Kindle Readers and Authors discussion
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Where to Publish Your Book
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Mod
(Linda, I hope you don't mind me reproducing this)
"I analyzed my Ebook Sales across all distribution channels - Kindle, Smashwords, Nook (via Smashwords), Sony (via Smashwords), Kobo (via Smashwords), iPad (via Smashwords), and Nook (via Pub It) - and arrived at this huge conclusion:
Over the 9 months I've been Indie Epubbed - since August 2010 - 97% of all my Ebook Sales have been on Kindle...97%!!!
Here's the complete breakdown:
Kindle Ebook Sales = 2,020 = 97%
Smashwords (across all distribution channels) = 64 = 3%...broken down as follows:
Smashwords = 16 = 0.8%
B & N Nook (via Smashwords) = 29 = 1.7%
Sony (via Smashwords) = 14 = 0.7%
Kobo (via Smashwords) = 4 = 0.2%
iPad (via Smashwords) = 1 = 0.05%
B & N Nook (via PubIt...***Note: I just started using this 5/11/11) = 7 = 0.3%
Total Sales = 2,091
So yeah...Amazon Kindle is King!"
The result appears to be an overwhelming case for concentrating efforts on Kindle.
Best wishes
Seb
Very interesting. I'd be curious to read a few more breakdowns to see how common these numbers are, but I suspect their fairly normal. A year from now or more, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nook taking a stronger second place, but for now, Kindle is were it's at.
Mod
Yes, it really does look that way.
I can't offer any extra info, since I've only published on Kindle.
But, I can't think that iBooks (with all the publicity around the iPad) is as unattractive as that. Unless Apple run it like iTunes where indies don't get a look in.
However, if indies get too dependent on amazon, that could have dangers, too. Some claim that amazon is moving away from indies towards the mainstream in publishing with its own publisher imprint signing up Eisler and Konrath and measures (like the crack down on self promotion on its discussion boards and the removal of tags) that make it harder for indies to market their work.
Best wishes
Seb
Mod
Libby Fischer Hellmann on her blog has written an informative article on the merits of publishing with a traditional publisher or with an epublisher.
http://www.libbyhellmann.com/wp/?p=133
Nadine wrote: "Wow, Seb, those stats are telling! Fascinating.I guess the moral of this story is to stay flexible to the changes, which continue to occur at lightning speed.
I choose to go the e-book route be..."
Nadine:
I, for one, admire that kind of dedication. the day you feel you've reached the point where you no longer need to strive to put out your best possible product is the day you should quit the biz.
After 45 years as a salaried professional I'm still working to improve all aspects of my writing and publishing.
Best,
Mod
It's an ever changing market, it seems. I would have agreed that 99c books on Kindle have been doing well. But I was on the point of rethinking this when looking at the top 100 paid for books on Kindle the other day. A surprising number in the top reaches of that chart were mainstream publisher backed and high price, 9.99 or even 11.99 being not uncommon. Made me think of raising my US price for Take No More above the current 2.99!
I took the stats post to heart - and uploaded my Dungeon sequel to Kindle first, and separately to Smashwords, knowing it takes at least a week for Smashwords to get a book distributed to Amazon.It still became available on Smashwords first, but ultimately now both books will be avialable at the same place (Amazon), even though the 1st was published with a publisher, and the 2nd is self-pubbed.
I found self-publishing to each place relatively easy - (after a formatting learning curve of a few hours, that is).
Since the first book is 5.99 at Amazon (and 6.99 at the publisher (?) - I put the self-pubbed sequel up for 4.99.
One nice thing about Smashwords is you can generate a coupon code for up to 100% off, so I was able to offer reviewers of the first book a free review copy of the 2nd book. I don't quite know how to do that with Kindle, other than sending a file direct.
Mod
http://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/...
Seb wrote: "Here's an interesting development. Penguin US is to offer writers a service to self publish with them for a fee.http://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/......"
i.e. Penguin do very little for a lot of money, you don't get the Penguin logo on your book, they then proceed to take 30% of any profit you make, and you don't get access to KDP information on sales. Plus Penguin collects all payments and pass 70% on to you later.
Not a good deal. Read more here: http://bit.ly/twYM0r
Mod
Yes, I agree. David's post sums up the widespread disapproval that Penguin's move has produced amongst experienced writers. And he's right to say that perhaps only the inexperienced will be drawn into what looks like a deal with almost no merit over going to amazon KDP yourself.
Best wishes
Seb
p.s. Did I hear that you'd been interviewed by the BBC?
Yes, I did a brief interview with Peter White on You and Yours three weeks ago, about Amazon and self-publishing.Penguin's deal is much worse than doing it yourself - you even have to pay all over again if you want to change the text, say to add a link to the next book or correct a typo.
Lexi
Mod
That must have been very exciting. And with a touch of responsibility, I suppose, speaking up for we indies.
I wonder if there is any way of listening to the interview now? I think the BBC's 'listen again' feature only lasts for one week.
Best wishes
Seb
Seb wrote: "This question is just about answered in the following very interesting information from L C Evans blog:(Linda, I hope you don't mind me reproducing this)
"I analyzed my Ebook Sales across all di..."
Seb and Linda
Thanks for the input. This is important stuff for authors and small/self-publishers to know. I, for one, greatly appreciate such hard data. Have a great holiday season.
Nadine wrote: "Wow, Seb, those stats are telling! Fascinating.I guess the moral of this story is to stay flexible to the changes, which continue to occur at lightning speed.
I choose to go the e-book route be..."
Nadine, we're all a work in progress. Only those who mistakenly think they're beyond learning are beyond help. I've been a writer for 45 years and every day is a learning experience. Unless you have, or are willing to invest lots of time and funds to have a proper graphics program, EBooks are a wise way to go. In my experience, if you have the skills and software, then both routes maximize potentialities.
My experience with e-book sales echoes that of Linda - thanks for doing the math. Regarding Penguin's offer to help self-publish - is this the harbinger of the final desperate attempts of an industry in decline?
Seb wrote: "LexiThat must have been very exciting. And with a touch of responsibility, I suppose, speaking up for we indies.
I wonder if there is any way of listening to the interview now? I think the BBC'..."
The interview seems to still be there: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/.... The Amazon bit starts about 16.5 minutes into the programme.
Mod
Thanks. I'm about to listen in......
Yes, I've found it.
$800,000 from amazon for Penny Marshall's memoirs; not sure I know who she is. Book Brunch?
Outrageous head in the sand response from Liz Thomson!
Lexi, your case comes over really well! And you speak up wonderfully for the indie cause!
I'm going to post a short piece on this with the link on my blog.
Best wishes
Seb
Mod
Robert, Listening to Lexi's interview, I think you're completely right!
Best wishes
Seb
Thanks, Seb. Will you post the link here when you do?Lexi
Mod
I've posted that:
http://noveltakenomore.blogspot.com/2...
(Wish my office was as tidy as yours! (LOL))
Best wishes
Seb
Good piece about Saffina Desforges and the vanishing book. Writing is an incredibly uncertain business in every possible way.I'm lucky to have a lot of space - my workshop is less tidy than the office :o)
Lexi
Mod
Thanks. The 'Sugar and Spice' episode has a lot of lessons to be learned. I think it's very important that the authors have been so open about this...
My office..... we'll, let's not talk about that! (LOL)
I personally like Kindle as my format. I also publish via Smashwords and for Nook, but I really enjoy the Kindle platform. I like Amazon in general.
So, Bryan, are you tempted by KDP Select?
Mod
Just to note the sad passing of Linda Evans, a great indie writer, who's helpful data on book sales is given earlier.
http://www.teleread.com/paul-biba/a-t...
Kindle?
Sony?
iBook?