When I first released my baby… my debut novel, AFTER THE FIRE out into the world, I chose the self publishing route. Very exciting times. However, I guess you don’t know what you don’t know,… until you know it. I thought by using Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing to publish both my paperback and ebook, that I was limited to just using their platform for getting my book out into the world. I was wrong!
What I did RIGHT was I bought my own ISBN numbers. I bought 5 of them. That’s the number above the barcode on the backs of all paperback books. It is also what identifies any book in any format, like an ebook or audiobook. Since I have my own ISBN numbers or, international standard book number, I can publish my book anywhere I want. I didn’t know that. I have been limiting myself since I released my book in November of 2019, to sales from either Amazon itself, (paperback, ebook, and Kindle Unlimited) or me getting my book out there to indie bookstores. Loads of work and very time consuming.
So here we are now, with this absurd new virus that has us all quarantined to our houses and limiting us to short times at the grocery stores, take out only food, Netflix binging, online doctor visits, and ATM banking, (bring your sani-wipes). No concerts, no birthday parties, no weddings, no Friday night congregating at the bar, or…and here’s the scariest one… no going into work if you cannot stay separated from others. Hmm that’s only a few of the no’s. The one that has impacted me the most this week is the number of author events I had to cancel. I had three things I could not attend and let me tell you, it’s affecting my book sales.
If I had known I could publish with another company called Ingram Sparks, I would be getting far better sales nationwide into bookstores. Shop owners would be more apt to pick up my book to sell if the wholesaler’s discount were better, and Amazon doesn’t offer great wholesaler perks. With Ingram, it’s a far better deal for them. Also, I could be selling on Google Play, Nook, or Apple Play so my book won’t just be available electronically to Kindle owners only. It will be available to a wider audience. NOW I KNOW! I’m working on all of this.
So in the meanwhile what CAN we do during the quarantine? Well first off I would like to suggest you read books! Online or actual books. You remember books? Made of paper and have binding? I’m not just saying to buy MY book…(ok you can get it here ), but read something that is entertaining to you or teaches you something. Since we cannot travel much right now, I am about to start a novel about a Parisian restauranteur, that discovers an astonishing novel in a quaint bookshop and takes her on an unusual journey when she realizes the book it about HER! It’s called THE INGREDIENTS OF LOVE, by Nicolas Barreau. I will let you know what I thought later if you go to Goodreads. I will write a review.
Speaking of reviews…if you happened to have read my novel, AFTER THE FIRE, please consider writing an honest and unbiased review on either Amazon or Goodreads. This helps my book to get better recognition and ratings. All authors depend on reviews. Thanks in advance for doing this. Highly appreciate it.
During this strange and unexpected time we are experiencing globally, the best thing we can do is remain calm. Instead of panicking and being reactive, try to breathe deep, remember all your blessings, and take advantage of this time to slow down life a little. Live simply and practice gratitude. You will feel less stressed about the situation, and quite possibly improve your immune system in the process.
For my contribution to your FREE reading during this time, I can not only offer my book FREE on Kindle Unlimited, but right here on my blog, by the end of the month, I will post the first few pages of my new novel, THE CLOCK TOWER OF MAPLE CREEK. Be looking for it on my next post.
Stay safe. Stay well. Keep reading.
Informative blog. We all learn as we go! Anxious to read your next novel.
Thank you so much for the support.
Patti