[Jan Strnad]

Just HYPOTHETICALLY, let's say that you were in Select and sold about X-many books a day, and then you left Select and suddenly started selling 1/10X per day, and HYPOTHETICALLY it was because the Amazon algorithms somehow favored Select participants...what would your reaction be?

A) "I'd better get back into Select!"
or
B) "I'd better double down on other outlets!"

A or B?

 

[Marti talbott]

I kept all my books (21) out of select, so I can't answer that question.

On another subject, your name sounds familiar. Ever hear of Mighty Words?

 

[Monique]

C) Realize my tinfoil hat was too tight.

But seriously, I really don't think there's a conspiracy against non-Select titles, that said, Select titles do have more chances for exposure (the library and the bonus bump of borrows).

 

[Mathew Reuther]

I don't think that outside of the obvious benefits of collecting borrows (and the bump those give ranking) that being out of select is a problem.

In your hypothetical situation I'd just stay the course I'd decided to take.

Amazon changes things up often, after all.

 

[SBJones]

I would be more angry that the books that I have that were in select were not doing better to experience a 90% reduction in sales when I left.

 

[JRTomlin]

Just HYPOTHETICALLY, let's say that you were in Select and sold about X-many books a day, and then you left Select and suddenly started selling 1/10X per day, and HYPOTHETICALLY it was because the Amazon algorithms somehow favored Select participants...what would your reaction be?

A) "I'd better get back into Select!"
or
B) "I'd better double down on other outlets!"

A or B?

I think my question might be HOW do you double down on other outlets?

 

[Lisa Grace]

Going with the conspiracy theory (just 'cause it's fun) your visibility goes up, when you de-select to re-enroll. (See? They make sure you get more orders, so you re-think your idea of not-re-enrolling.)

Just kidding, maybe, kind-of sort-of, I think.

 

[R. M. Reed]

My only experience with Select wasn't that great. I gave a way a lot of copies but about all I got in return was a couple of reviews. Now the book is out so I am going to expand its distribution.

 

[dalya]

Amazon DOES favor Select participants. If you're not in Select, you're not on any of the KOLL lists.

As for how big a difference this makes, it's hard to say. Most folks will probably get enough borrows that it's worth it to just stay on Amazon and not have the extra digital paperwork of other sites.

I'm taking books out, but it's more because I don't like the roller coaster of going up and down on freebie days, and because I like the idea of being a debut young author over on the other venues. HELLO EVERYBODY!

 

[Terrence OBrien]

Depends on the value of X. Then I could figure the value of .9X. That's the cost that has to be compared to potential sales at other venues.

At X=1,000, I'd return to Select. Cost is 900 sales.

At X = 10, I'd forget about Select. Cost is 9 sales.

 

[wolfrom]

Well, I decided to go with Select for my novel, and somehow it spent a day in the top 250 paid books. Currently I have 38 borrows for it since Feb 1st; that feels like a large number.

I can't be sure, but I have a feeling that it wouldn't have happened without Select. I don't think I'll even be sad that I may not end up using my free days after all.

At this point, I'm starting to wonder if I can ever leave Select... would I regret it forever?

 

[Carol (was Dara)]

If I could be positive not being in Select was making a huge difference in my sales, I'd return the book(s) to Select. But if the difference seemed slight (as it has been for me personally) and I wasn't certain Select was causing it, I'd continue spreading my work to other outlets. I only sell around a hundred copies per month on B&N, but Select would have to score me a higher number than that to be worth the loss in exposure to Nook owners, to say nothing of the other outlets I'd be shutting myself out of. I imagine the number is different for everybody depending on their goals but for me, I'd want a couple hundred extra dollars per month to make up for what I was giving up elsewhere.

 

[Robert Bidinotto]

Select has been great for me. I've only been there because of the Kindle Owners Lending Library aspect, allowing Amazon Prime members to borrow my book; I've never bothered with "free" promotions. But my "borrows" continue going well -- scores per month. Cumulatively, I've had thousands. During five months when I was not enrolled in Select, I had a grand total of 120 sales on Nook, and only 12 everywhere else, via Smashwords. So taking the plunge into Kindle exclusivity wasn't a difficult choice for me.

I haven't decided what to do about my sequels yet, but it will be difficult for me to resist the impulse to enroll them, too. When I see clear indications from other indie authors that Kindle's rivals are generating sales likely to surpass my KOLL "borrows," I'll feel more eager to join them.

 

[Al Dente]

All that I can say is that I used to be pretty against select. I was disappointed that I couldn't be in other bookstores, and it didn't seem like I got much out of it. I even took my books out and sales seemed to drop soon after. That's probably just me being paranoid, though.

Anyway, I put my wife's recipe book in select as a test. It was her first book under that pen name, so I didn't expect much. She had a pretty insane free run and is now sitting at #1, #2 and #5 on paid charts. She also made the "hot new release" list and has 130 sales and 56 borrows over the last few days. Watching this kind of weird success has turned me back into a select fan.

What I do know is that her book didn't sell a single copy before I started her free run. Now, it looks like she's on her way to being decently successful in the cooking genre as long as she continues putting out quality books. All it took was that free run to kick start things. With that said, I think select might be worth evaluating over again for many authors considering leaving it. I can definitely say that at the very least, it can be a powerful selling tool in certain situations.

 

[Jena H]

Since my one-book experience in Select (so far) has been miserable, I don't think it's possible for me to be 'punished' for leaving.  In fact, I think being in the program has been punishment enough.  I can't wait to get my story out into other outlets.

 

[Cheryl Douglas]

Nothing could prompt me to return to Select. I now sell more at iTunes / B&N than I do at Amazon. I don't regret my time in Select. The series went from selling 2-3 dozen copies a month to consistently selling 1500 a month. Select worked for me, but it was time to move on and I'm so glad I did! 

 

[Cherise]

Since my one-book experience in Select (so far) has been miserable, I don't think it's possible for me to be 'punished' for leaving. In fact, I think being in the program has been punishment enough. I can't wait to get my story out into other outlets.

Same here. Ten more days till I break out!

 

[Guest]

I assume the Amazon algorithms ALREADY do this.

 

[tensen]

I assume the Amazon algorithms ALREADY do this.

Indeed. That is my assumption as well. Whether or not it is true has never been a consideration. I've tailored all decisions based on the assumption that it affected algorithms.

 

[Jan Strnad]

On another subject, your name sounds familiar. Ever hear of Mighty Words?

Sure have! You've been busy since that earthquake hit Seattle!