Book pricing is not based on printing costs, nor even solely on production sales and marketing. Publishers must take into account the cost of attempting to nurture new authors and mid-list authors who may not turn a profit until their third or fourth book (if they're any good). If price wars force publishers and retailers (including Amazon) to cut back, these authors will see their markets dry up because only the blockbusters can guarantee a return on investment. This would be a tragedy for readers of all tastes. Craig Faustus Buck