Thank you for the detailed explanation. It is helpful.
My book does sell well, but only when I make personal appearances. My social media presence does not seem to help. Neither does my personal networking nor my efforts to offer review copies. Even having reviews available does not seem to make a lot of difference.
Yesterday, for example, I called a manager who had me visit her store a couple weeks back. During my signing, I sold 8 books and consigned 20. I was curious about the 20 books. She indicated that none had sold--this in spite of an appealing cover and my experience in person.
One reason that I self-published rather than pursue another publisher (I had a contract offer but it was rescinded after I asked a few questions) was to keep the list price low-devotionals cannot be pricey.
I have promoted the book for group studies. As yet, however, I have no evidence this approach has worked. Only a handful of people have even viewed my online video leader guide. My online survey has gone pretty much without being filled out.
Your comments about bookstore returns perhaps explains why I only have one store stocking my book. I do not have a budget for returns which apparently is a key selling point. My image of returns focused on the customer returns, not the bookstore returns.
My book does sell well, but only when I make personal appearances. My social media presence does not seem to help. Neither does my personal networking nor my efforts to offer review copies. Even having reviews available does not seem to make a lot of difference.
Yesterday, for example, I called a manager who had me visit her store a couple weeks back. During my signing, I sold 8 books and consigned 20. I was curious about the 20 books. She indicated that none had sold--this in spite of an appealing cover and my experience in person.
One reason that I self-published rather than pursue another publisher (I had a contract offer but it was rescinded after I asked a few questions) was to keep the list price low-devotionals cannot be pricey.
I have promoted the book for group studies. As yet, however, I have no evidence this approach has worked. Only a handful of people have even viewed my online video leader guide. My online survey has gone pretty much without being filled out.
Your comments about bookstore returns perhaps explains why I only have one store stocking my book. I do not have a budget for returns which apparently is a key selling point. My image of returns focused on the customer returns, not the bookstore returns.
Thanks again.
Stephen