Like:

A review that includes a giveaway will always include ‘+ Giveaway’ at the end of the title (see today’s title as an example.) If you don’t see the ‘+ Giveaway’ after the title, the post is just a plain ol’ review.

Another ‘giveaway’ indicator is the section in blue and red type that comes after the review. It starts out with ‘Giveaway Opportunity’ and includes specific details on the type of giveaway in RED. This is where you’ll want to pay particular attention to the editions available for where you live – US, Canada or International.

International giveaways are generally gently read paperbacks which I can mail anywhere in the world. Averages about one a week, sometimes more. It just depends on what I’ve been reading.

ebook giveaways are available to anyone with a US Amazon account OR to Canadians who will receive an Amazon.ca gift card for the amount of the ebook (because we can’t gift ebooks here. Strange, I know.)

Print book giveaways will usually be available to both US and Canadian readers BUT I’ve noticed the occasional waaaay over priced book up here. Recently spotted a current release that was $11.99 in the US and $34 here in Canada! Same company (Amazon) Now I know there’s a difference in our dollar value, but not that much!!! So sometimes print might not be an option in Canada. BUT Audible editions are depending on availability.

Sigh — I know this is kind of complicated and I’m sorry about that. I’ll try to make it as clear as I can for each Giveaway — just make sure to read the red print carefully so you know what you are entering for.

Author as Booksellers

This is me, seeking your wonderful collective knowledge as I look for alternatives to Amazon for giveaway books. They are still giving me a run-around about my reviews being ‘harassing’ etc. (insert eye-rolling emoji here) and I am steamed so I’m broadening by book buying horizons. Of course, I’ll still use them, especially for ebook giveaways, but I’ve noticed that more authors, especially indie authors, are starting up their own bookshops on their websites.

I just checked Becky Wade’s out and it seems straight forward and allows for gift buying which is an essential feature for me. But, of course, I have questions (because it’s Sunday and we need something to start the conversation going, right?!)

  • Have you ever bought a book from an author’s website? If so, which author?
  • Was there a credit card option? (I saw a few that featured some online thingy I’ve never heard of and assume it’s only available in the US so that wouldn’t work for me.)
  • Did it have a gift option (as opposed to only delivering to the purchaser?)
  • Did you feel like the transaction was secure?
  • What was the delivery turn around like?
  • Would you be open to giveaways coming from author stores even if it meant it would take longer for the book to reach you?

I know, a ton of questions, but I’d really love some input.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Leave a comment to be entered in a draw for a $10.00 Baker Book House gift ecard. Open to anyone, anywhere who is willing to shop at https://bakerbookhouse.com

77 thoughts on “Conversations With Kav – Blog Biz., Authors as Booksellers + Giveaway”

  1. Hey, Kav! I haven’t really purchased from author websites as most of my books are either review copies, or used books from eBay or local sellers. I do think some of my review copies came from the author’s store (Lightraiders— James R. Hannibal). Something I do like seeing is when authors also sell swag associated with their books. I haven’t bought from her, but Robin Jones Gunn has some really fun products that have caught my eye on principle of their connection to the books.

    And that reminds me of one author I have bought from: Ted Dekker. I got some self-published works from him. I do remember seeing some review(s) complaining about books being slightly bent, but I think mine were fine.

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      1. I had no idea that Ted Dekker had any indie books out. The things I learn on this blog! 🙂 I read his mystics series and one that he wrote with this daughter but that’s all. I’ll have to check Robin Jones Gunn’s website…dare I confess I’ve never read anything by her? Gasp! Thanks, Stephanie. Good luck!

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      2. Kav, I never read Robin Jones Gunn til last year & I went on a reading binge. I never read the Christy Miller books (that I know of) unless her name was in one of the books I read for the 1st time. These were standalones that I binged on. At least I think so. I need to double check but I’m pretty sure they were. Tea with Elephants is just one of those books that describes the way I feel the Lord’s presence when I see a beautiful bird in my yard or a lovely species of flowers. Only I have not one giraffe in my front yard or back. 🦒 You may not enjoy it as much bc books are so subjective, but I hope you do!

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      4. Kav, so different than what I typically read . . . or even like. Not much romance since the two friends are already married. lol But a little romantical angst. I mean I don’t particularly love books that just ooze with it from the 1st page, but normally I like a bit more romance than Elephants with Tea has.

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  2. I don’t remember if I’ve ever bought directly from an author, but I’m definitely all for it! I would think it would probably be more profitable for them, but who knows if that’s true or not?? Another option would be to buy directly from the publishing house (which I have done multiple times, and with wonderful results!) or another site like the Christian Book Store or something (they also have TERRIFIC sales quite often and my family and I have several times ordered from them and gotten beautiful, perfect-conditioned books in great timing😉) I can’t speak to the gifting options on any of these places🤷‍♀️

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    1. Yes — definitely more profitable for indie authors because they wouldn’t have to give Amazon a cut. I actually didn’t know that publishing houses sold books as well, other then Baker Book House and they’ve done a great job of combining their books, other CF plus used books. I’ll go on a publisher hunt later today. I used to order from Christian Books quite a bit but then I opted for Amazon prime for the free shipping so haven’t used them a ton since they. Must check back with them. Thanks for the suggestion. Good luck, Elly!

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  3. The only author I have directly bought from is Roseanna White. Otherwise, I use Baker or Amazon. A lot comes down to ease and price. Oh, and CBD. I do like how White has additional items on her site. It’s fun to look through. I don’t remember if there was a gift option, though.

    I Usually don’t mind longer delivery times. As a literature teacher, I always have my nose in at least 5 books at a time anyway, so waiting isn’t a problem. And, looking forward to the book is part of the fun!!!!!!!

    kathrynlvossATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Yesssssss! Bookish anticipation is the best!!!!!!! Just checked out Roseanna M White’s shop — she has special editions with sprayed edges!!!!! And all the bookish things…eeeepppp! Thanks, Kathryn. Good luck!

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  4. Good Sunday Morning, its nippy at 37 but headed to 50 degrees today, I’ll take it!

    Who knew trying to buy books and give books could be such a challenge. Just want to say I appreciate all you do and go through to keep Best Reads going. It really is the only book blog I consistently read.

    So, I have never bought books directly from authors but have won some and I’ve explored a few sites. One of the most successful groups of authors I’ve seen selling their own books is Sunrise Publishing created by Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel. This group was created to highlight new writing talent and then the store evolved from that. You may want to check them out for info gathering. They do paper, ebook and audio too. Here’s the link- https://sunrisepublishing.com/ If you go to the shop dropdown, they have a FAQ section that was helpful.

    Since I’m 98% an ebook reader I explored their delivery method. They use BookFunnel which started in 2015. Back then when an author sent a book it had too many steps and I felt like I was jumping through hoops to get the book. It’s more streamlined now and easier to get the book but still more steps than accepting a book from the big A. Lots of authors, Indie especially use this to deliver free books. I’ve used it some when authors have free giveaways and downloaded a book. My personal issue with BookFunnel is they don’t have the text-to-speech option on the books they deliver. I’ve gotten so spoiled by that I continue to buy all my ebooks from amazon. Again, this is just me and I have read a good number of BookFunnel books and it went fine. All this info may be off topic and not pertinent to what you’re asking, but I’m sharing my personal experience with this commonly used form of ebook delivery.

    All that to say this, I wouldn’t mind receiving a book from an author website in whatever form available. Goodness, I managed to talk a lot about a topic I’m not well-versed in. I’ll be watching the responses to see what I can learn to. I’m enjoying our Convo with Kav talks so much, just me and my coffee and a dozen or two reading buds. So much fun! tracey14567 at email dot com

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    1. That’s cold for you, right? I chickened out of church today — -23 (-9 F) plus a wind chill and it takes a half hour to walk to church so I watched online. Sigh. That is such a temptation in the winter months!

      Yay, glad you like hanging out here…what would I do without my star reporter?! 🙂 I would never have thought about checking Sunrise Publications. Just checked them out — they do gift cards too. I’ll have to email them about whether they can send a book as a gift rather than straight to the purchaser. Thanks, Tracey. I’m gobsmacked over how business savvy authors have to be these days!

      I’ll keep doing ebooks through Amazon — it’s just easier. I’m like you only about audio books. I know there are other options out there but I feel like I have enough with audible, Chirp, and the library’s Libby and Hoopla. That pretty much has me covered. Oh and Net Galley now. I actually have had 11 books from them approved so far this year! If I can find other reliable sources for print books, I might stop my prime membership. Right now I pay for prime both in the US and Canada so I don’t have to worry about shipping costs. Not sure I can match that anywhere else…though I really like the idea of giving my business to authors directly. We’ll see.

      I’ll toast your coffee mug with my hot cocoa mug (whipped cream included since it’s Sunday!) Nice chatting with you! Good luck, Tracey!

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      1. -9!! 😳🥶 yep, I’d have watched online too. And 30 minutes to walk it other Sundays? You are made of hardy stock!

        We had our 2nd snow two weeks ago it was 27°, then Friday that number got flipped to 72°! Virginia is all over the place but I do enjoy a random warm day with sunshine.

        I’ve been noticing more CF on netgalley audio, I keep thinking I should try one but have yet to dip my toe in. I’m nervous I won’t like the voices, it took me forever to try text to speech and I’m so adapted to her voice now, maybe one day…

        Per your comment about Amazon saying your reviews are “harrassing”, they are giving me a hard time and give six or so reasons my review doesn’t meet their “standards”. In the past I reposted the the same review again which tells me they aren’t reading them just randomly spitting their objections out. Case in point t, I just read Before the King and posted my review to Goodreads, then copied it to Amazon. Did meet the standards, so I went ahead and shortened it because I don’t want to deal with all their shenanigans.. 🙄 if it weren’t for ARC’s and helping authors I wouldn’t review at all.

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      2. The shenanigans are all AI and once you’re in their crosshairs, you can’t get away easily. I started posting reviews on indigo in Canada so I have an online store to add to my Net Galley reviews. I’ll have to add Christian Books to that list as well and hope that’s enough to keep me getting approvals. It’s tough for the indie authors though because they really need those Amazon reviews. I have found some Indies on Indigo though, which surprised me. Maybe they are on Christian Books as well. Must check that out.

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      3. Kav, I always post reviews on Indigo & they’re so prompt about posting them on their site. BookBub posts them immediately, KOBO posts them immediately, CBD takes a day usually & has never turned my reviews down, Barnes & Noble takes a day (sometimes sooner), and Books-a-Million takes about a week to post a review but never hassles you. Also Powell’s books takes reviews. All you need is an account on these sites, but none of them require you to make a purchase. Ever.

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      4. Thanks, Diane. I’ll look into that. Do you know how to pull up just your review on Indigo? The best I’ve been able to figure out is to get all the reviews with the most current one at the top. They don’t have nearly as many reviews as Amazon but you used to e able to go in and get a link to your individual review, but I can’t see how to do that now.

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      5. Kav, I can’t get the link to my specific review on Indigo & some of the other bookseller sites as well, so I just copy & paste the link at top of pg for NetGalley. They can search for my review if they want to. LOL!

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  6. Believe me, I understand the problem and hardships of mailing a package. Here in the US, I’ve signed up for notice of coming mail for what good it does. Sometimes they will say something will be arriving today when it actually doesn’t show up for 3 more days. At first, I worried about something happening to it, but now I just go with the flow. Then there is the cost, which regardless of which country keeps going up while service goes down at a greater rate. All this to say, delays in arrive of a book aren’t a factor any more. It’s something that’s taken for granted. Plus here I will add that there are a lot of other contests that when won take weeks to months for the book to arrive and it has nothing to do with publication dates. The turn around on your contests is exceptionally fast – even when waiting for the book to be releases. ❤

    I’ve not purchased directly from an author so have no advice or comments on that part.

    Gift cards are a way to make it easier on you and might still allows the winner the ability to get the book. I guess my question would the gift card be bigger than the price of the book to allow for the price of shipping? If not, the winner still might not have the option to get the book if having to pay as much to buy the book than the price of the book. 😦 Either way it’s a sad situation on both parties.

    Honestly, I have no solutions or ideas especially when things are so up in the air. Don’t understand the logic in 99% of it, but will keep my opinions to myself (as my momma told me to). 🙂

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Interesting infö about shipping, Kay. I pay for prime in both the US and Canada so I don’t experience that problem. Deliveries are usually earlier than predicted. And that’s a good point about gift cards and shipping. I’d have to check that out if it was for a specific book. When I do these BBH gift cards it’s just a set amount that the winner can put to anything. If they opt for a new release or preorder, the shipping is free anyway and they’d just have to spend a dollar or two of their own money. Or they can get a used book and still have money left over to cover the shipping. Lots to think about. Good luck, Kay!

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  7. I have bought a few books from author websites: Becky Wade, Jamie Foley, Tracy Higley, and probably a few more. I had the option to pay with paypal or credit card. I always felt like my information was safe and I always received my order. So, my experience with ordering off author websites has been good.

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      1. This is reassuring. I have a Becky Wade giveaway coming up this week and I thought I’d use her store as a trial. Good to know it worked well for you. Hers is the only one so far that has separate forms for bill to and send to so gifting looks like it will be straightforward. Good luck, Jolene!

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  8. Never purchased from an author website, but I do know a lot of people who do and honestly get the book just as fast as ordered from Amazon. I am supposed to be ok Amazons fast shipping, but it almost isn’t worth it because it’s no longer fast. It used to be but the mail service has hit the tubes tbh.

    As far as giveaways go, I completely understand. I’m in the US and it gets expensive. I

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    1. Oops. Wasn’t done yet.

      Anyway, I get it! Esp with uncertainty rn. I personally enjoy gift cards better because I can get the print option if I win(I don’t do ebook because reading is my way of limiting screen time and plus I get distracted with all the stupid notifications going on and don’t end up reading much at all)

      sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom

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    2. Book prices seem to be all over the place these days. Outrageously priced and then when I check a few weeks later they’re way down. I wonder why Amazon does that? Or is it the publisher? I read a week or two ahead for the blog and schedule my reviews but the night before I always recheck prices to see if I need to make any changes to the giveaway options because prices drop or rise that fast. Strange. Good luck, Sarah!

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      1. If it’s on Amazon, it’s generally not the author. I’ve seen several posts recently that authors are having issues with Amazon raising the prices and not even increasing their royalty rates.

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  9. Thanks for the update and it is completely fine with me for books coming from any source that works best for you. I’ve purchased books directly from Becky Wade because she offers a signed copy, a special treat for me. I’ve used both PayPal and credit card and everything went smoothly. I’ve also purchased ebooks from Sunrise Publishing and had excellent transactions. And I purchase, usually preorders, from Baker Book House due to lots of 40% off pricing, and those have gone smoothly also.

    I enjoy your reviews and giveaways are a nice bonus when you can offer them.

    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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    1. Yay! Becky Wade is going to be my test author this week so this makes me happy. Baker Book House has been fantastic! I just discovered them this past year. Doesn’t work for me personally because of shipping costs to Canada, but wonderful for giveaways. Thanks, Sandy, good luck!

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  10. Yep! I did a little gasp. If you start reading Robin’s books, you may have a long journey ahead of you. A lot of her series are direct follow-ups (though there are also tangential connections). Good thing you get through books so fast 😉 seriously, I hope you have a chance to read something of hers some time. I’d recommend starting with the first Christy Miller book, if possible.

    Yes, Dekker has indie books that he’s written with his daughters, as well as another co-author. I haven’t read as many of the indie releases

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    1. I think that’s why I haven’t started down the Robin path — everything seemed to be interconnected. Same with Karen Kingsbury, though I have read a few of hers. Okay, I just put Tea With Elephants on hold at my library. It’s a start…and a standalone so not as daunting! lol Though I think my church library might have some of the Christy Miller’s. I’ll have to check.

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      2. I’m jumping into the Robin Jones Gunn conversation because while I have read Tea with Elephants, she has some much better books to start with IMHO. I started with Secrets the first book in her Glenbrooke series, then quickly devoured all nine on a beach vacation, as did my teen daughter (that was 30 years ago). Then I read all the Sisterchick books, 8 of them, about middle-aged women taking adventures all over the world, so fun. My 2 cents 🙂

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  11. Sorry this all has put you in a quandary. It seems like everything is up in the air. The only recent author I’ve purchased directly from is Becky Wade and you already checked her site out. I bought a T-shirt. It took a bit longer than my Amazon Prime deliveries, as I recall, but it wasn’t a big deal for me. I read you blog, because I love your reviews, not so much for the possibility of winning a book. I have hundreds of books that I haven’t had time to read–LOL! Don’t even ask how many unread Kindle books I have–Ha Ha! Blessings…

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    1. Ah, thanks, Kay! And yay, another vote for Becky Wade. Neat that you got a bookish t-shirt! It’s a blessing I don’t read ebooks because I’m sure if I did my kindle books would be limitless and I’d be perpetually overwhelmed with the need to read them all. lol Good luck, Kay!

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  12. Good morning, Kav! Hope you’re having a bright, sunny morning like us. The weather was so nice yesterday I actually got out & walked some. I know you walk in freezing cold, snowy weather, but I’m not as brave. lol

    I’ve never bought books from an author, but I have won a few. Not many bc there’s usually boocoos of entrants. Even ebooks are getting outrageous unless they’re indie published. $17.99 for an ebook is a lot in my opinion. I just saw where Denise Hunter’s new release in April is on a pre-order sale for $7.99! That’s almost unheard of for Thomas Nelson.

    I agree with Tracey about Sunrise Publishing. I have bought a couple of ebooks from them. They have a link to Amazon & other retailers. I get their new book announcements via email.

    Baker Publishing typically has free shipping & 30-40% off so if someone gets a gift card it’ll charge the remainder balance to your credit/debit card which isn’t but a few dollars & some change. I know you’re aware of that, Kav, but for those who aren’t. I also got a bookmark & an autographed bookplate with my last order.

    A gift card to Amazon would be added to your previous gift card balance (if you have one), & you could pick out whichever book you want & it not be charged to your credit card. I think everyone should maintain a balance in their gift card amount of at least $10 if you can. I won a $15 gift card to Amazon & that comes close to covering a book, if not all. And even a $10 Amazon card will help out a lot towards the price of a book! Not sure I’m making any sense to y’all, but I make sense to me. Kinda scary, huh? haha I’m not against winning a book from an author’s website or any way! 😃

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    1. It’s so cold today that I stayed home and watched church online. I’m only feeling mildly guilty. 🙂

      I think the overpriced ebooks are just a hype because the price seems to drop by release day. Maybe they want us to feel like we got a fantastic bargain because we ‘saved’ $10.00 on our preorder by the time it comes to pay? It makes no sense though because publishers are looking at preorders as I mark of a book’s success. Ohhh, though I’m thinking I heard somewhere that when they take those stats they don’t count ebooks so maybe pricing both ebook and print the same will encourage readers to buy the print book? Argh — I dunno — it shouldn’t be so complicated!

      Sunrise Publishing seems to be a happening place. Good for them, especially since starting up any kind of publishing venture is almost doomed from the start these days. And yes, Baker Book House is just plain smart at marketing! Love that they send little extras with preorders!

      I use Amazon gift cards in Canada when a winner wants an ebook because of that strange rule that we can’t gift ebooks and I round up the price so the winner will have a bit of a credit along with the book. I figured they could use it towards their next purchase, so it won’t go to waste.So, yes, you make perfect sense.

      Oh and hooray for getting out for a walk yesterday! I bet you’ll be getting spring weather soon…we’ll just get more cold and snow. Good luck, Diane!

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      1. Well that eases my guilt. Somewhat. I wouldn’t even walk to church in any cold weather, let alone -23°. 😲 Thanks for the “yay”on my walk. It’s about time I got some outdoor exercise.

        I see now that you mentioned Amazon gift cards in your post, but it got away from me somehow. Sorry.

        I have no clue either what they’re thinking when they up the pre-order price. Possibly to encourage the buyer to purchase the paperback, but that would be manipulative. I can’t imagine any booksellers using manipulation tactics. Ha! However, in all fairness I can’t figure out why they lowered Denise Hunter’s pre-order to $7.99. I don’t want to overthink that one. lol

        With the rising costs of everything including books, bottom line is you need to do what’s best for you. We’ll support your choices in every way we can. You’ve been more than generous! When I was blogging we gave away 2 books per week & always asked the featured authors 1st if they would be willing to give away a copy themselves. And they mostly always said yes, but you don’t have that option. So do what’s best for you & have a blessed Sunday! 💛

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  13. I have not bought anything from authors directly.
    i get most of my books by signup to review them – or for free or for anominal cost on Amazon , or winning them! But I do order about once a year from Christian Book – the ones that got away or I have heard great things about them or if I am trying to fill in an author’s back releases.
    Giftcards would be an option. You could get ebooks easily.
    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

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  14. I totally understand Kav. I wish our government would just secure the border and get our military on track. It’s so simple and all of this could be avoided. Unfortunately, we will all have to figure out a way to get through it until reason prevails.

    I have not ordered from an author since most everything would have to come through the States. I made that mistake once and a $14 book ended up costing me $50 after exchange, border fees, and some ridiculous “courier” fee when it came through the postal service and not a courier. However, I have gotten e-books via Book Funnel and that’s good. I can send them to Kindle.

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    1. Actually the border thing is a ruse according to this morning’s tweet, the tariffs won’t go away until Canada agrees to be annexed so….we’re in for some tumultuous times. I hear you about the crazy extra costs when you order directly from the states – except I’ve never had an issue with Christianbook.com. No extra fees or duties…I don’t understand it. I’m always nervous about ordering internationally because I have no idea what the actual price will end up being. Good luck, Tammy!

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  15. I’ve purchased preorders from Becky Wade and Roseanna M White’s stores, and it was definitely by credit card (I don’t mess with alternative pay options). Turnaround times were generally no different than preorders I’ve made elsewhere, though we don’t have Prime, so I don’t expect 2-day shipping anyway. I kind of wish more authors had stores, especially when Indie publishing; I’m more willing to shell out for shipping if it’s supporting the author directly. So yes, I’d be happy to receive books from author stores!

    rdalquist AT gmail DOT com

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    1. Clearly Becky Wade has her act together ’cause you’ve all had success with her store. And I agree, it’s important to support indie authors the best way we can. Good luck, Rachael!

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  16. I have bought directly from C.C. Warrens and had a great experience each time. She also will sign the books, which is super fun, plus, she goes the extra mile and wraps things nicely, usually drawing on the box or package.

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    1. Ohhh, you sent me on a rabbit trail and reminded me that I need to get going on the second Holly book. Her website is great — even has some non bookish stuff so that’s fun. I’ll explore it more later. Good luck, Cindy!

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  17. I’m not doing many reviews in the last couple of years, but I always posted to Barnes & Noble, Christianbooks, Goodreads, and Amazon. I have not purchased from authors yet but have preferred in the past to purchase books from Baker or Christianbooks. With a Kindle now more heavily used for easier viewing, that means I have used Amazon. My experience with Book Funnel hasn’t been very positive. Transit time regarding book shipments from Baker or Christianbooks has been reasonable.

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    1. I haven’t checked out Barnes and Noble — I think our Indigo is the Canadian equivalent. I was surprised to find quite a number of indie books on Indigo so that was encouraging. Good to know about Book Funnel. I don’t think I have the bandwidth to fuss around with something new anyway. I have enough trying to keep up with what I already use. lol Good luck, CC!

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  18. The only author whose store I’ve bought from is Becky Wade for her last three independently published books. I have my daughter do the ordering though since payment is through PayPal, which she has and I don’t (and don’t want). We received the first two books in a timely manner and anticipate the third will be arriving soon. For other books, I buy mainly from BakerBookHouse.com (I love their preorder discounts) and Christianbook.com. I haven’t had an issue with either of them.

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  19. It all sounds so complicated I don’t know how you keep up with it all. Thank you for sharing. Blessings my book twin. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  20. We all love your reviews and giveaways, so if you can be flexible in figuring out what works, I’m sure we can be too!

    I did order one of the first two books in Becky Wade’s series directly from her (can’t remember which one). I can’t recall any others that I might have purchased from the author. If that is a feasible option, I think that probably benefits the author more than ordering from Amazon!

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    1. Ah, thanks Patty. Another Becky Wade shopper. I’m impressed! And I agree, definitely benefits the author — especially any indie author – to order directly from them. Good luck, Patty!

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  21. Kav, I don’t mind the longer delivery time if you end up buying from some author sites. Sure sorry things are getting more complicated with the giveaways. We appreciate you and all you do!

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  22. I’ve bought a book from Cara Putman‘s website before and was able to pay with a credit card. It was a few years ago so I don’t remember if you’re able to gift through her shop, but I do think her shipping was pretty fast.

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  23. It looks like you’ve got some good information from other people here, Kav! I haven’t much to add, except that I’m okay with whatever you figure out. You’re so generous to gift so many books! Whatever works best for you is great! It looks like Becky Wade is a favorite among the readers here.

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  24. Wowzers! Over $20 difference for the same book?! That’s crazy! And you can’t gift an ebook, I wonder why? I feel like I’m learning so much about Canada.🙂

    I mostly have fun window shopping at author websites, but usually just buy my books from Baker Book House, Thrift Books, or local used bookstores. (very adventurous, I know😜)

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    1. Yeah — and it’s so random. Sometimes the same book is cheaper in Canada than the US, though not often. And some publishers are worse than others. I wonder if it costs them more to put their books in stores up here? I don’t see why it would. Like Amazon is Amazon whether it’s US or Canada. The exchange rate, I get, that fluctuates all the time but doesn’t measure up to that extreme I mentioned. So strange. And the gifting ebook thing is such a mystery — again it’s the same company. I wonder if the UK Amazon can gift ebooks? Or the Australian one? Must check that out. Good luck, Sabrina!

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  25. I’m sorry that you’ve had such a hassle, Kav! That is so crazy that there’s such a price difference on books between Canada and the US. and so weird that you can’t gift an e-book in Canada. As for future book giveaways, you’ve always been so generous so please do whatever works best for you. I so appreciate you and your blog! Your reviews are such a help! You are a blessing! ❤️

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      1. Thanks, Alison and miracle of miracles — I can post reviews on Amazon again. I have been randomly trying and made a half-hearted attempt on Tuesday and lo and behold, it worked! Would be nice if they had sent some sort of notification to let me know. Ah well, it’s working now…for the time being, anyway. Good luck, Alison!

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  26. I’m sorry it’s gotten so difficult to find reasonably priced booksellers with decent delivery times. I had no idea that you would need to buy Amazon Prime memberships for both the US and Canada! Amazon is Amazon, right? Yikes!

    I think I bought a Becky Wade audio years ago, but that’s it. It was seamless as I recall. I use Baker Book House and Amazon when I buy. I love the pre-orders at Baker with free shipping and often extra goodies. I have gifted books thru Baker & Amazon, but I think you already do that.

    One thing that I learned recently is Michelle Griep has an Etsy Shop! You can buy her books, stickers and other fun stuff. She also has a “Blind Date with a Book” option, but I’m not sure if it’s just for her books or just her pick. I haven’t ordered yet.

    I really enjoy your blog and feel that you need to do whatever you need to stay afloat. I never expected Canadian tariffs! Delivery time is not an issue for me. I would never object to a gift card and that allows you to keep costs a bit lower. Keep up the good work that you are doing with CF, we will all understand that there will be changes and challenges as the prices on books are rising (just like everything else).

    perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com

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    1. Amazon is not my favourite bookseller by any means and if I could do away with it altogether, I would but then where would I get indie authors’ books and audible is part of Amazon too so….. Michelle Griep has an Etsy shop?! What is it called? I can’t find it under her name.

      Thanks for your encouraging words, Perrianne. Good luck!

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  27. I’m sorry it’s gotten so difficult to find reasonably priced booksellers with decent delivery times. I had no idea that you would need to buy Amazon Prime memberships for both the US and Canada! Amazon is Amazon, right? Yikes!

    I think I bought a Becky Wade audio years ago, but that’s it. It was seamless as I recall. I use Baker Book House and Amazon when I buy. I love the pre-orders at Baker with free shipping and often extra goodies. I have gifted books thru Baker & Amazon, but I think you already do that.

    One thing that I learned recently is Michelle Griep has an Etsy Shop! You can buy her books, stickers and other fun stuff. She also has a “Blind Date with a Book” option, but I’m not sure if it’s just for her books or just her pick. I haven’t ordered yet.

    I really enjoy your blog and feel that you need to do whatever you need to stay afloat. I never expected Canadian tariffs! Delivery time is not an issue for me. I would never object to a gift card and that allows you to keep costs a bit lower. Keep up the good work that you are doing with CF, we will all understand that there will be changes and challenges as the prices on books are rising (just like everything else).

    perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com

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  28. I’ve ordered directly from the authors before. And maybe they do take longer… but they tend to come with extras like swag, or books signed and I like to think they benefit more from those sales anyway. The last one I ordered was from Tasha Hackett, Waiting for Gilbert. I had the ebook, but wanted the print of it. Side note, I love shopping with Baker Book House, they have the best preorder prices and goodies. blessedmommy3x AT gmail DOT com

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