Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie discussion
Getting To Know You!
>
Random stuff - the something good happened thread
Judy wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Just released Book 5 in my flash fiction anthology series, Creative Ink, Flashy Fiction.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Actually, the Kindle edi..."
Thanks, Judy!!!
D.J. wrote: "Well done Ted.It looks like I've got my first sale via the Amazon ads."
Woohoo! May there be many more to come!
Alex wrote: "Today was a semi good day, I had to see the doctor today (I got asked to come back in for a follow-up appointment) so he could get some additional information off me to help him fill in a referral ..."I'm happy to hear you feel there has been movement in the direction you need to go, Alex.
Thanks Carmel. I’ve got another bargain booksy on Monday at .99. I’m hoping for better than 3 sales which I’ve been told is quite a low number. We’ll see.
I wasn't sure where to put this comment, but I'll try here and see if I get scolded for being off topic. :) I thought I'd share some mixed results from doing personal appearances in the past month. An appearance at a small independent bookstore resulted in 19 people indicating interest on line but only one showing up. The good news being that he was a local councilman who was interested in my connection to schools, and he stayed and chatted with me the entire time I was there, bought my book, and then bought me a book about Star Trek when he discovered I was a fan. Lol. He was so jazzed about the Star Trek book he wanted me to have one. I guess I can't consider that a waste of time!
An appearance at one local art fair resulted in zero sales (I was at a table with 7 others). It was the final day of a three day event and the crowd was sparse to begin with. No one sold much, even the art vendors. I did have a conversation with an author strolling through who shared his own marketing strategies, so not a complete waste there, either.
An appearance on July 3rd at a different local 4th of July celebration, in a booth operated by Friends of the Library, I sold 10 books. I also made connections with people in the FOL group who insisted that I would sell more books if I came to chat with some local groups she is affiliated with. That opportunity presented itself at the last minute and was a complete gamble on my part. Turns out it has paid off a bit so far and may lead to some other opportunities! I don't know if any of the rest of you have tried this, but maybe look for a Friends of the Library group?
I would have put money on the first two opportunities as being more likely to sell books, but it was the third one that actually bore fruit. I guess you just never know! One thing I'm learning is that this marketing is a total crap shoot. :)
And this is partly why I've been less present here....been busy trying to take care of this aspect. Just thought I'd share the mixed results of efforts.
Glad you’ve got some positive results. And I think they are positive. If you’d not spoken to a soul at any of the events it would have been a waste of time. As it turns out I think you’ve done very well.
That actually sounds patronising to me. I don’t mean it to. I can’t be bothered to get to the laptop and change the wording lol
D.J. wrote: "That actually sounds patronising to me. I don’t mean it to. I can’t be bothered to get to the laptop and change the wording lol"Lol...
Ear of the beholder.... it didn't hit me as patronizing at all, and thanks!
That’s good. I admire your ability to put yourself out there. I’d be terrified at the prospect.
Yes, Carmel, well done for being so brave and making something good happen for you!
D.J. wrote: "That’s good. I admire your ability to put yourself out there. I’d be terrified at the prospect."It was not without a good deal of anxiety. But I have this stack of books I'd like to have stop collecting dust, so I bit the bullet and gave it a shot. The promising part was possibly making some new connections that may bear additional fruit down the road.
And, I had a few people who've read it come by (one with two copies for me to sign) and who told me how much they enjoyed it. It doesn't get any better than that! This was in a town where I used to work in the schools years ago, so some of these folks had known me from that. That credibility factor helps sell books, I've discovered.
Thanks, Anna and DJ. :)
That's brilliant Carmel, what a buzz! I gave a copy of mine to my sister who commented that I hadn't signed it for her. Should I have done-don't know.Now, I see this as good news. My bargain booksy was supposed to run yesterday, but apparently the email didn't go out for the first time in their history. Doesn't bother me, I just picked a random day. I had two sales at 99c yesterday and another 5 at 99c today. So I'm pleased with that. The reason I'm pleased with that is because that's virtually guaranteed to be complete strangers who saw it and bought it and who don't know me. Good. Getting there slowly, but definitely getting there. Only another 1000 copies to go before I can expect one review lol. We do it because we love it don't we! :-)
No need to apologise. I'm pleased I sold five more books than I originally thought. I don't care whether it was yesterday or today.
D.J. wrote: "No need to apologise. I'm pleased I sold five more books than I originally thought. I don't care whether it was yesterday or today."I'm really happy to hear that, DJ.... and I hope it continues to sell!
Carmel wrote: "I wasn't sure where to put this comment, but I'll try here and see if I get scolded for being off topic. :) I thought I'd share some mixed results from doing personal appearances in the past month...."Ten sales is a good event. I've done a few bookstore signings and have always sold a few copies, generally in the 3 - 5 range. I've sold more through the writing workshop that I run, however. At first I didn't sell books, because the library didn't seem to want me to, but participants asked for them, so I now bring a few every time and often sell at least one, although not always.
Dale wrote: "Carmel wrote: "I wasn't sure where to put this comment, but I'll try here and see if I get scolded for being off topic. :) I thought I'd share some mixed results from doing personal appearances in ..."Local libraries aren't very kind to indies (at least not in Bucks County, PA). I walked into a local branch last fall with $100 in books and offered them the lot. They wouldn't take them. Instead, they handed me a form to fill out on which I could "suggest" their purchasing one of my books for their shelves. I completed it, sent it in and (wait for it) never heard a word.
Later that year, at a complete disaster of a library system-sponsored "Indies Day" (at which they hosted more than 80 local indie writers, almost all of whom sold nothing because the library system did no advertising), I spoke with the head of the system and told her of my experience. She said she would look into it. Two weeks later, I received the same form I previously had completed in the mail. I threw it in the trash.
I want nothing whatsoever to do with the local library system.
That sounds grim Ted. I’ve no idea how libraries in the UK view us. As a society we know how to do red tape. I expect the process would be some excruciating form of torture.
D.J. wrote: "That sounds grim Ted. I’ve no idea how libraries in the UK view us. As a society we know how to do red tape. I expect the process would be some excruciating form of torture."They sent out a questionnaire after the "Indies Day," asking if I was interested in such an event next (this) year. I told them not to contact me again.
Not surprised you did after what you experienced. It's a very them and us world.
D.J. wrote: "Not surprised you did after what you experienced. It's a very them and us world."Even worse...they didn't have a clue as to what they were doing. You have to wonder: what color is the sky in their world?!
Carole wrote: "Getting very frustrated here!!!"What was the tipoff? (;>)
Anything new to that Carole or just the same old indie frustrations?
Dale...good to have your perspective on what your experiences have been. Ted...I think the Friends of the Library is different from the library itself, in that they help support the library, and help staff volunteer opportunities for lunch meetings and kid activities. In that capacity, they may offer me a chance to come speak to some groups where I might sell books if I have them on hand. This can happen regardless of whether the library stocks my book or not, I believe. That's the connection I made, not with the library itself. I don't know if there are other groups like this out there or not, but if so, they may organize a chat/appearance that could bring potential customers in. This FOL group got a notice put in the local paper, which helped let people know...which is how teachers I used to work with years ago knew to come looking. I'm sorry to hear your own experience with the library itself was such a disappointment. This took place in a very small town, which may have a different culture than a larger one....which may have helped, as the complete bust of an art fair was a larger city.
Carmel wrote: "Dale...good to have your perspective on what your experiences have been. Ted...I think the Friends of the Library is different from the library itself, in that they help support the library, and ..."
Carmel,
No, in this case, I was dealing directly with the Bucks County Free Library System.
https://buckslib.org/
There is no excuse for their amateurish behavior. Clearly, they don't have a clue regarding outreach (let alone their responsibility to respond, at the least, to those who submit papers IAW their instructions). They get no pass from me.
I've organized and managed conference sessions for groups up to 1000 participants. It takes a lot of work and organization. Unless and until you understand what's required, best to either defer the event or reach out to people who understand what's required and seek help.
Theodore wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Dale...good to have your perspective on what your experiences have been. Ted...I think the Friends of the Library is different from the library itself, in that they help support th..."
I completely agree. It is frustrating to have something like that poorly managed, which results in wasting everyone's time. I would also be disinclined to pursue further opportunities with them.
Carmel wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Dale...good to have your perspective on what your experiences have been. Ted...I think the Friends of the Library is different from the library itself, in that the..."
I believe strongly in that old adage: you have only one chance to make a first impression.
At this point in my life, I'm not much into giving people second chances.
Mod
I was checking the KDP reports which are hard to read if you have multiple authors and books on there. Createspace had a better system.
The free ways we had to get people to notice us- have pretty much dried up. I'm annoyed- BUT...I am not giving up. I just have to reconfigure new ways to sell. I'm working on it.
I'm bothered that reviews are scarce. I know people are reviewing our books- but the reviews are being culled out at astonishing rates by Amazon.
Each review was an investment of a book, postage, as well as time. Amazon wiped out that outlet.
The cost to advertise is prohibitive and does not cover the investment. I'm getting frustrated!!!
Mod
Carole wrote: "Book sales have fallen off- I am not publishing anything new ( except for the book I actually got paid for). I was checking the KDP reports which are hard to read if you have multiple authors and ..."
I think the issue with reviews, and the difficulty in obtaining them, remains one of my biggest concerns. I simply can't understand why people who, after expressing an interest in a book and agreeing to do a review, never "come through."
I've given up on giving out review copies. If they're that interested, they can spend $2.99 and purchase the Kindle edition.
But it's working, Alex. At the rate I'm writing/editing I'll have the next one out sometime never. Although it's (expletive) that people are finding it harder than ever before, I find that comforting because I'm a contrary bugger and it means I'm not doing any worse than other people.
That is a Maxine. I typed ‘amazing’ but autocorrect got in the way. Because Maxine apparently amuses me I’ll leave it there. Anyway, a profit is apparently a Maxine. I am hundreds of squids away from breaking anything, let alone even. You are doing a maxinely well.
It should happen. Then no-one would be alien. That’s supposed to be alone. But who cares. At this point I can barely see the words on my phone.
I am an alien but rarely alien. This is rapidly losing the plug. Plot you stupid device. PLOT
With my co-original on the megblard it would write its arsonist.
Carole wrote: "Happy Birthday, Alex!!!!"No, cake?! What the hell. And I already had my ticket on American Airlines, direct to Heathrow!
Alex wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Carole wrote: "Happy Birthday, Alex!!!!"No, cake?! What the hell. And I already had my ticket on American Airlines, direct to Heathrow!"
I'd love a cake, I've been looking aroun..."
What about a good carrot cake...nice, thick frosting with that little simulated carrot on top? There is none finer! Think outta the box, my friend.
Supermarkets do a plain celebration cake which is Victoria sandwich. I prefer those to chocolate.
Sainsburys £4.50 serves 8 iced Victoria sponge.
They do good cakes. Failing that Asda. I only ever went into Asda for the birthday cakes. I might have had a Minions one for my 40th.
Carmel wrote: "I wasn't sure where to put this comment, but I'll try here and see if I get scolded for being off topic. :) I thought I'd share some mixed results from doing personal appearances in the past month...."thanks for sharing, Carmel
Theodore wrote: "D.J. wrote: "That sounds grim Ted. I’ve no idea how libraries in the UK view us. As a society we know how to do red tape. I expect the process would be some excruciating form of torture."They sen..."
I wonder if they got (or will ever get) the message
Theodore wrote: "I want nothing whatsoever to do with the local library system."It's largely a matter of understanding how they work. As a rule, no, they aren't going to purchase books or even accept large numbers of donations from someone who just walks in with them. My wife used to work at a library in Illinois and could explain it better, but usually donations that are dropped off don't end up on the shelves; they end up in storage until the next book sale.
The Baltimore County Public Library will accept a donation of a book from a local author, but generally it goes into a non-circulating local authors collection (which I found out only AFTER I had sent them a copy of Fibonacci). The Howard County Library system didn't take a copy of my Howard County novel, because, well, I'm not a Howard County resident.
We might think their rules are stupid, but there are reasons for them, even if they are sometimes convoluted government rules.
What I'm doing, though, is actually running an event that takes place at the library--a creative writing workshop. The members enjoy it and are relatively fascinated by the fact that I'm a published author (because most of them aren't), and many of them have wanted to purchase my books.
Having done that for over a year, I was asked to take part in a local authors night, in which four of us got up and talked about our works. But it wasn't well-attended (partly because the weather was miserable), and I only sold one book there. Mostly people came to support a specific author and already had that author's books.
Theodore wrote: "I simply can't understand why people who, after expressing an interest in a book and agreeing to do a review, never "come through."Things get in the way. You sound like a really organized guy, but unfortunately not all of us are--or we try to be, but life gets in the way. I have a bunch of books I won from the FB takeover days that I want to read and review. (None of them yours, although I really want to read some of yours, too, when I can.) I've only read three of them and reviewed two of them. My excuse is I'm currently working four jobs (my day job, a part time gig for a former boss, our little publishing company, and my own writing), and my wife's health issues, while not severe right now, mean she doesn't get to some of the stuff she used to do, so I have to cover part of them.
I know it's frustrating, and probably some people who promise reviews actually just forget for no really good reason, but then there's that old saying about walking a mile in another person's shoes before judging them. I'm gaining a new appreciation for that just from walking in my own shoes and being frustrated with the results!
I need to finish reading something before I can review it-I’m such a slow reader. And then I worry my reviews would be rubbish. ‘I enjoyed this book’ I’m just not good at that kind of writing.
OK, that amuses me. I changed my keywords on Amazon yesterday to things on the keyword list that made me go 'well kinda' and 'sort of'. I've halved the numbers. Rather than being ranked somewhere in the 4000+ I am now somewhere in the 2000+ numbers. Short of spending hundreds of pounds and dropping the price to free, I don't see that improving.
Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie
Books mentioned in this topic
Afflicted to the Core (other topics)The Squeezor is Coming! (other topics)
The Squeezor is Coming! (other topics)
The Squeezor is Coming! (other topics)
A Stone's Throw (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Carole P. Roman (other topics)Carole P. Roman (other topics)
Tommy Clark (other topics)
Jennifer S. Alderson (other topics)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Actually, the Kindle edition had been on ..."
congratulations, Ted, and best wishes for success