 |
| reasonable facsimile--just add pajamas |
But that's the clincher, you're on your own. All be big decisions are up to you. And that's actually part of what's great about independent publishing, you get to call the shots.
And you get to second guess them too. Is this the right cover, the right book tour plan, am I spending too much money on this, is there more I should be doing?
You keep going, making up your mind and changing your mind until finally you have a formatted book, and a cover, and you uploaded it to smashwords, kindle and create space. Suddenly, it's live on Amazon! You're a real author! (and you are).
You pull off an amazing launch, rally all your on-line friends, a huge book tour success. Nothing is more fun than watching your sales ranking grow (lower in number and higher on the chart).
It's awesome, what a high. You did it.
Then comes the part that not many indie pubbers talk about. What I call Post Launch Depression. (Maybe I'm the only one. You can tell me.)
Because the numbers don't stick. It's hard to sustain the launch week sales. Nothing makes you reach for a paper bag to breathe into faster than watching your sales fall.
Panic sets in. I must market better, wiser, smarter. So and so author seems to be doing so well. How did she do it? Look at all those dumb marketing mistakes I made. I'll never recover.
Maybe I'm getting all hormonal here (ahem), but you don't hear too many self-publishing stories where a great start just stalls. From what you read out there, it's only a matter of time before you're raking in major dough.
My financial bar isn't even that high. I want to make a part-time living (even though I know I'll work full time to get it). And I know writing can't just be about the money, but if you want to make writing a career, which I know many of us do, then it has to be a little about the money. Now I'm wondering if I'll break even.
I guess my point for writing this post is that writers who decide to go it alone need to be realistic. It's hard work. No one is promoting your book for you and there are a lot of other books out there.
You might wonder if I'm quitting by how I'm going on here. I'm not.
I fell pretty hard, drank two glasses of wine and watched a movie with Robert Pattison sporting natural color eyes and skin, and a decent hair cut.
I've rallied again, but I've re-aligned my expectations. I've altered my publishing strategies. I like what I've read recently (sorry I don't remember where, if you do, add the credit in the comments) that you shouldn't even bother with marketing until you have three titles out.
I only have one title out. And it's only been out for a month and a half. Perhaps I should cut myself some slack.
So, I made another corporate decision (being CEO has it's quirks). I have a lot of readers asking for a sequel to Clockwise. I'm writing that now. And I have an idea for a third.
Once I have three titles in the same series out, I'll pull out the marketing guns. This of course will take some time.
Maybe I should stop looking at the numbers. #crazymaking
So, you tell me? I'm I truly unique in this experience? Has anyone else had a "hit the wall" moment? How did it turn out for you?
Okay, did you write this post for me? I didn't do nearly one third of what you did for marketing when I put out my books. However, I did read the same article you did on not pushing the big guns until you have three titles out.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've found, is slow and steady wins the race. I've stopped looking at my rankings because they change every hour and really, who can keep up. Sales always drop after a big launch, I know a lot of self-pub authors who say so, and then they steadily climb from word of mouth.
I think the biggest boon to my sales have been reviews on Goodreads. Not so much Amazon, (those don't hurt) but other people read Goodreads, not just writers, so I think that's a good resource.
Keep on writing, keep on plugging away. I'm with you in the same boat.
And hey, Cheers to Us, Ms. CEO! Isn't it fun being the boss?
I'm excited for you that you are working on your sequel. And that you are implementing a plan for marketing. With my plans on self-publishing a picture book, I've actually specifically told myself that I do not plan to make any money off of this project; this one is to get my feet wet and figure out what is what.
ReplyDeleteTalk about setting the bar low! But since this is all so new and overwhelming to me, and since I can't realistically make writing my full-time job right now, I need to set the bar low for Book #1, and then start raising it from there.
We'll see how that works!
Amen. And amen.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget that Amazon changed the way they promote indie books back in July/Aug, so that changes everything too. And we have to work even harder.
Thanks for letting me know that I'm not the only one who's hit the wall!
I have learned it take time. A lot of time -- for both sales and momentum to build, and that every book is different. I know books that have started off fast and continued, others that have been a slow burn. Some of it has to do with luck, too. But the thing is, it's all out of our control. All we can do is write the best book we can and let the chips fall where the may. It's difficult to accept that, and I'm still trying.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should try to learn how to type, while I'm at it! I meant to say: 'It takes time'.
ReplyDeleteI really have nothing to offer...not having been published in any fashion...but I will say that I believe in your sustainability. The best way to approach it is holistically, and you have that covered. :)
ReplyDeleteEven being published by "the big 6" I, and a lot of my friends, have experienced similar things. Nobody knows you when you're new. And most marketing budgets, even with big publishers, don't account for the little guys finding their way to break in and get known. We're on our own in a lot of ways too. Plus, as you say, there are So. Many. Books. Out. There.
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely not alone.
I think this was your first attempt. Your book is out there and everything you do to sell it from here out should be easy compared to what you've already done. Go easy on yourself. You'll get in your groove.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely be realistic! It has been very hard for me to sustain the numbers I had in the beginning. In fact, it's pretty much been impossible. I don't know what the difference is between me and some other authors who are skyrocketing, except maybe audience? I dunno. But I also work full time outside the home, which severely limits the amount of time I can spend on promotion.
ReplyDeleteoh, wow. I can only imagine this is totally what happens. Not a stretch for me to believe at all. And being hormonal probably doesn't help... But do keep writing. I find that's the one thing that keeps me sane. ((hugs)) hang in there! :o) <3
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this happens all the time, but no one talks about it. So good for you for bringing it up! I'm sure things will pick up in no time. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteYou're not at all unique my dear, this happens to us all (nearly). Talli put it beautifully, write the best book you can and let the chips fall where they will. I'm so glad you're writing more books! The numbers will go back up. I have faith in you. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to thank you writers that are testing the water by self-publishing right now. It makes for fascinating and informative reading.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with those sales.
So sorry you hit the wall (those brick prints can really mess up your face). But thank you for sharing that. I think there's going to be some fledgling writers/self-pubbers who will be saved some heart- or headaches because of what you just said. Way to go, you.
ReplyDeleteI see it this way. Lots of people made a big fuss about Amanda Hocking and her success as a self-published author. But from some of the things she's written on her blog or as part of interviews, she's never mentioned some fool-proof plan. She always comes back to the story, even acknowledges some of the imperfections of the story that comes with being one's own editor sometimes. But she also mentioned the fact that she's got several novels out there, not just one or two. So I think what you're experiencing is the natural thing. Just keep writing, keep telling a great story and do what you can to promote.
ReplyDeleteJust keep doing what you love. Stop looking at figures. Promote amongst your blogging friends and word of mouth will do the rest.
ReplyDeleteI will pop you on here in the NY if you would like free promotion... New Book Blogger
It is becoming very popular and I FBk and Tweet it out. Another way to share your book. :)
Thank Glynis, that would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks to everyone who dropped in to cheer me on. I feel a little sheepish, but I'm back on my feet and moving onward. I so appreciate the support of this community. You guys are the best!
I think you are freaking out a bit early. Sometimes it takes a year before people start realizing they want to read your indie book. I think alot of readers are still very skeptical about indie books because they don't go through the big screening process that other traditionally published books go through. So with that said I think Indie authors have it harder from readers.
ReplyDeleteKeep your chin up!!
Pabkins @ Mission to Read
Welcome to the dip....that place where the thing worth doing is in a valley. You are on the right path, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's there...as sure as can be. Push through the dip....
ReplyDeleteEvery time I released a CD, I would get depressed and non-productive for months. I thought I was finished...but you get through. And you will too!!!!!! I'm rooting for you....
I don't know what it's like to self-publish, but I can imagine how overwhelming it must be to face so many decisions! And I'd bet I'd totally be second-guessing myself all the time, too.
ReplyDeleteI admire your energy and your courage, and I think it must be completely normal to "hit the wall" after a book releases. Ignoring the numbers sounds like smart advice -- that and "keep writing", which you're obviously doing. So I think you'll do great, and for sure I wish you the very best!
I think traditionally published authors hit this wall too, esp. when they are worried about selling through. Sales drop after the launch and their books fades into the background as new releases take their place. And I think it's logical that after all the excitement and adrenaline of a book launch the only place to go is down, emotionally anyway. Until, like you've done, rally together again.
ReplyDeleteSelf pubbing too seems more of an investment. The books are a slowburn. The great thing is you don't have to worry about is making your biggest sales in the first 3 months. It's up there and it's not going out of print.
And when the second books comes out, the first book will pick up sales again! Good luck on the second.