Update on Issue 8 Print Edition

The short version:

The print version of Issue 8 is coming soon but will not be available on launch day. We sincerely and humbly apologize for this. We will send an email and alert everyone through all means possible as soon as the physical edition is ready.

The long version:

Our print and epub files are still processing at IngramSpark and the delay is outside our control. Unbeknownst to us, a mandatory 3-5 processing hold is placed on all files after they are uploaded. We were also unaware that since we are doing epub and print distribution together, our completed epub was required before proofing could begin. Coding the epub is typically the last action in our team's workflow after all other text is complete. Taking the time needed to ensure it was correct resulted in getting the files to the printer only two days before launch. We have not yet been allowed to proof our interior and exterior, and this will only occur after all file processing is complete.

Should we choose to update our files for any correction at the digital proofing stage, it is unclear if an additional processing delay will occur. At that point, we may choose to either proof exclusively through digital means or take an extra week to print and ship a physical test copy. However, we might be wary of this route as we want to get Issue 8 in your hands as soon as we can.

Because we have our print and epub both available for global distribution to libraries and all our readers, we were forced to apply 30-40% wholesale discount pricing depending on the region. This means our initial plan of having a lower at-cost price for the first week was not possible. Since the software won't allow us to lose money on each copy, prices were raised just above breaking even after tax. We have the option of changing pricing one a week after launch, and we will monitor them if they need changing.

The launch prices will likely be: 

Print: $4.99 US/ €4.99 Euro / £4.49 UK / $4.49 Canada

Ebook: 2.99 worldwide for all currencies

We are still unclear what our exact options are regarding special promotion pricing, coupons, discount codes, etc. We will be looking into it as soon as we can and relay the information.

We profusely apologize again and thank you for your patience during our growing pains. We are adjusting our editorial and production timelines for future Issues to accompany the printing timetable. Just as we have become adept at digital Issue releases, so too will we soon for print.