Why are my books so expensive?

Great question. Why would you pay almost $30 for a kids’ book when you could grab a probably-just-as-good one from Someplace Else for only $10 or $15? Well, I guess you wouldn’t. Thanks for reading.

But if you still want to know why my books aren’t only $10, I’ll tell you. 

Firstly, they are printed locally from another (relatively small) business who uses ink made out of vegetables and paper made out of old paper (ie, recycled paper). Getting an old carrot to turn into a book is magic. So it costs more.

Next, I offer free shipping (within Australia). Everyone knows that doesn’t exist. It really just means shipping is factored into the price, which works well for items that people aren’t likely to order multiples of (but if you want to order multiples, let me know, cause you could get a discount code). I just think it’s easier for you if you know exactly how much you are paying upfront, rather than waiting until shipping is calculated at the checkout. 

The price also helps with other costs, including stickers (which I tend to give away with the book), packaging, and fees that come with being a small business (like payment processing and having a website and being a registered business).

Finally, my time is worth something. The number of hours that goes into each book is big. I don’t know how big. But each book is very carefully created (What Are Your Hands Made Of? took about 3 years from start to finish…). I write them myself. I also illustrate them myself. With my hands. And the design is intentional. For example, the size and shape of the books (which I keep consistent) was chosen because I noticed how annoying it is to hold a book that’s too big. Especially when it’s time to turn the page. They are also very portable. 

There are more reasons. But those are the main ones (maybe another time I can tell you more about each individual book). So, you get to decide if you think it’s worth it. If you think it is, then I can keep making more books. 

Love, Jill