UPDATE: I briefly deleted this post due to a negative feedback from one of the people I follow on Twitter and enjoy reading, who called the idea of a blog pledge drive BS.
I took the post down to consult with the Twitterati, and while people couldn’t read the actual post, the consensus seemed to be (mostly) fair game. Though to be fair, the problem may be in the execution of the post.
So to be totally clear, I AM NOT ACTUALLY ASKING YOU TO PLEDGE MONEY TO ME. This post is just supposed to be a lighthearted reminder/request that if you enjoy the blog, which is free and something I devote a lot of time to, please consider buying the book (which I think/hope you’d really like!). If you want to. I’m not going to go crazy if you don’t.
Finding the right ways to self-promote is not easy and is truthfully is not something I enjoy a great deal, but since I want to continue writing books that find an audience it’s something to balance with the regular blog content. Your thoughts appreciated in the comments section.
Hello! You know how on PBS they interrupt their regularly scheduled programming for pledge drives and there are a lot of people in the background sitting in front of phones that are ringing at regular intervals and maybe there’s a bell when someone makes an especially big pledge?
Yeah.
We’re having a pledge drive today on the blog!
If you like your regular blog programming, please consider that this here blog and the discussion forums are free of ads, are free period, and are you might call a non-commercial enterprise.
If you do enjoy this blog, all I ask is that you please support the cause and consider buying a copy of my novel, JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW. Buy it for a friend, buy it for yourself, buy it and blast it off into space. Your choice! And if you have already bought it and read it, please consider leaving a review somewhere.
It should be available via your friendly neighborhood bookstore, or you can buy it from one of these online booksellers:
Amazon (hardcover)!
Amazon (Kindle)!
Barnes & Noble (hardcover)!
Barnes & Noble (Nook)!
Books-a-Million!
Borders!
Indiebound!
Powell’s!
This Week in Books will be back in full effect next week, and thanks so much for your kind attention. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Have a great weekend!
Photo by aficio2008 via Creative Commons
Thomas J. Webster says
You took a shot. It took balls. Ladies, I am speaking in the most extreme sense of the word "Metaphorically" that I can. Please feel free to grab your metaphorical "Balls" and do something unheard of with your (insert social media pipeline here.) I've never heard of a blog pledge drive. Now that I have, I can imagine someone read this, and started planning their own bloggy-blog pledge drive. I thought about it…but, I don't have a book, yet. My blog is also only a few weeks old at this point in time. So, I shall refrain from said dreamy objective. But, I shall give credit where credit is due. I have little credit, but what I have is yours, Mr. Nathan Bransford, Author: I say this… I am an aspiring novelist, trying to get published. I grab my balls (metaphorically, or not) every morning at 3:45 am, to make up shit by putting letters and grammatical symbols together, meaningfully, in hopes of leaving my mark on the world…before I clock in for my day job at 6:45 am. As do like-minded writers around the globe, make their own personal sacrifices. So, great job on being innovative. And in the wake of your bravado, thomasjwebster.com is an infant blog, by an infant author. Also, it's Friday night, I've been drinking, and watching (reading, if you speak english) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which is awesome, on Netflix. Thank you, Nathan. You are an inspiration. I have to stop typing…Later.
Debra Lynn Lazar says
I have to say, I'm impressed at how everyone who commented kept their cool while clearly stating their opinions. This is a topic that could have grown ugly fast. I think it's a testimony to the respect that we, as a writing community, have for you, Nathan.
And, thank you for not killing the kitten, especially since I just adopted one tonight!
Anonymous says
just bought my copy on amazon! in appreciation of the blog, which is one of the best things out there for aspiring writers, and in expectation of a really good read.
Mira says
So, I thought about this all day. You've already gotten so much good feedback, Nathan, but I'd like to add my two cents for what it's worth.
First, I agree with Debra Lynn Lazar – this was an amazingly civil discussion given the topic, and I think that's completely due to the tone you set.
Imho, I think Jan O'Hara hit it on the head. You tend to take a back seat on the blog in a way – you've said in some recent interviews that you set the blog up emphasizing the participation of the commenters. That is so rare and generous that it has made the blog widely popular, and set a tone of selflessness on your part. In exchange, you get admiration, gratitude and loyalty, but it's still a culture of a one-way exchange.
So when you ask for something in return, it's abit jarring, albeit COMPLETELY APPROPRIATE.
It's up to you how you want to navigate this, of course, but I hope you continue to ask for support – yay, Nathan!! 🙂 But I agree with Jan that if you come into the forefront abit more, you might get some push-back, because people don't like change. But I think that's not a big deal. People will adjust to the idea that you are real person, a writer like the rest of us, who wants to have his (terrific) book be read.
I'll end on a note of genuine praise – you are promoting a book that is so good! It's so funny and fun, fast-paced and multi-layered. I really loved it, and have already written a review on Amazon, but maybe I'll go write one on B&N now. I'm going to start on my second reading of it soon.
And then I'll start bugging you for contests giving away an ARC of the second book! I CAN'T WAIT!!! It just occured to me – that is also a good way to promote your first book!
So this was great, I bet it added to the conversation about social media that's been going on around the blogosphere, and I look forward to any future experiments in social media you might set up here, Nathan!
J. T. Shea says
I can't believe this silly debate is still going on! There are even more humorless people with too much time on their hands than I thought.
Nathan, I notice a few of your most outspoken critics are also Middle Grade authors, but unpublished. I attach absolutely no significance to that fact…
Hold a whole litter of kittens hostage next time, and shoot them anyway, to give people something to REALLY complain about!
Mariel says
Nathan,
To me, blogs, for the most part are an informal act of sharing but with one huge difference between grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend. The expectation of purchase.
But in blogs, Person A connects to Persons A,B,D,E, F and G with the expectation that in sharing their thoughts, A,B, D, E, F and G will eventually renumerate them. Never mind that the power of the blog isn't just what's posted by the blogger, but the exchange that occurs after.
If we remove this to a meet and greet scenario, which is to say a bunch of people sharing ideas and getting to know one another,to the blog experience, imagine meeting up with someone either for the first time or the hundredth time and being presented with this:
"I've shared my thoughts with you, thus you are in debt to me and I want to call in that debt by having you buy my nifty Watchamacallit."
When someone shares their thoughts with me, I owe them two things. The act of listening (and the act of response assuming I can contribute in a meaningful way.) This is the extent of my debt.
Asking people to buy your book isn't wrong. I'm not saying that. I like you. I like your blog. I want to read your book. However, I think people's response is mixed because, even though your approach was meant to be funny, the mark was missed because it's too on target.
I can't say how or why some people are successful at getting people to buy their stuff on the internet. Maybe they just cut through the crap and just say, buy my shit because it makes me feel good. I don't know.
Now, the fee for my comment is the purchase of this: https://www.coolfunnybest.com/outimages/20090923033112159.jpg
Anonymous says
I have just bought a copy of Jakob Wonderbar which I trust , will be a wonderful read . Thank you Nathan .
Ishta Mercurio says
I've got your book, and I'll read it soon. I'll put up a review when I do – Shannon Whitney Messenger does Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts and invites other bloggers to do the same, so I'll do one of those and feature your book. Sometime in the next month; I'm half-way through 4 other books at the moment.
And I have no problem with occasional self-promotion on one's own blog. We can't count on anyone else to do it, we may as well do it ourselves. Plus, your blog is so content-rich normally, I figure we owe you some time to indulge in promoting your book.
Isabella Amaris says
lol! Nathan, what are you doing listening to the one negative Twitter-person when this is YOUR blog! If you can't promote your books on your own blog, where else can you??
Hmmmm, I know some might say that the blog and the book are two separate things, and one shouldn't tie into the other when it comes to promotion, but the way I see it is:
– it's Nathan's blog, so he can write whatever he wants on it, including self-promoting an entire series of books, esp when there's lots of good posts in between all the promotion (which is so definitely the case)
– it makes sense to me that readers who are getting lots of free information and forum time on this blog consider buying a book written by the person who's providing them with this space, even if it's only as a 'thank you' moment (buying the book as a gift for someone who'd like it even if you don't fits perfectly into this scenario, doesn't it?)
Hmmmm, funny moments. Nathan, was feeling bad at how guilty you were obviously feeling about it by the time I finished reading! Do not feel guilty – rebel, and self-promote five times a week!:) Hehe just kidding, don't do that. you're got a nice ratio going here already:)… Cheers.
Tambra says
Hi Nathan,
Promoting and doing it so we stand out from the thousands of other writers is difficult.
There always seems to be one or two grouchy butts out there who make things that much harder.
Most of us aren't trained in marketing. How much is too much promoting? Finding the balance is tricky.
Since I've gone Indie, promoting now includes the image of my business along with selling my books.
What works for some authors doesn't work for others, so I keep trying various ideas and hoping my unique POV is gathering readers.
Example: My terrier, Sparky Urban is the Offishul Mewz of my publishing company. He has his own Facebook page and fans. I'm serious about my writing but I'm having fun while I'm doing it.
Dis iz Sparky Urban. i hijackeded the keebord. doggie say pweeze buy Nathan's book. ifn yew knot read it den give yewr kopy to a hosspital for kids. k? wooof!
Promoting goes with being a writer. Some ideas work better than other but we don't now until we try. Great idea, Nathan.
Tambra
Daughters of Avalon Publishing
http://www.daughtersofavalonpublishing.com
David Gaughran says
Self-promotion really is a tightrope.
Some authors are very, very good at it, and you don't even realize that they are promoting their book or asking you to buy it. But they are few and far between.
Most of us aren't super-slick salesmen, and aren't completely comfortable with this aspect of publishing.
We all try and find a balance. We don't blog strictly to sell, it is its own reward, and has all sorts of intangible benefits anyway.
Although, if someone told me that none of my blog readers would ever buy my book, I would reconsider how much time I spent doing it. I need to eat after all.
Commerce and art are often uncomfortable bedfellows. And writers have to be salespeople now, they have no choice. It's expected whether you are self-published or have a major deal.
I didn't see Nathan's post as a quid pro quo at all, and I'm not sure how people saw it that way.
As a self-publisher, I see promo which crosses the line all the time. This is nothing like that at all.
And as I said above, if anyone should get a break here, it's Nathan. How many hours of his time has he given up to the writing community? How much enjoyment have you gotten from his forum and blog posts?
Come on.
Tim Warnes says
I'm a children's book illustrator, who's first book was published just after the abolition of the net book agreement in the UK. Over the last decade or more the market place has changed completely – the way books are sold, their outlets, their shelf life. Big superstore outlets want to sell hard and fast (and cheap) which nudges out the slow burner titles. I've just started a comic strip blog featuring two of my book characters (chalkandcheesecomics.blogspot.com), in an attempt to promote the book, but also because I love creating it. So I will continue to do the blog for fun and hope to pick up readership in its own right; but at the same time I have absolutley no qualms in directly promoting the original product.
Hollister Ann Grant says
I've intended to buy a copy all along and it slipped my mind, so thanks for the reminder. I loved the excerpt you posted not too long ago.
You are so encouraging, and have given back to the writing community for so long, I can't imagine criticizing you for this. All authors have the right to promote their work and raise money to pay the bills. That's just reality.
Serenity says
I feel so bummed for you that anyone reacted negatively to this. I've gleaned so much from your blog. I've yet to buy your book, I have every intention of doing so, I hope to buy MORE than one, and this post was the perfect reminder. You reached me. And you did it beautifully – straightforward, using all the appropriate tools at your disposal (the ones you've worked hard to build), and without ultimatum. Gold star, I say.
M.P. McDonald says
I don't see a problem with it. It's your blog and you have shared a lot of inside knowledge with us. Even if you hadn't, it's not a big deal.
E. VERNA says
Nathan you should promote your book in schools where children can read them. Or ask a TV network executive if you can format that book into TV cartoon show. If kids love watching SpongeBob squarepants they would probably appreciate and watch Jacob's.
C.Smith says
Wow.
Just WOW.
What's wrong with you promoting your book on your own blog? Lord forbid any author ever THINK it!!
Personally, I think whoever gave you negative feedback is the one that's full of BS. Everyone who has ever been published has in one way or another self-promoted their book. It's custom!
Anyway, back on topic! Yes I'll buy your book, Nathan. As soon as it hits bookstores here. I don't possess paypal or a creditcard (hallelujah) but I'm keen to get it for my kids.
pezibc says
No problem here. If I don't sell the stuff that I've done, then I don't get to keep working on new stuff for very long. There is no nobility in being a starving artist.
Pretty much everybody here that will buy or promote the book has already done so, but a reminder never hurts.
It would have been fine by me if you set out a tip jar and collected some cash.
Amy says
It seems strange to me that anyone would fault a writer for promoting his own book on his blog. I think that since you started out as an agent, some people forget that you are a writer in today's difficult market, trying to sell your book.
I hadn't bought the book yet, and this served as a reminder. Which was probably the point! I'm adding it to my Comic-Con reading list. Hopefully I will done by the time I go to your panel!
tyhutchinson says
This is a great idea. Ignore the ignorant Nathan.
evilphilip says
Buy my book or I'll kill a Zombie! Somebody please think of the Zombies!
Leila says
I have to agree wtih all those who said this is COMPLETELY APPROPRIATE!!!
I think your tone and approach were well pitched and tasteful.
It's very difficult to do the self promotion stuff. It's not something that comes easily to most of us and when done in a wide public arena even harder. So yours was very well balanced and communicated.
And, like many others have said, you have given generously of your time, your advice, your support, your expertise, your encouragement and you created the forums! We should give something back at least to say thank you!
Marlana Antifit says
Nathan — I love your blog! It's always one of the first places I go for guidance. There is a reason, almost every person in the industry knows your name. You provide great information! I believe promoting your book on your blog is completely appropriate and am very surprised anyone has issues with it. BTW — my seven and nine year old LOVE Jacob Wonderbar!
Kyla says
I think the tone of this post was perfectly modulated…of course, I might have taken more offense if you hadn't added the thing at the top about how you don't think people HAVE to buy your book.
Anyway, this was very tastefully handled, and I'd love to buy your book.
If I wasn't flat broke, I mean.
Sorry. I'll try to buy it when I get some money again. Hope the sales go great, though! Have a great day!
magpiewrites says
I have bought a book already. Not because you asked me to, but because you're awesome and it sounds like the kind of book my daughter and I would love to read together. She comes back from camp in August and we're cracking that puppy open.
I honestly can't understand or see anything offensive in this post. The person who objected surely is a little sensitive? As some have already mentioned, you freely and selflessly give out mega tonnage of advice and positive vibes. What is wrong with promoting your book on your blog? (scratches head)
MJR says
I think it's okay to promote your book on your blog in a light-hearted way. But I do agree with the commenter who said you should put up a website devoted to the book and series. That was the first thing I did when my kids books were published. It can connect you to your readers, be funny, a place to put up reviews, tell young readers a bit about you etc. You mentioned that it costs too much money, but I'd argue that's it worth it. You can then submit your site to all kinds of places, including ALA.
Karen says
Of course you should promote your book! I just saw you'll be at ComicCon doing autograph signings. Will you have your book available for sale there? It would be great to buy my copy right from you!
Nathan Bransford says
karen-
Yes, there should be!
Linda Pressman says
I'm really happy to see this entry here today, Nathan. First of all, it reminds me that, even if you have been published with a traditional publisher, you still have to wrack your brain trying to figure out how to use social media to get to readers. I've been frustrated myself with this issue a bit as someone who's recently self-published and had great feedback, yet I find myself dreading the self-promotional aspects.
It also makes me happy because I realize that I have an eleven-year-old daughter who would love to read your book and I'm ordering it right now. Thanks for the reminder that this is actually not only a labor of love but a labor. 🙂
Lesann Berry says
Don't let the crabby folks get you down. Your blog is for whatever content you deem suitable. Those who don't want to be offered the opportunity to check out a great book – or any of a thousand nuggets of publishing wisdom….phhhhttt I say.
People need to be reminded that you're an author too – not just a publishing insider.
seema says
nice…!
Phoenix Sullivan says
A question, Nathan:
You've made a lot of the mystery of publishing transparent. Will you also use your book's journey to help educate? What works, what doesn't? What sales expectations are? If certain promotions (like this one) are working and how well they are(n't)?
I know you can't get exact figures from your publisher yet, but I'm sure you've tracked your clients' books and now your own at least through Amazon's free access to Nielsen's BookScan for hardback sales and NovelRank for a fair estimate of ebook sales on Amazon. Are there any insights you can share with us about that part of the publishing journey?
NovelRank data is, of course, public information and direct experience tells me its extrapolation of book sales is pretty accurate for the first 30-35 sales per month. After that, the algorithm starts to decay and the discrepancy gap between number of estimated and actual sales starts to grow exponentially. The sales rank is a direct feed, though, so fairly accurate and a good way to judge trends. NovelRank tells us Amazon had been selling 1-2 hardcover copies of Jacob Wonderbar per day this month, then on Friday, it sold 5 copies and on Saturday it sold 3, for a total of 21 to date this month. For the ebook, it sold 2 copies on Friday and 3 on Saturday, for a total of 6 so far in July.
The great thing about online sales is that you can watch rank and book sales change in real time so you can tell if a promotion works or not. What most of us don't have is comparative insight into what's a success. I know libraries and brick-and-mortar stores are going to be more important outlets for selling an MG book than for, say, science fiction. So do online stores represent 5% of sales? 15%? 40% of sales for Jacob? Does doubling sales on Amazon equate to doubling sales through non-online venues?
In comparison to other promotion tactics (such as your giving away a Kindle), will you share how this one did? How others did?
A benefit to educating using your own book to do it is that you can talk about your book by name a couple of times per post, tag it by name, and increase SEO. Plus people feel more comfortable with you talking about your book on your blog and gives you a chance to keep awareness high. This has always been an educational forum. Some of us are ready for graduate school now, and taking us step-by-step along on the last leg of the publishing journey would help de-mystify the promotional aspects and perhaps gain you a new audience sector.
Just something to consider :o)
Lindsey says
Nathan, whenever I promote my book on my blog or facebook, I always tag it: From the Dept. of Shameless Self Promotion because what I usually feel when I'm in promotion mode is a squirmy kind of shame so I just go ahead and name it. (I know, I know, there is therapy for such ailments.) But the thing is, we have to do this thing called promotion. We have to step up and out and crow about our work. (Think about it: chicken v. rooster) It's part of the writing contract. And the thing is, all of us who write, who follow your blog, we absolutely understand. And for my part, I'm cheering you on and stealing your idea. Shamelessly.
David Gaughran says
I think a lot of people would be interested in what Phoenix suggested. I know when I talk about that kind of stuff on my blog, it's very popular.
In fact, I think it's a great way of promoting your book without promoting your book. There are lots of ways of doing that. For example:
*Highlighting nice reviews you have received
*Announcing a sales milestone
*Talking about the "process" (i.e. how the cover was designed, how it went throught various stage of editing etc.)
*Posts trying to figure out why you are selling big on, say, Barnes & Noble but not Amazon
Actually, talking about promotion you have done elsewhere (such as a giveaway on LibraryThing), is a great way to promote your book without promoting your book.
For writers who aren't comfortable with "overt" promotion, I suggest this as a way forward.
chriskellywriter says
This was the nudge I needed to get around to purchasing.
It's Nathan B, after all, the up-for-sainthood guy who generously shares his miraculous insights about writing and publishing — even now as a former agent.
Looking forward to JW and more to come!
Anonymous says
As of now there are 135 comments from different bloggers and avid fans of your blogs, let us find out their true affiliation with you as a friend. Don't you think they should buy your book as a sign of appreciation of loyalty and friendship?
Shadowkindrd says
And ordered! (Paid for, too.)
Anonymous says
This "Pledge Drive" is so tame and so harmless compared to what other authors do I'm amazed that anyone would even question it.
I am slammed day in and day out with facebook announcements that say, "Read My Book," and other things/notifications from social media that honestly turn me in the opposite direction. Some of these authors (most are self-published) are so aggressive they are shooting themselves in the foot and turning more readers off than on.
But this post was fun. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with it.
You should consider offering this blog as a .99 kindle download. I've seen other bloggers doing it and no one seems to be going after them. I personally wouldn't do it. But some don't seem to think there's anything wrong with it.
Nathan Bransford says
phoenix-
Very good suggestions and information. The tricky thing for a traditionally published author is that all that information is not very readily available. I know from what Bookscan numbers I have access to that my book is selling better than what the Amazon rankings and rate of sale would indicate, but where those sales are happening, whether they're blog readers or whether I'm reaching people who don't know me… I'm not sure.
Definitely worth a post on just how hard it is to self-promote without much idea of whether it's working or not.
David Gaughran says
@Nathan
That's true, having access to numbers helps. But there is an old adage that half the money you spend on advertising is wasted but the problem is you never know which half.
With social media (the main means for book promotion these days), that percentage drops dramatically, maybe 10% or less.
I see it as being like a farmer scattering a mystery bag of seeds in an open field. You don’t know which ones will take and which will be eaten by birds, and you never know when they might blossom.
Anonymous says
And don't forget, ask your local library to order a copy or two!!! Many will oblige when they receive a patron request 🙂
LaneyMcMann says
First, I will be buying your book as soon as my Nook recharges and Second, You're great! Don't for a second think otherwise.
Anonymous says
"I know from what Bookscan numbers I have access to that my book is selling better than what the Amazon rankings and rate of sale would indicate, but where those sales are happening, whether they're blog readers or whether I'm reaching people who don't know me… I'm not sure."
I have no idea where my sales come from, and Amazon ranks are always off. There have been quarters when I've been on bestseller lists and sold less books than when I wasn't on the bestseller lists. I think this is a completely mystery to every author.
I've learned that a lot of these bestseller lists we see around the internet could mean lower sales. In other words, you could be on a bestseller list because a book is really selling well, or because no one's buying anything else on the web site. Never trust bestseller lists…reader or author.
I also know this. Every author and book is different. Everyone of my books is different as far as sales go. It's nearly impossible to calculate. The best you can do is gather basic info. And, most sales do, in fact, come from amazon.
Barbara Kloss says
ON IT!!!
Gosh, you have done SOOOOO much for the writing community, I'm excited (& proud) to have the opportunity to purchase your book. And I'll leave a review.
ps I love the "PBS break" 🙂 I mean, COME ON!…you promote everyone else!
Anonymous says
"Admittedly, my blog doesn't have a huge following, but my group blog, Project Mayhem, does have a very good following and it's devoted entirely to middle grade. Check it out if you haven't.
Here's what I offer to you. Let me read your book (it's next on my list) and then I'll do an honest-to-goodness review on the Project Mayhem blog (next scheduled post is August 1st). It'll give you some publicity without asking for it. And if you wish, completely up to you, I'd love for you to have a guest post on Project Mayhem about writing for middle graders, which is what you're doing now. Not agenting, but WRITING. Plain and simple: writing. Let me know."
I LOLed hard when I read this. Isn't kind of asking the same thing Nathan was but in a different context. "Let me read your book I'll do a review." if you wish, COMPLETELY UP TO YOU…" blah blah blah. You are self-promoting your blog and saying it would give Nathan some publicity. I write as a hobby (two published books) and even with my lack of writerly education I know very well who Nathan is.
Nathan was just asking us to consider buying his book, while -sorry to say – you sound like the type if Nathan doesn't agree on the review or as a guest on your blog you will bash him for it or give him negative reviews.
clindsay says
How exactly is this inappropriate? You rarely actually pimp your book, which is one of the reasons so many people still love your blog, sir. You understand the need for a careful balance between marketing and non-marketing content on your blog.
Feh.
Ignore the haters, dude. =)
(PS: I bought your book!)
clindsay says
And just to be clear: Don Linn and I are very good friends, and I respect his opinion on most things enormously. I just think he jumped the gun on this one.
Amy Baskin says
Nathan, not only is this post completely inoffensive, but your point is well-taken. I've read, learned and appreciated your blog for many moons now. Thank you for all of your generous insight. I be sure to support you with a purchase this week. Cheers!
John says
I actually bought your book last Monday for my nephews. The Barnes & Nobles lets my writers' group critique there, so I try to support them. My nephews are ravenous readers. I figure if they like this book, they'll buy FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSE.
So this one's on me, for the great help you do. The rest is on you and your book.
J. T. Shea says
Thanks to Phoenix Sullivan for those interesting figures and suggestions! The Jacob Wonderbar sales do sound much lower than I expected. Particularly in the context of Nathan's online presence and 100,000 followers or whatever. Probably most Nathanites are, like myself, a bit older than the target readership (!) but most of us have children or nephews and nieces and there's no law prohibiting us from reading kids' books.
The figures are for Amazon alone, of course, and it's still early days.
Without reigniting the old print versus e-book debate, may I say the hardcover Jacob Wonderbar is a beautifully designed and illustrated book for what was a trade paperback price not too long ago. Being black and white, I assume the e-book has the illustrations too.
Now, which of my younger relatives will I give my second copy to?