Support for Indie Authors discussion

Hello all,

I am having the most depressing launch day ever. I have spent the last 5 months preparing for this day, created a six week tour, have been everywhere I can think promoting, created fun graphic quotes from the book, and even reached out to local and niche news experts. I have had an event nearly every single day since February 21st (the day the tour started) and the book has been on pre-order this whole time.


Not one single sale.

I gave out 50 arc copies for read to review, and I have 2 reviews posted on GoodReads and none on Amazon or Smashwords. I sent out reminders to the reviewers last night, and again today... nothing.

I know I still have two weeks of the tour, and then am jumping right into Brain to Books Cyber convention the first week of April, and it takes time, and blah blah, blah,

But this is my fifth book I have published and this is the biggest preparation tour I have done and at some point isn't this supposed to get easier?!

I just needed to vent in a safe place. If I complained to my husband, he will use it against me later when I ask for money for a book cover or marketing...

Going to cry in a corner now. Thanks.

Okay. So, that's one day. There's tomorrow. And next week. And next month...

I get it. Every time I put a story or book out, I have hopes it will take off right away. They never do. But, give it time. Give it time. Give it time...

As one of our mods, Riley, often says, "this is a marathon, not a sprint."

The real problem is that it is March.

People don't buy books in March, so don't worry about it. (I tell myself that anyways)

I feel your pain. It's a rough terrain out there for us. I have about a hundred people that I know very well floating about with my book right now...

But they haven't left a review or said anything really.

People are desensitized. We are caught in a net full of debris that usually gets discarded without a second thought, no matter if we have something valuable to say.

I'm sorry it's not going well for you. I hope it gets better soon! Everything works out if you keep working for what you want and you have the gift. From your post, it seems clear to me that you have all of that in spades.

Heidi wrote: "Hello all,

I am having the most depressing launch day ever. I have spent the last 5 months preparing for this day, created a six week tour, have been everywhere I can think promoting, created fun..."

Oh, Heidi, we all feel your pain. These things can happen. My editor keeps telling me, "It takes time, it takes time, just keep writing. This something we all live with and we just have to bear up to it.
I know it's easy to say, but we're all in the same boat. Please consider this note the equivalent of flowers. Roses of all colors.
It will get better. Best.

I'm gonna hop right on in to your unhappy bandwagon and get cozy. I feel for you and you are not alone! My last release went just as poorly. It was so bad, I had to ask my betas to post a review. How embarrassing! In my head, I would have thought that they would have been jazzed to see the release and know they were a part of it. I still don't know if they realize their names are in my acknowledgments. I even had three giveaways that ended without giving anything away. Not one soul.

What gets me mad, though, is when I'm approached by family/friends and they ask about my work. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I'll leave a review," "I'm buying it today," "I can't wait to tell everyone." It's B.S. I learned a lot with the first series I published, so I didn't fall into those emotional traps this go around. I've put my blinders on to it all and I'm focusing on why I do this, my love of writing. I truly think that if you put your heart in your work, your readers will feel it and at the end of the day, that's what matters most.

But, totally, I'll sit in that corner with you and share a box of Kleenex. Maybe even a bottle of wine. :)

Hey, Heidi. I look up to you! You have such strong mind! You've been working hard to get your goal! I've been reading everyone I can and everyone has the same words. The algorithms of the store take about eight hours to show the results. Tomorrow will be better!
Save the kleenex for the tears of joy!

I want the wine too, girls!

Aw, thank you everyone! I so rarely throw pity parties but it is great to have this group to be so supportive! I know all the stats and will keep persevering! Wine, chocolates, flowers and a party on me when I finally make it... someday... because I sure ain't quitting!

Loves and hugs!

Noah wrote: "I feel your pain. It's a rough terrain out there for us. I have about a hundred people that I know very well floating about with my book right now...

But they haven't left a review or said anythin..."

You are too sweet! Thank you for those kind words.

Wally wrote: "Heidi wrote: "Hello all,

I am having the most depressing launch day ever. I have spent the last 5 months preparing for this day, created a six week tour, have been everywhere I can think promotin..."

I wish there were a <3 button on Goodreads, because I love this. Thank you so much!

C.B. wrote: "The real problem is that it is March.

People don't buy books in March, so don't worry about it. (I tell myself that anyways)"

I didn't know March was a bad time to publish? Crazy, because I have found a lot of other authors releasing too and felt overwhelmed with all the competition! (I know there is always competition, but I have had several friends wanting me to help promote their books and trying to do that and mine too was feeling overwhelming!)

Is there a publishing calendar that recommends the best time to release? I had never seen one, but that would be really useful!

Hi Heidi. First of all, we have plenty of corners here, so feel free to curl up, but know that these corners are better used for eating cupcakes or sharing a drink with your fellow indie. ;)

As others have said, don't be discouraged. Sales can come at any time and we're indie, so we don't have to worry about our title being pulled if we don't shoot right out of the gate. You mentioned Brains to Books. I did that last year and while I didn't have crazy numbers, I put some of my books on sale and sold a few. You could also run a contest or do all kinds of things. But no matter what you do, don't get too down. Sales will come.

Remember: it's a hiking trail, not a mall mile (yeah,I don't run so the marathon analogy doesn't work for me. ;p)

Christina wrote: "Hi Heidi. First of all, we have plenty of corners here, so feel free to curl up, but know that these corners are better used for eating cupcakes or sharing a drink with your fellow indie. ;)

As ot..."

Lol, I don't run either!

Can I interview you on my Blog?

Shoot me and email at [email protected] and I cand send you the questions!

Heidi wrote: "C.B. wrote: "The real problem is that it is March.

People don't buy books in March, so don't worry about it. (I tell myself that anyways)"

I didn't know March was a bad time to publish? Crazy, be..."

No idea. :)
There might be better months than others.

Sorry, was trying to be funny / make you feel better. Not question your month choices.

I think everyone covered this topic nicely. I will say too that your work will pay off in the long run. Getting your name out there and having different people see your content is always helpful even if there isn't an immediate return in the sales department. You are building connections and brand familiarity. Hang in there. Even if it seems like you put all this effort in and didn't get the response you wanted, people will continue to see you, your posts and events and it will increase your overall visibility.

C.B. wrote: "Heidi wrote: "C.B. wrote: "The real problem is that it is March.

People don't buy books in March, so don't worry about it. (I tell myself that anyways)"

I didn't know March was a bad time to publ..."
I emailed you!

C.B. wrote: "Heidi wrote: "C.B. wrote: "The real problem is that it is March.

People don't buy books in March, so don't worry about it. (I tell myself that anyways)"

I didn't know March was a bad time to publ..."

Darn, I wish it had been something that simple! Back to throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks!

Thanks for all the lovely comments! I think I was just sleep deprived building up to launch. Gonna take the weekend to pamper myself as if I won a marathon, and then back to knocking it out Sunday night with the indiewrites chat on Twitter! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

I'll push our interview out more tomorrow, try and drive some more traffic your way - along with a direct link to the book (in case I haven't got one in there already, can't recall off the top of my head!). Stay positive - and all the best!

Thanks so much for the support Leo!

Also retweeted you via the Inklings Press Twitter - and I think you maaaayyyyy have one or two sales now to set you rolling. Remember they can take a little while to show up on your dashboard though, so don't wear out that F5 refresh!

Aww, thank you so much! It is nice to no longer have a big fat 0!

Very welcome :) All the best!

Hi, Heidi. I totally understand the disappointment when launch day doesn't sell or get the attention you hoped for. That happened to me on my second book for my series. I really though that the people who really loved the first book would be clamoring for the second one. Instead, I think I garnered 3 sales and no reviews. Lol I've gotten a few more sales since and some downloads, but it's a long haul. We've just gotta keep on truckin! I'm really in awe of all the promotional work you've done! And remember, you're not alone.

Heidi wrote: "If I complained to my husband, he will use it against me later when I ask for money for a book cover or marketing..."

I protest against concealing vital information from such an important investor as husband -:)
Seriously though, are we talking about 'Hell School'? Because, I can't find it anywhere except for here on GR and its purchase link doesn't work. I've checked Amazon & B&N. Kinda hard to buy a book that's not available.

Keep up, Heidi, your efforts will surely result in sales.
Have an excellent weekend with some sales hopefully!

Nik wrote: "Heidi wrote: "If I complained to my husband, he will use it against me later when I ask for money for a book cover or marketing..."

I protest against concealing vital information from such an impo..."

I found Hell School on Amazon, but there's no preview/sample copy available.

Yes, the Amazon sales link on GR doesn't work. I had to go to Amazon directly to find the book.

Heidi, try reworking the book's profile here to link to Amazon by ASIN number if possible; that may fix the broken link issue. Make sure any other links you've put up on social media are going to the right place. And last but not least, make sure your use of keywords is strong and accurate. There are some good blog posts on various boards here that give a breakdown of specific-target keywords to help you.

Don't feel bad. I remember being surprised my book didn't sell immediately. You are far from alone in this, so keep your chin up and keep plugging away.

Heidi wrote: "Going to cry in a corner now."
Hang in there, and remind yourself of why you write. If you're doing this because you love to write, or because you have a story that needs to be told, then the rest will come. We've all been there when the "book launch" isn't everything that we had hoped it would be. But remind yourself of why you do this.

Also, bear in mind that your latest book hasn't even been out on the market a month yet. Be patient. It will get better.

Best wishes to your success.

Nik wrote: "Heidi wrote: "If I complained to my husband, he will use it against me later when I ask for money for a book cover or marketing..."

I protest against concealing vital information from such an impo..."

The book just came out. Amazon takes a while to link it to an author/add the look inside/etc.

You can speed up the process by going to Author Central and "claiming" your book,but it's still not instantaneous.

Nik wrote: "Heidi wrote: "If I complained to my husband, he will use it against me later when I ask for money for a book cover or marketing..."

I protest against concealing vital information from such an impo..."

I would feel worse about it, except he spends more on his computer "habits" and games than I spend on books, so....

Thanks for letting me know that the sales link wasn't working on here! That is so weird. I thought I had all the links worked out. Will take another look!

Thanks for the tips on keywords and linking, everyone. I will double-check those aspects and get things worked out! I am back at the marketing working on two new interviews!

I will keep on keeping on! Have a fantastic weekend!

I feel for you! Getting a book out there is such hard work, it's heartbreaking when it seems to fall on deaf ears. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and not for the faint-hearted. Keep on truckin'

Oh my God, I sympathise! I've been so down this week too!

My first book, "An Accidental Affair" finally went free on Amazon; I had been pushing it to iBookstore & Nook for free through Lulu, and finally Amazon caught on and decided to make it free to stay competitive. It's the first book in a 5 part (complete) series, the majority of the reviews are really good, too.

Well I had 97 (!!!) free downloads on day one! I was excited! But... no follow on sales, despite 200 free downloads over three days, (I finally got one sale today). I've been on this up and down train before and I was like 'nah -ah, what the hell, I've done this sh!t, it's getting tired'. Two weeks after I first released "An Accidental Affair" I had sales on iBookstore of 99, 150, 127, 90 on consecutive days, gradually petering to a trickle. I thought I had found success but had no follow on, and I've not seen that success since, I don't know why I had it and why I don't now, and it is a source of some angst! So then I think I'm doing something wrong, I see other novels more expensive with less content and it's got more reviews, and... and...

And it's easy to get into that trap and hard to pull out. We try to not have any expectations as writers because readers can be fickle, as can reviewers, and there are so many things that have to go right but we are humans - humans who have put a lot of effort and (often), a sliver (or more), of our soul and emotions into the product and it's instinctive to look for an affirmation in sales. I struggle with this so much, but luckily my boyfriend is my biggest cheerleader, loves my books, (he likes it when I read them to him over supper!), which makes it a little easier but not perfect.

The things I end up consoling myself with? Did I put out a good product and write a decent story? That's difficult for me because I am a writing perfectionist and can ALWAYS find something to nitpick, no matter how many times I read it but... yes, every book I felt was cared for, with good attention to detail. I suspect you feel the same, so remember that.

Then the next thing? I'm not a trailblazer, which is both a comfort and a frustration. It means there is a path for success in what I do and others have done it, but it leads to restlessness because I'm not sure how to get to the point where I have good, regular success. So I try to focus on it this way - there is a market for it, people have *had* success here, and I remind myself I have a quality product. That usually makes me feel a little better. Books are also a consumable, so even if someone doesn't buy my book TODAY if they are a reader, they could buy it tomorrow or the next day. Luckily there are also a lot of readers. =)

The last big thing, which I fail at sometimes, is don't check your sales all the time. I suspect that can be a debate as big as the 'how often do you weigh yourself when dieting', =), but there it is. The most effective reinforcement of behaviour is intermittent reward; if a mouse gets a treat sometimes they will go back to it, back to it, and it ends up being a distraction, you chase the jolt of dopamine. So my two cents is to set a time each day or every other day to try check your sales and regardless of whether they are good or bad, try to adhere to that schedule. That way you aren't feeding the elation or depression too much.

I know it won't be for everyone, but I feel comforted if I at least have a plan or some sort of rationale to fall back on so... it takes time, (as others have said), don't let the fear or apprehension steer you, have faith in yourself! (you seem dedicated, which is only a good thing), and keep your chin up! =) You have put in a lot of energy and effort, and more often than not it pays off! Just not on the timeline we'd like. ;-)

Warm regards,
Holly

I completely feel your pain. I went through it last year when I released my first book and realised that no matter what I did, my friends (or those I thought were my friends) would not even lift a finger to support me with my new venture, no matter how many times I had helped them in the past. People are self-absorbed these days, they seem to have no idea how to think about others. Not all obviously, but just from my experience.

I just released my second book last month and like you, despite all the preparation, despite my publisher creating marketing content for me - there are just a handful of sales. More sales have occurred at events than anywhere else. I don't have high hopes for even a decent turn out at my official launch party next week. I have done what I can and I refuse to allow it to get me down like it did last year. Last year I had expectations, this year I have none. It helps to allay any disappointment.

Saying that though, strangers and acquantainces have been my biggest allies. Not friends, not family but strangers. Amazing but true. I met someone at an event who wants to help me do more with my book and an acquaintance currently is working on getting my book in front of as much of my audience as possible. I am trying not to get hopes up but at least there are people who care, even when you feel that they don't.

Keep your head high and keep writing. You have written books, five of them. How many people can say that in your circle?

Thanks everyone! The support here has been wonderful! I do appreciate it so very much. Off to keep knocking on doors and pushing the brand. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Go look at Evans thread called "Two Months worth of results" in this Authors Help section. Its sort of the exact opposite of what your going through Heidi however it does mean that things will and can get better as long as you have patience. A little goes a long way and I totally know the feeling. I think the best bet is to read what people have to say on here, read other threads for tips and do your best to push on through.