Now that I have three works available, and a few years of signing events in a variety of venues, I've begun to notice some trends. I'll focus on events since Genre Shotgun has been available.
Overall Sales (rounded off to nearest 5%):
Flank Hawk: 45%
Blood Sword: 15%
Genre Shotgun: 40%
At SF/Fantasy Conventions, Flank Hawk outpaces the other two works.
At venues where it's a repeat appearance for me, Blood Sword's sales rise, most of those sales are people picking up the second novel in the series after obtaining a copy of Flank Hawk the previous year.
When it's a new event for me/first time attending, I get very few Blood Sword sales, even though it's written as a standalone novel in the series, compared both to Flank Hawk and Genre Shotgun. On occasion a reader will pick up a copy of both Flank Hawk and Blood Sword, usually when the reader is very interested in the concept of the First Civilization's Legacy Series.
Even if potential readers seem a little bit more interested in Blood Sword's storyline, readers usually select Flank Hawk, since it's the first novel in the series.
If I am attending an event that attracts a more general audience (festivals, group author events and the like), Genre Shotgun sells better than Flank Hawk, and far better than Blood Sword, of course. At such events, the reader usually picks up Genre Shotgun for his or her reading. When they pick up a copy of Flank Hawk and/or Blood Sword, it's intended as a gift for someone else--son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter (either accompanying them at the event or to be given later).
This has affected my writing of Soul Forge, the third novel in the First Civilization's Legacy Series. It takes a lot of effort to get theplanning and tricky structure just right to make a novel in a series stand alone, complementing the first two for readers of the series up to that point while, at the same time, being novel a reader new to the series can pick up and read first.
Soul Forge will be a standalone work, but not as clearly and cleanly as Blood Sword. Why? I would expect that sales of the third novel will be similar to sales of the second, but to an even greater extent. This sales trend between Flank Hawk and Blood Sword has been consistent since Blood Sword's release.
Online sales, which include the ebook and audiobook versions, and the few brick and mortar sales, are somewhat more murky but seem to largely follow the pattern discussed above. The main difference is that Blood Sword sells much better than Genre Shotgun as an ebook, but not as well as Flank Hawk.
It's difficult to know why because, unless a reader posts a review of more than one of my works, or emails me about my writing, I have no idea who selected the novel and why. It's a situation far different than when I meet customers/readers face to face. Then I have the opportunity to describe my works and discuss their interests and reasons for deciding to obtain a copy (or copies) of my work(s).
This is my observation. Trends for other authors may vary greatly. It'll be interesting to see how Soul Forge and hopefully my science fiction novel, Relic Tech (if/when it gets published) affect sales trends.
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When writing a series, you feel frustrated sometimes as new readers hesitate on jumping on board in the middle of the storyline.
ReplyDeleteThe only light for us is that we are writing for the long haul -- if our series become popular, then having at least three in the series will help finally and not hurt! Thanks for visiting my blog. :-)
I think you're right, Roland. Three books could make a difference, even if they start with the first most of the time.
DeleteNo problem. I enjoy stopping in at your blog to see what you've got to say.
Blogger booted off your follower list for some reason. I showed them: I rejoined! :-)
ReplyDeleteYep, you're listed as a follower :)
DeleteFascinating stats. Ultimately, building a fan base seems more of a one-at-a-time proposition and driven more by author interaction than sequel considerations. Where is that point when word-of-mouth by the growing number of accumulated followers begins to take over? And when it does, how will the sales distribution fall then? I'll be watching for your future reports. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI've heard from many authors from small presses and some self-published authors that they're forever 'selling' the first novel in a series.
DeleteI've only (briefly) talked to one author about this who's published by a major house, and he has several series out as well as stand alones, and even has some co-authors and other authors that write in his series (Baen Author). But people purchase it seems on his name and will jump in right away with a new series.
As a reader, I’m disappointed when I realize I’m not reading a series in the correct order – even when they are stand-alone novels. Many will follow a series as far as it will take them. A winning formula for you. Encourage them to begin with the first novel and up-sell with all the novels written to that point. I love to re-visit my favourite characters book after book.
ReplyDeleteAs a writer, I know how challenging it can be to include enough background information for the new reader without boring the series follower. I’m sure you capably master that technique.
The sales of Genre Shotgun might be higher at non-genre events. Your short story collection is eclectic, thereby appealing to many readers.
Try not to spend too much valuable writing-time analyzing sales; as soon as you figure it out, it’ll change. Haha Follow your instincts and keep writing.
You are correct. Maybe I wasn't as clear in the blog post as I could be but at festivals where there isn't a specific reader focus, Genre Shotgun sells well.
DeleteI'm working on that next novel, Phyllis. :)
Have you ever read the Vlad Taltos novels by Steven Brust? The chronological order of publication doesn't match up with the chronological order of events in the main character (Vlad's) life and adventures.
I have not read that series but I've read about them. Mind boggling.
ReplyDeleteTerry, I'd like to receive notice of your blog by email but I don't see a 'subscribe by email'. :(
I have added a 'gadget' that I think is what you're looking for, Phyllis. It's on the left hand side, above the lables.
DeleteThanks, Terry.
DeleteNot a problem.
DeleteInteresting stats. It's always a joy to see how well your books are doing. Keep up the writing. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll keep on writing, Cher. My books are doing pretty well. Not enough to vacation to Florida on, but could be worse. :)
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