After devoting more than three years on research, I realise that my book (Reflections on British Cinema and Identity) is by most objective standards, an academic title even though this was never my original intention.
The fact that I didn’t set out to write a book for a niche audience of film students or academic scholars is beside the point. Realistically speaking, who else would such a book appeal to? Although I would dearly love to lure regular readers who are, like me, are simply huge fans of cinema, this seems to be a pipedream.
The pricing policy of the publishers makes it plain that they do not envisage it attracting such a broad-based readership. As I write, the price on Amazon.UK is a daunting £94.99. You can get it for a little less (£70.99) by buying direct from the publisher but the obvious assumption is that the main purchasers are going to be libraries and other places of research.
In search of some consolation, I muse that the price of wider accessibility and affordability is that the finished product may not be taken all that seriously. I suppose the questions I have to ask myself are: What value do you put on extra prestige? Is the price of higher credibility really worth sacrificing?
But I would like people to read the book and can offer these suggestions of how to pay less or even get to read it without paying:
1) Use a Discount Code: At the time of writing the publishers will make knock 25% off the full price if you use the code PROMO25 at the checkout.
2) Offer to write a review: Potential reviewers can get a free digital copy of the book. Reply to this post if you are interested.
3) Wait for the paperback: By the May 2027 the price of the book will be 50% cheaper.
4) Ask your public or university library to order a copy.
