Since October, the first Jeff Resnick mystery, MURDER ON THE MIND, has been available on Amazon as a Kindle download. It's taken me months to figure out what the heck is going on with the sales -- not that it's difficult, it's just that I haven't been motivated to look into things.
Suffice to say, I am now motivated. It only took about 20 minutes of digging, but I finally understand their royalty structure and schedule of payments. (Whew.)
I also found out I've earned my first payment for the book. Not a lot of money. In fact, unless I'm eating at McDonald's, I can't go out to have a fabulous lunch (with martini) to celebrate. Of course, that first payment was for copies sold in October through January.
Obviously, not many people have found the book on Amazon. One of the problems: I have no idea how to publicize it, except to keep reminding people (via my blog or my Amazon plog) that the book is available. (Anybody got any ideas?)
The good news is--sales have picked up. I'll never see a huge royalty check for these sales, but then I didn't put it up there looking for big bucks. It's up there to keep the series alive. Speaking of which, it looks like Dead In Red will soon go out of print--so if you want to read the book, you'd better order it fast, or ask your library to order it.
Which leads to the next question: where's the series going? I can't talk about what I don't know. Suffice to say the third book is under consideration. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and I hope you'll keep yours crossed, too. (Please!!!)
I would LOVE to see the third book. Tell the publishers you already have one sold!
Posted by: Kaye George | May 04, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I can't wait for the third book! Can you try and get some book signing at big book store chains? Barnes and Noble are pretty easy to talk to. They helped us set up an symphony concert for my daughters orchestra in their store during the holidays.
Posted by: Donna Ingraham | May 05, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Maybe I should forward your notes Kaye and Donna. I'm supposed to find out Friday--but since editor time and author time are in two different continuums, it may be a bit longer than that.
Posted by: Lorraine | May 05, 2009 at 04:52 PM