Book Sales and Illustrations
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author writes the book that he contemplates publishing, someone else
will write on the very same subjects in order to forestall the one who
has expressed his purpose to write on certain subjects. The second
book published diminishes the sale of the first one, and he who takes
advantage of his neighbor in this way does not treat him fairly. His
book largely takes the place and the patronage of the first book in the
field. He has worked contrary to the principles of righteousness, for
he has robbed his neighbor.—
Manuscript 23, 1891
.
Economy and Book Pricing—The Lord warns His instrumental-
ities in Battle Creek and upon the Pacific Coast to economize, econo-
mize. Your rivalry in book-making, in so many illustrations, is bringing
expense upon the work. You are constantly planning to lower the prices
of the books. This is a mistake. Once let down to a low figure, the
book price will never recover. This is not the way to do. If you desire
to place the work on a paying basis, do not lower the prices by special
offers, which are called by my Instructor inducements, bribes. God
does not want you to do this. These methods He does not approve.
Devise means to create a fund by which books can be placed in fami-
[214]
lies who do not and cannot obtain them for themselves.—
Letter 150,
1899
.
If there are those who are deprived of the books because of the price
charged, then let a contribution be taken up for the benefit of those
who cannot buy for themselves. Our publishing houses themselves
can help in this matter by making gifts for the benefit of those who,
unaided, could not procure the books. Let us never, by word or act,
cast the reflection upon our publishing houses that they are not reliable.
A great principle is involved here.—
Letter 122, 1908
.
Book Prices and Circulation—Some things of grave importance
have not been receiving due attention at our offices of publication.
Men in responsible positions should have worked up plans whereby
our books could be circulated and not lie on the shelves, falling dead
from the press. Our people are behind the times and are not following
the opening providence of God.
Many of our publications have been thrown into the market at so
low a figure that the profits are not sufficient to sustain the office and
keep good a fund for continual use. And those of our people who
have no special burden of the various branches of the work at Battle
Creek and Oakland do not become informed in regard to the wants