tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post1135465998520069999..comments2024-03-28T02:00:11.260-05:00Comments on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Guest Post by Mark TerryJA Konrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-47829641754137678022010-04-27T19:55:41.167-05:002010-04-27T19:55:41.167-05:00There's so much talk about this trend in my cr...There's so much talk about this trend in my critique group - I really need to get up to speed and stop hiding in a book sleeve.Maddyhttp://whittereronautism.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-75659871632372142722010-04-14T19:45:00.415-05:002010-04-14T19:45:00.415-05:00I'm wondering if Mark noticed any increase in ...I'm wondering if Mark noticed any increase in sales after this blog?Katie Hnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-22889641554309204722010-04-11T11:16:18.996-05:002010-04-11T11:16:18.996-05:00Mark, when I went to Amazon this morning, and even...Mark, when I went to Amazon this morning, and even before signing in I saw your book "Dancing In The Dark" as the very first book under the area "More Items to Consider". Nice!<br /><br />You should come back at the end of the month and let us know how all of this has helped the book. What were the final results in April? Did it affect the books available from your publisher?<br /><br />In any case, congrats on hitting the front page of Amazon!J.A. Marlowhttp://jamarlow.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-31920546403454049082010-04-09T17:33:01.992-05:002010-04-09T17:33:01.992-05:00so joe, what's _your_ advice
for how mark can ...so joe, what's _your_ advice<br />for how mark can raise sales?<br /><br />i saw you said mark should<br />post on the kindleboards,<br />but once he's done that<br />simple step, what's next?<br /><br />you also said:<br />> Link to the ebook <br />> on your homepage <br />> and blog sidebar.<br /><br />what good does that do<br />if nobody's coming to<br />your homepage or blog?<br /><br />you also said:<br />> Do an Amazon blog.<br /><br />so i advise doing a blog<br />and it's bad advice, but<br />you advise doing a blog<br />and now it's good advice?<br /><br />you also said:<br />> Send a newsletter. <br /><br />who do you send it to,<br />if you have no fan-base?<br /><br />***<br /><br />i can point to some authors<br />who are getting great sales,<br />but darned if i can say why.<br /><br />well, usually it's clear, but it's<br />typically something _unique_.<br /><br />for instance...<br /><br />the 37signals crew sold _lots_<br />of copies of their first e-book,<br />which was nothing more than<br />a collection of their blog posts<br />(and thus available for _free_).<br /><br />they have made over $500,000<br />(yes, over a half-million dollars)<br />selling 30,000+ of a $19 e-book.<br /><br />(they have also sold print copies,<br />so the total take is even bigger.)<br /><br />but they are unique in that they<br />are advocating a philosophy that<br />has a great amount of appeal...<br /><br />i advised mark to gather fans,<br />but you pooh-poohed that, joe.<br /><br />i'm not sure why you'd do that...<br />fans are responsive to a request.<br /><br />heck, some of your fans here<br />went and bought mark's book,<br />largely because you asked them.<br /><br />so i'd think gathering a fan-base<br />would be one way to raise sales.<br /><br />it's not easy, no, but then neither<br />is crafting a popular philosophy.<br /><br />so i'm wondering, joe.<br />what do _you_ advise?<br /><br />-bowerbirdbowerbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05962115094107919533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-9743933369355123222010-04-09T17:06:02.677-05:002010-04-09T17:06:02.677-05:00yeahyeahRex Kuslerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06629682795065138786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-36517499078094109622010-04-09T16:06:37.623-05:002010-04-09T16:06:37.623-05:00Joe said : "Ideas are a dime a dozen."
N...<i>Joe said : "Ideas are a dime a dozen."<br />Not for venture capitalists.</i><br /><br />Venture capitalists don't invest in ideas. They invest in carefully thought-out business plans written by people who can show and prove results.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-24995248507005666672010-04-08T22:01:10.364-05:002010-04-08T22:01:10.364-05:00i've got nothing to sell.
and nothing to &quo...i've got nothing to sell.<br /><br />and nothing to "prove".<br /><br />i'm a nobody.<br /><br />if you don't like what<br />i say, just don't listen.<br />or tell me i'm full of it.<br />laugh at me if you want.<br /><br />and if you like it, fine,<br />i'm happy for you. :+)<br /><br />i'm an old man.<br /><br />older than bill gates.<br />(i just looked it up.)<br /><br />don't have any money.<br /><br />don't really need any.<br /><br />certainly not enough<br />to go and get a job...<br /><br />i am well-loved.<br /><br />i'm a slacker.<br /><br />i believe in creativity.<br />generosity. and love.<br /><br />if i came close to<br />a venture capitalist,<br />i might spit on him.<br /><br />or hey, i might not.<br /><br />either way, i would<br />chuckle at him...<br /><br />-bowerbirdbowerbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05962115094107919533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-54500421354398928252010-04-08T20:05:06.364-05:002010-04-08T20:05:06.364-05:00Joe said : "Ideas are a dime a dozen."
...Joe said : "Ideas are a dime a dozen."<br /><br /><br />Not for venture capitalists.Rex Kuslerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06629682795065138786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-6744801428075784812010-04-08T07:57:18.667-05:002010-04-08T07:57:18.667-05:00He could just be some young kid with a bunch of ne...<i>He could just be some young kid with a bunch of newfangled ideas that haven't been tested. Like that Bill Gates character used to be.</i><br /><br />Ideas are a dime a dozen.<br /><br />Showing the results that are a direct result of ideas is why people listen to Bill Gates.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-41994761292509625762010-04-07T11:16:09.886-05:002010-04-07T11:16:09.886-05:00Hurry up with Smashwords. I want to read it! :)
...Hurry up with Smashwords. I want to read it! :) <br /><br />Also, if you make it a premium title, you can make it available through BN and Sony, not to mention iBooks. <br />No idea how you do it though.Mikaelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12127460169502687515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-63815652363887533092010-04-07T08:40:11.167-05:002010-04-07T08:40:11.167-05:00Mark at 6:05,
Thanks. Hope you enjoy.Mark at 6:05,<br />Thanks. Hope you enjoy.Mark Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09410424046477699059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-7472372267465950762010-04-06T22:25:23.369-05:002010-04-06T22:25:23.369-05:00This Bowerbird is a pretty smart bird. But without...This Bowerbird is a pretty smart bird. But without credentials, why pay attention to him? He could just be some young kid with a bunch of newfangled ideas that haven't been tested. Like that Bill Gates character used to be.Rex Kuslerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06629682795065138786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-42971011615933477842010-04-06T18:05:08.639-05:002010-04-06T18:05:08.639-05:00Mark, I support any author that published good low...Mark, I support any author that published good low cost books for the Kindle. I placed my order just now. Not sure how soon I will read it but I WILL read it. If it is good, you can expect more orders. Keep supporting ebooks, I no longer buy DTB so I need everthing on the Kindle<br /><br />Thanks<br />MarkUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01909519580244843521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-29243789729316333022010-04-06T17:10:28.326-05:002010-04-06T17:10:28.326-05:00Bowerbird, I'm curious to know how you draw yo...Bowerbird, I'm curious to know how you draw your conclusions. Do you work in the publishing industry, or are you independently publishing ebooks?<br /><br />The reason I ask is that my own experience contradicts some of what you are saying, and I'm wondering what evidence you are using to base your conclusions.<br /><br />As far as price goes, Konrath will likely find a model that attracts new readers while profiting from an established fan base. It's not all that difficult -- he could do it by maintaining a couple of entry books at the lower price (1.99) and then raising prices on subsequent books to 2.99 or higher (after they're hooked on his stories they'll pay more to get their Konrath fix). That's a simple example -- of course there are many models, but it doesn't take a Harvard MBA to figure it out.<br /><br />The beauty of publishing independently is that the author has the freedom to change prices at any time to meet marketing goals such as attracting new readers, maximizing profit margin, etc.<br /><br />I don't agree 100% with your ruminations on the Amazon category bestseller lists.It is in Amazon's best interest to have as many (variety) books as possible break into a best seller list . . . the system is set up to allow for what I call a flashover (a good book, priced aggressively, can go viral quickly). Maximizing profits and finding breakout books is in Amazon's best interest . . . if bestsellers are "discovered" on Amazon it raises their stock and increases sales . . . a buzz ensues, and readers flock to their site to find the next "American Idol." I can think of several books (independents) where this has played out recently, and Amazon profits from the excitement.<br /><br />These Amazon lists (they exist in many categories and subcategories, to target many audiences and maximize sales effectiveness) ARE NOT the same as the NYT Bestseller List, which is pretty much driven by the industry, not by the readers. Turn it upside down, and you start to get the idea.<br /><br /><br />Anna M.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-85721392606163340202010-04-06T13:50:45.832-05:002010-04-06T13:50:45.832-05:00and i'd give you the same advice
i gave terry:...<i>and i'd give you the same advice<br />i gave terry: start talking with<br />your readers. make it personal.</i><br /><br />And exactly who are you to give advice?<br /><br />No offense, but do you have experience to back up your beliefs? Do you really think it's possible to personally interact with tens of thousands of fans, and that's the reason bestselling authors are doing so well?<br /><br />When an author reaches a certain level of popularity, they cease interacting with fans altogether. It hasn't seemed to hurt Patterson, Rowling, or King.<br /><br />Ebook sales aren't based on the likability of the author. They aren't based on having a good website or blog. They certainly aren't based on personal interaction, because I've sold 36,000 ebooks and I've only personally interacted with a fraction of those buyers.<br /><br />As I've said many times before, ebook sales are based on cover, writing, and price.<br /><br />You're welcome to your opinions. But you're not using a foundation of logic to support your stance, or showing the experiments you've done to arrive at your conclusions. You're simply stating what you believe without facts or experience to back it up.<br /><br />Again, no offense meant. But if you're offering advice, build a case so people can arrive at the same conclusions you have.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-86647937662038778692010-04-06T13:38:27.827-05:002010-04-06T13:38:27.827-05:00I'm having fun with my books on Kindle. Two ar...I'm having fun with my books on Kindle. Two are print novels I kept the e-rights to, and one is a novella I originally sold to an epub (I have the e-rights now). I wish I had more books to sell on Kindle and Smashwords. During the last three weeks of March, I made just over $300 in Kindle sales and less than $100 at Smashwords. I was pleased with that and expect things will only get better. I hadn't done any promo for the e-versions besides talking about them on my blog and adding a line to my email signature. I'm excited about the idea of all those new readers and the resulting good word of mouth. I'm so grateful to Joe and his blog for all the excellent info.<br />Lynda HilburnLynda Hilburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00431107222172666743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-24278044780948021642010-04-06T13:27:14.797-05:002010-04-06T13:27:14.797-05:00joe said:
> I got my fans by
> being wi...joe said:<br />> I got my fans by <br />> being widely distributed, <br />> traveling the country, and <br />> good word of mouth <br />> by readers and booksellers.<br /><br />i believe that that's how you<br />got your p-book fans, sure...<br /><br />but most of them probably<br />haven't made the jump yet,<br />based purely on the statistics.<br /><br />i'd bet that your e-book fans<br />are a largely different group.<br /><br />to the extent that there _is_<br />some overlap, those would be<br />the _heavy_readers_, who are<br />now buying everything in sight,<br />but will eventually decide that<br />they need to curtail buying,<br />and they'll cut the expensive<br />books first, all else equal.<br /><br /><br />> I'm selling a lot of ebooks <br />> based on the strength of <br />> the covers,<br />> writing, and <br />> price, <br />> not because I <br />> have a fanbase. <br /><br />ok, let's take those one by one...<br /><br /><br />> the covers<br /><br />covers are a lot less important<br />with e-books than with p-books.<br />the whole shopping experience<br />is a completely different animal.<br /><br />and to your fan-base, covers<br />will mean almost nothing at all.<br /><br /><br />> writing<br /><br />axiomatic. if you don't deliver,<br />people won't continue buying.<br /><br />but don't get over-confident...<br /><br />right now, readers are buying<br />e-books because they're cheap.<br /><br />they're buying more books than<br />they actually have time to read, <br />so we can't trust that buying to<br />impute any stamp of judgment.<br /><br />maybe they just haven't learned<br />they don't enjoy your new work.<br />or the work publishers rejected.<br />it's entirely possible, you know...<br /><br /><br />> and price<br /><br />agreed. that's why i'm surprised<br />you're going to raise your prices.<br /><br /><br />> not because I have a fanbase. <br /><br />you definitely have a fan-base.<br /><br />or you'd not be making as much<br />as you are already making. you <br />have repeat-buyers, i.e., fans.<br /><br />and, as i said, your fan-base is<br />probably made up of new fans.<br /><br />some of 'em were willing to take<br />a chance on you because they<br />learned some way you're already<br />an author published by a house.<br /><br />but the one thing that gave you<br />your _biggest_ edge was you got<br />on "bestseller" lists quickly...<br /><br />as terry just learned, it doesn't<br />take much to get on the lists...<br /><br />but once you're on 'em, they're<br />self-perpetuating. more people<br />take a chance, especially if your<br />costs are low. and if you deliver,<br />with quality content they enjoy,<br />they'll go on to buy more books<br />from you. (most especially if the<br />others are "bestsellers" as well.)<br /><br />that's why people find it hard to <br />grab the success you have had;<br />although it doesn't take much,<br />it is hard (and getting harder)<br />to get on the "bestseller" lists,<br />and harder still to _stay_ there.<br /><br /><br />> the majority of the people <br />> who buy my Kindle ebooks <br />> have no idea who I am.<br /><br />contradicts what you said above.<br /><br />and i'd give you the same advice<br />i gave terry: start talking with<br />your readers. make it personal.<br />get to know 'em as much as you<br />possibly can; let 'em know you.<br />the ability -- and _ease_ -- of<br />going direct to readers is _the_<br />gift of cyberspace. use it wisely!<br /><br />and please note, joe, that i am <br />_not_ trying to argue with you.<br />i wish you the best of success.<br /><br />-bowerbirdbowerbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05962115094107919533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-16374606438488417202010-04-06T12:19:47.478-05:002010-04-06T12:19:47.478-05:00Bowerbird,
Maybe I'm just naturally unlikable....Bowerbird,<br />Maybe I'm just naturally unlikable. :)<br /><br />Or, perhaps, my readers don't own e-readers. (I only got one on Saturday).Mark Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09410424046477699059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-63305860766992837562010-04-06T12:10:26.778-05:002010-04-06T12:10:26.778-05:00mark said:
> I've had a blog for years
&...mark said:<br />> I've had a blog for years <br />> and I post about <br />> 5 or 6 days a week.<br /><br />do you have blog readers <br />who honestly like you?<br /><br />and do you nurture a <br />conversation with 'em?<br /><br />if so, why aren't they <br />purchasing your books?<br /><br />if you don't know, and <br />you are communicating<br />with them, _ask_ them...<br /><br />-bowerbirdbowerbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05962115094107919533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-6149362756933888642010-04-06T10:17:46.969-05:002010-04-06T10:17:46.969-05:00Mark, if you sell 10-20 books a day, you can sell ...Mark, if you sell 10-20 books a day, you can sell over 5000 ebooks a year.<br /><br />Four ebooks, selling 1700 a month at agency rates (priced at $2.99), is $40k per year.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-66024127635246035442010-04-06T10:08:37.382-05:002010-04-06T10:08:37.382-05:00I also have a couple of Kindle marketing secrets t...I also have a couple of Kindle marketing secrets that will drive your book into the Top 200 overall in the Kindle store. Feel free to e-mail me if you you're interested.<br /><br />_____________________________<br /><br />Stacey Cochran<br />Bestselling author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Colorado-Sequence-ebook/dp/B002AVVQGE" rel="nofollow">The Colorado Sequence</a><br />and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CLAWS-ebook/dp/B0024NL6QS" rel="nofollow">CLAWS</a>Stacey Cochranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14128613653591282474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-72409122833330314072010-04-06T09:50:29.200-05:002010-04-06T09:50:29.200-05:00Joe Kontrath said: "I have a theory that'...Joe Kontrath said: "I have a theory that's based on fact. When people get an ereader, they tend to read more."<br /><br />I just wanted to bring this point up and say it's absolutely true! I bought an ereader earlier this year and am definitely reading more. My reading had dropped last year but as Joe mentions, the ereader makes reading fun again. I'm also reading more paper books. <br /><br />Reading about the planning and marketing on this blog is priceless. I've got my first novel coming out in October 2011 and am thinking I might publish another novel as an ebook around the same time to create momentum. The advice here is invaluable and I thank both Joe and Mark for their generousity in sharing their experiences.Rebeccanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-85447852638881247112010-04-06T09:04:55.980-05:002010-04-06T09:04:55.980-05:00Mark,
Congratulations on being a "best sellin...Mark,<br />Congratulations on being a "best selling author" now. Keep up the good work and definitely check out publishing on Smashwords.<br /><br />Joe, you are the best. I have followed your advice about ebooks and I'm happy to say that I've published 2 sci-fiction novels and 2 novellas with my co-author, Dave Small. We published them on Amazon [about 20 sales so far] and also on Smashwords which has a much broader distribution if you follow their style guide to the letter and get them into the premium catalog. All 4 of our pieces have made it into the premium catalog and the novels have been shipped to Apple already.<br /><br />Our books are available here on Smashwords:<br />https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/debralmartinDebra L Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15825531924522383449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-77798045544635718872010-04-06T07:29:36.683-05:002010-04-06T07:29:36.683-05:00By the way, anyone who gets this far in the posts,...By the way, anyone who gets this far in the posts, I made it to #42 on one of the Kindle bestseller lists. How books sold yesterday alone got me onto that list?<br /><br />21 (actually, 12 got me onto that list)Mark Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09410424046477699059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-7874969139949517612010-04-06T07:28:46.257-05:002010-04-06T07:28:46.257-05:00Bowerbird,
Just FYI, I've had a blog for years...Bowerbird,<br />Just FYI, I've had a blog for years and I post about 5 or 6 days a week.Mark Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09410424046477699059noreply@blogger.com