“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

If you remember, it took a while for The Seth Material, with Prentice, to do well. It was distributed to bookstores and areas specifically involved with the conventional occult field. Even though such people are familiar with the general area of our work, still the book did not fit into a general mold. It took a while, then—though not too long— before the book began to sell well. The other books quickly followed with, to that degree, a now built-in sales advantage.

Issues operate so clear to me it is difficult for me to understand that they seem to escape your notice. It is hard for me to separate them. They are minute to me. The two Bantam sales, for example, Material and Seth Speaks, served purposes for you and Ruburt, and Prentice as well.

The immediate money resulting with the contracts served as financial reinforcement at a time when you and Ruburt needed it. This was more important than you seem to remember. (Although I do keep this in mind. So does Jane, I think.) Ruburt was worried about money in the bank then—not six months or a year hence with royalties. Prentice wanted to set up a paperback mass connection, for to them this means that a book is good and has value financially. They also wanted quick cash. It was a poor year financially speaking for them. They also needed financial reinforcement. You and Ruburt also wanted the books to be in the general market.

Prentice knows that the hardcovers will continue to do well over the years. They also understand that the general market paperbacks do not last—that is, they come apart. The people who really enjoy these books will buy Prentice editions as their own wear out, using hardcovers to make notations, etc.