Trying to figure it all out: An Indie Author's quest to sell books

During my research on how in the heck to reach readers, I have vacillated wildly. Do we call every bookstore in the universe and ask if they have a consignment program? Post 100 times a day on social media? Watch other authors to see what is working for them? Spend the day watching how-to videos from those who claim to have cracked the code? 

The truth is, I still don't know. I've done all of the above, and Rina and I are not riding around with a bodyguard in a limo to events filled with fans. (Yet) 

I saw a post on Instagram the other day from another Indie. She created a list of all the things we have to do AFTER writing the book. Editing, cover art, coming up with a launch strategy, launching, advertising, posting, selling, coordinating events, setting up, working long hours at events, tearing down, traveling. Everything she said was true. Between us, Rina and I have 8 books out, and 5 more we are working on. There isn't enough time to accomplish what I feel we need to.

Monday, I will tell Rina, "Posting on social media is the only way we can reach readers outside of Denver. We must come up with something unique."

Tuesday, I tell her, "Screw it, in-person events are the way to go. We have far better luck talking to people than posting a quote from our books on TikTok. Look for Christmas events Downtown." It may be April, but we are legit booked for Christmas events, no lie. 

Wednesday, I watch a YouTube video posted by an author claiming to make 6 figures and how they "Made it." I immediately sign up for whatever program they suggest and fall down a rabbit hole. 

Thursday, irritated with myself, I try to write, but get distracted by the fact that I haven't posted on social media. I am still trying to figure out the latest author-recommended way to get our books out there, get frustrated, and shut my laptop. 

Friday, I freak out that we don't have enough inventory or capital, we haven't signed up for enough events, no one looks at our website that I built from scratch, and why am I wasting my time blogging when no one reads it anyway? I drink a big glass of wine and pout.

Saturday, I obsess over stats, views, website traffic, contests I've entered, Amazon reviews, pages read on KDP, and try to come up with something clever to catch people's attention. I stalk other authors' TikTok pages, and ask Rina how much inventory we have on the shelves. I glance at the huge pile of laundry stacked in the evil chair of doom, sigh, and realize I have a million things to do around the house that I've let go during the week because I have a full-time job. 

Honestly, I'm surprised Rina hasn't bludgeoned me to death yet. Selling is her full-time gig. Every day, she packs up her car, drives to her event, and stands there while people walk by, ask her where the bathrooms are, or talk about their religious beliefs. She has amazing patience. She had learned to take sales as they come, chats with people, and connects with the community. She actually writes, and our current book is almost done thanks to her. She encourages me when I get frustrated, and understands that this is not an overnight success, but a foundation built day by day, book by book. 

Meanwhile, I am bouncing around like a ping-pong ball, convinced my latest scheme will launch her into the public's eye, and they will finally realize how fun her books are. Will it all come together? Who knows. Will she hit me with our newly created hardcover novels and plant me under the lilacs? I wouldn't blame her. If you would like a copy of her new hardback copy of Isle of the Dark, click here. I promise there won't be any dents from my head on it. 

I intended for this blog to be about getting reviews on Amazon and how that whole thing is going, but, shockingly, I fell down another rabbit hole. 

What do I know for sure? How proud I am of everything Rina has accomplished. Her quiet tenacity. That the feeling in my bones that this is what she is meant to do can't be wrong. 

So here's to Monday, where I will stumble across a post saying that Wicca will help sell books, and I run out and buy a bunch of candles and crystals and ask Rina to help me set up an altar and burn sage. 

Want to help support indie and score on a bundle sale? Check out my paranormal romance series here.