Hi everyone! :)
It was with much excitement that, a few weeks ago, I decided to self-publish my second novel, Worlds of Wonder. The novel is a sequel to The 13th Doorway, released earlier this year.
Now, The 13th Doorway has sold really well (in my view), with over 4000 downloads, including downloads using the free offer. It got a number of 5* reviews on amazon and in addition to that, many people told me they loved it and they were looking forward to the sequel.
I loved writing the sequel - the actual process of writing was easier this time around. I had a basic storyline planned; although, as is my way, the story just took on a life of its own at times and I just went with it. The end product was given to two beta reviewers who both said it was better than the first one. As the author of both, I tended to agree. There is, in my opinion, a bit more substance to Worlds of Wonder and the story whizzes along at a good pace.
So, mid-October came along and I got ready to publish. I knew there wouldn't exactly be a rush on the new book, but I was confidently expecting steady sales for the first month at least. I used the same marketing tools as last time; namely Facebook and Twitter, that's all I've got!
It was quite disappointing to see only a few sales in the first week. I was a little downhearted that when I put my books on a free offer, The 13th Doorway vastly outsold Worlds of Wonder. As an author new to all this, I was desperately searching for a solution and a way to increase sales, or even just increase free downloads. I thought it odd that every time I put The 13th Doorway on for free, it hits the top 10 in no time; Worlds of Wonder only got in the 30s. I changed the title a little bit, I republished and I kept the self-promotion going.
Now, in the first few days of November, The 13th Doorway is still selling; Worlds of Wonder hasn't even sold a copy, anywhere in the world.
Here are possible reasons:
It hasn't got a proper cover yet - one is being drawn for me at the moment. They say a good cover sells a book. They might be right.
There are already 100s of books out there with Worlds of Wonder as part of their title. The 13th Doorway is unique. This could be something to watch out for as you publish your own novels; is your title unique?
It's just not very good. I would happily accept that if it was the case; alas, I have no reviews yet. Even a 1* review is better than none at all.
I'm not downhearted about it anymore though - it's something that I'm proud to have written. Sales may, or may not, pick up, and that's ok. I have a job already and this is just a hobby; a hobby that makes me happy! I've now invented four brand new worlds; I can see my characters going about their daily business even as I type this. And I will finish the trilogy - the final part will see an epic battle, mostly set on Earth, as the time of the Prostatum begins to draw to a close.
Why did I post this? Well, there are probably many other authors out there who have experienced something similar; they have been a bit downhearted over their work, or their sales. My message to you if you are in that position - just keep plugging away. 'There will be water if God wills it', as Stephen King is fond of writing.
D Shaw 03/11/2012
Follow this link to see all 13th Doorway books.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=13th+Doorway#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=13th+Doorway&rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3A13th+Doorway
