I'm debating whether to hire outside PR person for my debut next year, and honestly, I think your post just pushed me to yes! The hardest part about publishing is not knowing what is going on. like---why don't we know anything? It seems so strange. But, fwiw, I saw your book at a "summer reads" table front and center at a B&N in Denver the week it came out. Of course I bought it! it is here on my bookshelf and it looks lovely and I can't wait to read it :)
Oof, YES. So hard to not know, especially for those of us who are interested in data and soothe ourselves with it, haha.
But omg thank you for letting me know about the summer reads table!! That's actually super encouraging and kinda makes me want to cry!! (not exaggerating... wish I was... this is where I at, I guess!)
100% I would feel the same way! I want all the data. and I wanted you to know that your book IS out there and in fact, random people in random places are buying it! It is very cool and I would probably cry too.
Something positive to think about --you may only be able sell a few hundred books directly through your own efforts, but word of mouth is a powerful force in selling books. So if some of the people who bought the book because of your personal efforts tell a few other people who tell a few other people, well you get the idea. You never know.
"I’m on the hook for the consequences of an effort I’m largely in the dark about and absolutely can’t control." As you say, this is the crux of it all. And it's anxiety-inducing to even think about, let alone live through 😭
I'm so glad you get it!!! It's funny b/c even as I was writing this I was like "wow, this could sound very complainy when it's such a dream for so many" but yeah, after the "happy ending" it turns out the story isn't over--or the emotions!
I like the "more whiskey" strategy even though my doctor doesn't. What does she know, she's the one telling me to lose weight, while she waddles into the examination room.
As an indi, moving books is always the biggest problem. After printing costs, the percentage Amazon and bookstores demand, it's unrealistic to sell physical copies to the world.
I sell between 10 - 15K of books per year at farmer's markets, vendor shows and seasonal craft shows, but it is a huge time commitment (3 - 4 markets/week for May to Christmas.
The money earned goes into editing and book covers, vendor tents, banners, table rentals, insurance, and travel. When you live in a rural area, trips to the big cities cost way more then you can earn. The only hope is you find new readers who will be 'forever' fans. But selling like this is really grassroots. I sell directly to my readers. I hear what the love,... and hate about my stories. But fortunately, they keep coming back.
My latest book, The Origami Deception (yes, I changed the name, Jenna) comes out tomorrow and the closest thing that I'll have is a new sign at my tent that reads, NEW BOOK LAUNCH!
We can only do what we're able, especially if you've been bitten by the writer bug.
I'm debating whether to hire outside PR person for my debut next year, and honestly, I think your post just pushed me to yes! The hardest part about publishing is not knowing what is going on. like---why don't we know anything? It seems so strange. But, fwiw, I saw your book at a "summer reads" table front and center at a B&N in Denver the week it came out. Of course I bought it! it is here on my bookshelf and it looks lovely and I can't wait to read it :)
Oof, YES. So hard to not know, especially for those of us who are interested in data and soothe ourselves with it, haha.
But omg thank you for letting me know about the summer reads table!! That's actually super encouraging and kinda makes me want to cry!! (not exaggerating... wish I was... this is where I at, I guess!)
100% I would feel the same way! I want all the data. and I wanted you to know that your book IS out there and in fact, random people in random places are buying it! It is very cool and I would probably cry too.
Something positive to think about --you may only be able sell a few hundred books directly through your own efforts, but word of mouth is a powerful force in selling books. So if some of the people who bought the book because of your personal efforts tell a few other people who tell a few other people, well you get the idea. You never know.
So true!! (and that's the hope!)
"I’m on the hook for the consequences of an effort I’m largely in the dark about and absolutely can’t control." As you say, this is the crux of it all. And it's anxiety-inducing to even think about, let alone live through 😭
I'm so glad you get it!!! It's funny b/c even as I was writing this I was like "wow, this could sound very complainy when it's such a dream for so many" but yeah, after the "happy ending" it turns out the story isn't over--or the emotions!
I like the "more whiskey" strategy even though my doctor doesn't. What does she know, she's the one telling me to lose weight, while she waddles into the examination room.
As an indi, moving books is always the biggest problem. After printing costs, the percentage Amazon and bookstores demand, it's unrealistic to sell physical copies to the world.
I sell between 10 - 15K of books per year at farmer's markets, vendor shows and seasonal craft shows, but it is a huge time commitment (3 - 4 markets/week for May to Christmas.
The money earned goes into editing and book covers, vendor tents, banners, table rentals, insurance, and travel. When you live in a rural area, trips to the big cities cost way more then you can earn. The only hope is you find new readers who will be 'forever' fans. But selling like this is really grassroots. I sell directly to my readers. I hear what the love,... and hate about my stories. But fortunately, they keep coming back.
My latest book, The Origami Deception (yes, I changed the name, Jenna) comes out tomorrow and the closest thing that I'll have is a new sign at my tent that reads, NEW BOOK LAUNCH!
We can only do what we're able, especially if you've been bitten by the writer bug.
You really do sell an impressive amount--WOW. I hear you on the time commitment, though!
And congratulations on your release tomorrow!!!! I hope it's a really fun day for you (with more whiskey b/c why not ;).
I'm anxious just thinking about it all! Thank you for sharing this honest glimpse behind the curtain. This will be me around this time next year!