Once again, it's the first Wednesday in the month and time for a post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. It never fails to amaze me how quickly the month passes by. Faster every month, it seems.
So this month, I'm stressed about book releases. Did I do enough pre-release marketing? Am I doing enough on release day? Will I do enough post-release?
Book Launches
Marketing is the part of publishing a book that I dread. I use Facebook. I use Twitter. I use this and two other blogs. But it never seems to be enough anymore. Each release gets a little worse and I wonder why I am still writing? People tell me they love my books, but my sales sure don't reflect it.
- My one romance novel, Home Again, sold 100 books in the first five months. Not bad.
- The first book in my Klondike Mystery series, Not a Whisper, sold 321 books in the first five months. Happy camper!
- The second book in my Klondike Mystery series, Barely a Spark, sold 130 books in the first five months. Sigh....
So how are sales this year? Here are my YTD sales so far:
- Home Again 18
- Not a Whisper 22
- Barely a Spark 16
Book three in my Klondike Mystery series, Almost a Touch, was put on pre-order September 23rd. Five days in, I had 10 pre-sales. Just prior to going live, it had made it all the way to 22 pre-sales.
Book one, Not a Whisper, was free from 9/28 through 9/30 with almost 4100 downloads. Will that translate into sales of Barely a Spark and Almost a Touch? Only time will tell.
I've got a contest going and so far have four - FOUR - entries over the last two days. I even listed it with half a dozen contest/sweepstakes sites.
Yes...it's discouraging. At this point, I plan to write the third in my Lei Crime Kindle World Trilogy, Paradise Drift. I have no further writing plans after that...at least in the near future. So this will be my final IWSG post. It's been a fun ride!
I need to figure out the whole downloaded books thing from my amazon account. It keeps trying to have me send it to my sons Kindle. lol. I like to get real live books though. I will get the paperback on prime with my next order.
ReplyDeleteHere is a quick tutorial:
Delete1) Go to https://www.amazon.com/mn/dcw/myx.html#/home/content/booksAll/dateDsc/
2) Check the box(es) beside the books you want on your device
3) Click the DELIVER button
4) A window will pop-up, check the devices to send the books to
5) Click the DELIVER button in the popup
That's it! Oh, and I hope to have the paperback of "Almost a Touch" before the end of this month. Waiting on the final formatting, then need to get my proof copy before approving it for sale.
Don't give up on future writing plan or the IWSG! Sometimes we just need to take a step back and re-evaluate where we want to go next.
ReplyDeleteI've already done a couple of breaks, I think I'm just a bit burned out and feeling my age. Time marches on and I want to enjoy things I've been putting off.
DeleteSay it isn't so, Donna! It makes me feel sad to hear that you have no future writing plans and this is your final IWSG post. You left a comment on my first IWSG post that lifted my spirits and encouraged me so much! I've never forgotten! Of course, we all have to do what works for us, and others need to respect that. But you would be missed ~ Just saying!
ReplyDeleteI've never made a penny writing, and I'm still getting that first book done. I dread marketing! I helped my sister market two of her books by speaking at conferences ~ so hard! I usually buy paperbacks, because I have trouble reading books on screens. Maybe my upcoming cataract surgery will help ~ LOL I hope so! Take care!
Back in 2012-2013, I was so gung-ho. And it's not all about the money but on a fixed income, I can't keep spending way more than I'm bringing in. I will continue to blog and will continue to visit favorite blogs (like yours). ;)
DeleteEveryone's publishing journey is different. I hear most series need at least three books out (although I've also heard five is the sweet spot) before they start making money. Some people have to write and publish 20+ books before they break even. Have you tried ads (like Bookbub and the cheaper variety ones)? Those can help too.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm glad I'm not in this writing thing for the money (though the money sure does help) because I would have starved a long time ago.
Thanks, Cherie. I've done ads, paid for marketing, etc, and that's part of the reason I'm paying out way more than I'm bringing in. LOL! I'll still follow my favorite author friends like you, ones who have been along for my journey since 2012. I've learned so much from many, including you!
DeleteThe whole marketing thing is tough. We spend a bunch of time on it, but will it pay off? Some days it really doesn't feel like it. Yet, if we do nothing, even less happens. So hey, there's the at for what it's worth.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jean. I appreciate you stopping by and passing along your thoughts.
Delete