[AnyaWrites]

Holy Cannoli! Way to go! I just picked up your first book, and I can't wait to read it.
Thanks for update and advice!

 

[Nicole@CSC]

Congrats on your quick success, Viola!

I just love seeing posts like these that help in a meaningful way with clearly laid out advice that anyone can follow. This is part of what makes Kboards such a great place.

 

[Becca Mills]

Wonderful advice. Thank you. 

 

[EC Sheedy]

Terrific post--and doubly terrific that you took the time to share your success in such a meaningful way. Thank you! And here's to your continued success.

Every successful self-published writer is a win for all of us.

 

[Andie]

Thanks so much for this post. And thank you also for proving that paranormal romance isn't dead, which is something I think many paranormal-loving authors have heard a lot lately (I know I have).

 

[AssanaBanana]

I'm inspired, awed, and also a little envious. We started self-publishing pretty close together (I started at the end of January). I chose a topic that I, personally, thought I would like to read (dragon shifter erotica) and I am happy with my success so far. Happy enough with both the story and my sales to keep writing it and not get sucked into the idea of writing for the masses just for the sake of making more sales.

I think one of the most important things to remember is that you need to love what you write. It'll show if you're just going through the motions. It'll especially show if you don't do the bare minimum, like you said, of getting a decent cover and proofreader.

My biggest milestone lately wasn't 100,000 sales, but merely learning I was in the positive on my publishing expenses vs. royalties earned (those expenses being cover design and editing). For the eight titles I have out now, that added up, but I get compliments on my covers all the time and still earn new mailing list subscribers on a weekly basis. Knowing my writing had actually paid for itself finally was a huge deal for me. And it's only going to go up from here.

I broke 2000 total paid sales this month, which I consider a fantastic success for being just shy of five months into the endeavor. It's enough for me to be hooked on the process and strive for more. It's my personal Skinner Box. I mash the keys and the royalties fall out.

This is not something I'd have expected to happen a year ago, but I love it so far, and I love hearing about other people who are doing what I'm doing, but with even more success. It's very validating.

Thank you for sharing your success

 

[Eric Guindon]

Congratulations and well said! Thanks for sharing what you've learned.

 

[Victorine]

Thanks for sharing your insight, Viola. I love how you describe hooking the reader. Very true!

 

[ricola]

LL Akers once said she wanted to wrap me up in bubble wrap and hide me away, I think in her basement or something. So that's not weird at all.

Have you read her books? She might not be kidding.

 

[Silly Writer]

Have you read her books? She might not be kidding.

I don't have a basement

 

[ricola]

Can you reiterate what you did without paying for advertising?

DON'T push the button on permafree too soon! If you permafree late enough, you don't have to goose it with as many ads.

I'm finding that releasing once every 3 weeks is often enough for a serial to make advertising unneeded. Once a month is too long.

For novels, it's probably different.

 

[ricola]

I don't have a basement

 

[CristinaRayne]

Just a quick congrats on 100,000 paid sales!

 

[EC]

Excellent - and your threads are driven towards education, which I love.  Genuinely giving of your time and knowledge.

Thank you. 

 

[Guest]

Thanks so much for this post. And thank you also for proving that paranormal romance isn't dead, which is something I think many paranormal-loving authors have heard a lot lately (I know I have).

Pay no attention to the "this genre is dead" statements.

I broke 2000 total paid sales this month, which I consider a fantastic success for being just shy of five months into the endeavor. It's enough for me to be hooked on the process and strive for more. It's my personal Skinner Box. I mash the keys and the royalties fall out.

Congratulations!

Christina Rayne, your covers are exquisite!

 

[LeonardDHilleyII]

Great insight and advice. Sensory impressions bring scenes to life.  Thanks for posting this!

 

[Irisdeorre]

Thank you for such a positive and inspiring post! You have really encouraged me to do better. Bless you!

 

[Charmaine]

Can you reiterate what you did without paying for advertising?

Here KJ, This is Viola's Aspiring Authors thread:
http://www.kboards.com/index.php/topic,182600.0.html
It has all the information on how she started and everything

Here's The Serialized Romance thread, for a more in-depth look at sales figures, price, rank, audience, etc
http://www.kboards.com/index.php/topic,184087.0.html

Thanks for your posts Viola!

 

[DaniO]

Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your fantastic sales, Viola. I'd definitely be interested in hearing more on your take on hooks when you get time

 

[theaatkinson]

I did say that... In a different place, which you later saw...THAT wasn't s'posed to happen, lol. However, I stand by those words still today...I'm old enough to be your mom too, and I hope no one ever takes a dig at that sweet soul of yours. You deserve your success and the fact that you still wear it so humble makes me now want to double-bubble-wrap you up

LOVE this.