Book buying is down this month. It seems that paperback book sales seem to peak in spring, then again at mid-summer, but then drop the last quarter of the year. All the while my e-book sales are up, but most of that is due to the experiment.
I find this somewhat disconcerting. It’s put me at a barrier I can’t seem to jump over. Without experimental titles I’m down this month. It’s all in the numbers as they say.
Of course I really shouldn’t be bitching at all as I’ve sold over 250 books this month which is a record for me. I was hoping the added distribution with Barnes and Noble would increase e-book sales and it has, just not as much as I’d hoped. Some books are doing better on Nook, but then Kindle is kicking Nook’s ass – especially in Fantasy and Mystery fiction. These trends could change. I’d almost need about 2 years of data to effectively chart the highs and lows and how well a book is doing. Like at this point I’m pretty sure LHB has sold upwards of 400 copies (hardcover/paperback/eBook combined). WBR – maybe around 100 at this point, but then it’s only been out for a little over a year now with no marketing whatsoever. LHB has three years on WBR. Not to mention fantasy novel sales are slowly increasing bit by bit. It’s like taking the long way round to get to your audience.
On Sunday I’ll post a complete First Month Report on the experiment. Writer friends are welcome to then contact me to discuss specifics if they’re interested in conducting their own experiments.