Yesterday I spent time reviewing the finances of my first year as an independent author/publisher. I was delighted to see I had made more money than I had paid out. My investment is working. Two of my books are in independent bookstores. I have sold books in several states and the United Kingdom. I’m excited.
I still have work to do in the marketing area. Amazon and its logarithms are frustrating. So are its policies. I could not advertise After The Tears Dry because someone at Amazon thought it was violent. After all, the woman on the front had a tear on her face. Yet if I had used their photos for the front, it would allow a crying baby or a gun. I had a few readers write and let me know they could only place a review if they ordered something from Amazon. I imagine the something would be the book.
I intend to get out more to Book Fairs and do more presentations. I already have two Book Fairs and one presentation on the schedule. They are scary for my ego.
I already have two other books in the works. One has the theme of the crippling effect bullying has on a community. Marcie Reynolds returns with her investigative reporter to probe why a senior prank resulted in a girl being shot and having to learn to walk again. The other book combines Old Man, The Sea, and Undercover, Becoming Street Smart in Central Ohio.
Individuals who have lost loved ones to substance abuse disorder and families have asked me to do a follow-up to Undercover, Becoming Street Smart in Central Ohio. I would include victims who are in recovery.
If you have read any of my books, please write a review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Please suggest my books to others. It helps sell more books. I will put the schedule for Book Fairs on my Facebook page or here; visit me if you live in the area.