But those same publishers, like cosmetics makers and car companies, may move prices up or down to send a message about a book's quality and value.

This is known as operating in the "Revlon mode," named after a 1985 case involving the cosmetics maker.

The series' protagonist, a 25-year-old foreign cosmetics maker and elite salaryman.

Not a skin tone that would seem likely to appeal to cosmetics makers.

"The big boys now are serious," Mr. Jones said of the major cosmetics makers.

The concept is not novel to cosmetics makers.

In the last year, even cosmetics makers have capitalized on Wicca.

Now cosmetics makers are claiming a spot on the bandwagon.

And the feeling that cosmetics makers have given nonwhite skin short shrift has persisted.

But other cosmetics makers do let their customers know where the money goes.