31 January 2013

The Delights of Indie Publishing

A few days ago Amazon announced that 23 of its indie ebook authors had sold over 250,000 units last year. Just to be clear about this, that's over 250,000 each, not combined. Much to my surprise I find that I'm sharing a forum with three of them, and it's been celebrations all round.

I might not frequent such dizzying ebook numbers, but I'm sitting here in my own warm glow. Today I uploaded the print version of Torc of Moonlight to Createspace, downloaded the digital proof, tinkered with widows & orphans, like you do, and re-uploaded. In less than five hours it's been vetted by a person and I've just ordered a physical proof to be delivered to my door.

When I started with ebooks I thought I'd waved farewell to paperbacks - I like reading on my Kindle, and it's always my first option for new purchases - but having a big smiley lapel badge "Ebook Author" doesn't quite hit the spot when I'm giving talks. Participants are happy to take my postcards sporting the book covers, blurbs and buying info, but they still yearn for a physical book, duly signed, from an author they've met.

When I uploaded Beneath The Shining Mountains late last year this wasn't in my mind. As an ebook this is my biggest selling title, mostly to USA readers, yet I'd noted from various forums that authors offered both digital and print. My ebooks are offered in both ePub and Kindle formats, so why not print as well? All it was going to cost me was an updated cover and time to absorb the formatting learning curve, which wasn't as onerous as expected. Since the paperback went live I have been pleasantly surprised as to sales. Long may it continue.

I expect Torc of Moonlight the paperback to go live on Amazon in about ten days, and become available from Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository, and others, in about a month.

Don't you just love modern publishing?

6 comments :

  1. There really is just something to be said for having that print edition available! I've actually had better luck with my first audiobook than I expected, too.

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  2. Oh hello again, Brian. Thanks for coming by. That's the thing, isn't it? You think, nah, won't bother with print, and then you need one, or a few actually.

    One of my historicals was taken by Audiolark but the result left something to be desired. Do you use ACX for your audio? I think I need to earn some more cash before I venture down that route.

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  3. I DO think there's still something special about holding a print book, especially if it's signed by the author, although, like you, Kindle is now my first preference. I love your new covers!!

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    1. Hi Jenny - I think the question of print or e- revolves on what you are actually doing. Reading is not a single enterprise, and individual readers bring so much of themselves to the act. Thanks for the comment on the covers. I'm very pleased with them.

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  4. Hi Linda,

    It really must be a great feeling to hold your first ever physical book. It's a milestone I'm looking forward to.

    Congratulations! :)

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    1. I don't mind confessing that it isn't my first ever physical book; I've been previously mainstream published. But you'll love it when the postman knocks and hands over *the box*. There is that moment of trepidation when you want to be inside but don't want to break the seal; another when you pull back the flap and dip in your hand. Months of work has gone into this, so savour it. And enjoy! Good luck with your sales.

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