It's a bit of a rollercoaster ride, this e-publishing business. Just when I think things are going well, something goes wrong. Just as I think it's the end of the world, things start going well again.
Earlier this week I discovered that I had a review. It was one that I'd asked for, but I hadn't been told it had been done and just happened to look at the blog on the right day. I have to admit to being a little disappointed. It wasn't a bad review, but it wasn't good either, though she'd said some positive things. I felt sure it would ruin my sales, but they kept going at a steady pace.
Two days later they stopped. I have no idea why, but for a while I sold nothing. Just as I was thinking they'd never start again, I suddenly sold more than I had in any one day before. Then they stopped again. I think the moral of the story is that I really shouldn't look at my sales figures and only go to look once a month. But that is so hard to do!
I'm still finding that the marketing side is taking up a lot of time. It's so easy to get sidetracked when I'm 'networking' or searching for review sites. But I'm also meeting a lot of helpful and interesting people and I have some lovely friends who are out there looking for opportunities for me, too. I have to say, it's gratifying to know how many people want to help make Treespeaker a success. I only hope I can repay them when they need help.
Thanks, everyone!
Oh, by the way, I did finally get my formatting accepted by Smashwords, but it's still under review for the Premium status. From what I've heard, that's taking a loooooong time at the moment. I'll keep you posted.
9 comments:
One thing I've learnt from all this is that reviews of any kind don't hurt sales. Even a one star review will likely have a more positive effect on sales than a negative one. The effect on the author's feelings, on the other hand...
Anyway, hang in there, it does get easier!
Kate! Congratulations on your self-publishing! I have been away from the blogosphere for a while, focused on my own reading and writing, so I'm getting the news now. I look forward to learning more about your experience
Katie, I read the review in question and I really wouldn't worry about it as the reviewer was unable to articulate clearly what she was trying to say ... I don't think the problem is with your book!
On a positive note, I met in Edinburgh today someone from England who I had never met before, who enthused about your book so much, and felt the same way about it that I did ie why has no mainstream publisher picked this up yet? - this wasn't chance or coincidence, this was two people who recognise talent when they read it.
You are not the only one to believe in "Treespeaker" - it could sell itself if the right people could find it.
Good luck - and please stay positive.
I've just checked, and all the reviews are very positive. I hope to read your book soon. I've never been through kindle, so I am very inexperienced. It will be my first time read through it.
Thanks everyone. Sales picked up again today, so I'm going back up the incline. Ben, I hope it gets easier, but as long as the rollercoaster doesn't stop altogether, I'm content.
It must be so nerve-racking to put your book out there, especially without a publisher to help market it. But what an achievement too! All the comments I've read on Treespeaker are really good. Just keep at it! x
Yep Smashword premuim is sloooow just spent two weeks getting my book through it. Good luck
Thanks, Joanne!
Greg, from what I've heard, the 'Meatgrinder' has been overhauled and is now running much quicker, but I'm still waiting in the review queue.
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