Industry observer Josh Golden agreed. "Absolutely. This price more accurately reflects the true value of the work, as established by American libraries' enthusiastic promotion of both literacy and publisher's offerings. Frankly, I'm surprised the industry didn't address this problem years ago."
In a related news item, Simon & Schuster revealed their price hikes for bookstores. "Sure, bookstores buy books from us, but surprisingly often, don't even sell them!" said S&S's Commercial Distribution manager, Myrna Blackthorn. "You wouldn't believe how common it is to have them ship back the books and demand a refund. Libraries don't do that!" When asked how much the price would increase, Blackthorn said, "Like, twice the price? That sounds about right."
These announcements seem to indicate a growing Big Six publisher consensus that other distribution channels should behave more like the lucrative and business-friendly library market. At this writing, no representatives of the American Booksellers Association could be reached for comment.
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