Reader
How about this doozy:
Amazon’s ebook sales numbers aren’t included in those “industry” counts.
Wha? Why the heck not? It’s not as if there’s a doubt in anyone’s mind that the company’s the #1 seller of ebooks on the planet.
Well, we can’t blame the “industry” for this one — Amazon doesn’t report its sales data to anyone. It’s under no obligation to do any such thing (told you the “industry” lost control of this part of the market), so what do they do when anyone asks for it? I picture someone over at the Zon just going, “OK, sure, we’ll get right on that. LOL!”
We’re not talking about sales of Big Five ebook editions, of course — those are counted because obviously, the B5 will have those figures. It’s our numbers, the indie stuff, that Amazon’s keeping under its hat.
I don’t think I have to point out that a lot among our ranks are doing very well. Heck, I interviewed a good number of former B5 mid-listers right here in Wordpreneur years ago, back when they were first becoming aware of the possibility of reclaiming the rights to and reviving their practically dead B5 titles… and a bunch of them did and have been doing just that. Then there are the “rapid release” folks, the “serial” dudes, the “erotica” bunch, and on and on and…
…well what? This is still all just anecdotal evidence. There are no official counts reported by Amazon. At all. And again, can’t blame the “industry” for that.
What we can blame them for, however, is pretending all this activity doesn’t exist. Which they argue then ergo means since their ebook <cough cough sabotaged cough> sales figures are flatlining, the dead tree book market must be alive and well and healthy! And the claims and data in all these “industry” reports must be true because, look, all these important news media vehicles are reporting them without question! (“Oh, don’t look in that ledger with all the B5 ad spend records, silly rabbit, none of that’s important. Here, have you seen James Patterson’s 14th new book release this week? Already on the NYT bestseller list!”)
Uh huh. Anyone else besides me smells bullsh*t? Or are you really that much into fairy tales?
Now, I’m not saying this is a good thing — only Amazon has the complete, clear picture! — but what I am saying is all those reports about ebook sales stagnating, even sinking?
Phfft.
You’ll have a much better chance convincing me the Illuminati’s behind all the bookstore closings.
I think that about covers this topic simply but sufficiently enough. Takeaway? I think there’s only one, really: Don’t trust any of these guys. Not the Big Five. Not Amazon. These guys are at war and using information as weapons. We best try to pay close attention to everything and hope our biases don’t get in the way of making clear judgment calls.
Well, enough of that. Maybe I can interest you in a dozen decent to good articles to help expand your wordpreneur know-how? Just look below!
— EES
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Indie Author/Publishing
Audiobook Production: How to Choose a Narrator for your Self-published Audiobook
“Choosing the right narrator for your self-published audiobook can make or break its success, but what’s the best way to go about it?”
Alliance of Independent Authors »
Blurbing: How to relay a story with minimal headache
“Blurbs are an absolute necessity for marketing your book, and the sooner you have a good one, the easier it is to get people interested in your work.”
How Do I Find Money to Write a Book
“While this tiny editorial cannot begin to go into detail on each financial availability, it can list the possibilities to at least let you realize your options.”
How to Find Unique Speaking Opportunities to Promote Your Novel
“[Y]ou’ll see a world of opportunity awaiting writers who are willing to step out from behind their computer screens and speak about their work.”
How to Write a Killer Author Bio
“An author bio is like a calling card. ‘It’s something that will let readers get a sense of who you are, and is an important part for pitching media and book proposals…'”
Is 1000 True Fans Still Relevant for Self-Publishers?
“[J]ust about anyone with a good product or service to sell can earn at least six figures a year simply by amassing a loyal group of 1000 fans who are each willing to spend an average of $100 each per year…”
Is Your Book Cover Too Cluttered?
“Marketing material is all about catching someone’s attention… A book cover is marketing material. Like all advertising or marketing copy, its purpose is to draw a reader in.”
Numbers that Matter in Book Publishing
“With online eBook sales, among other factors in the mix, print runs ain’t what they used to be. But they are still passionately discussed and closely watched.”
Free eBooks
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Kindle Autopilot
Save a ton of hours; automate up to 75% of your Kindle business and create an automatic money making passive income system.
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Ultimate eBook Creator
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Bestseller Ranking Pro
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Kindle Optimizer 2.0
Kindle publishing and tracking made easy: track keywords, book formatting manager, description generator, press release and directory submitter, track sales. This is powerful software for Kindle publishers!
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Content & Ideas
How to Tailor Your Social Media Content For Mobile Users
“Now that mobile users have surpassed desktop (and has since November 2016), it’s time to think more strategically about the content you’re posting on social media.”
Publishers try to use ad annoyance as a lure to subscribers
“Publishers hunting for subscribers like to say they’re delivering an experience worth paying for. Increasingly, that’s starting to mean ‘one that has no mobile ads.'”
Marketing
10 Best Uses of Video Marketing
“All brands need a video marketing strategy. Digital marketing professionals and video makers understand how integral video is to growth hacking the current market.”
Launching a Startup Digital Marketing Campaign on a Tight Budget
“[Y]ou should consider launching a digital marketing campaign… [T]his does not mean you won’t spend any money. It simply means you will be able to afford it and still get a good conversion rate.”
