With the publication of my Viet Nam memoir two weeks ago, I have learned a huge amount about self-publishing.

For instance, I learned how to get it formatted properly and loaded onto more than a half-dozen book sale platforms – Amazon| Apple | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Scribd | Smashwords – being the most popular.

After several tries, I managed to set up sales of paperback copies on Amazon. (Granted, I don’t understand why people who ordered it on launch day got their copies in two days, while my bulk order placed five days before launch took almost two weeks to arrive.)

Now Amazon has thrown me for a loop again. Take a look at this screen shot and see if you can identify my quandary:

Yep, there it is. Right under the paperback box. (Absolutely not legible on your smart phone.)

Three “used” copies of Hotel Constellation are for sale already. (Thank you for buying, whoever you are. Fast readers. Or non-readers. Thank you anyway.)

But wait. The used copies cost more, in one case really a LOT more, than a new copy.

As an old newspaper business editor, I confess I don’t understand these economics.

Really, californiabooks, you expect to sell it used (but like new) for twice the cost of a new copy? (And the new copy comes with a FREE version of the ebook.)

Anyone with insights should contact this old dog, because he still wants to learn new tricks. (And if you’ve read it, please rate it on Amazon or Goodreads. Tnx.)