CBS News recently profiled a couple, Jack and Jasinda Wilder (pen names), who were able to save their home and family’s future by writing and self-publishing steamy romance novels. Last summer, the couple was facing foreclosure and a deep financial crisis, so they decided to take to writing romance novels as a means to dig their way out. They took a shot in the dark, and it paid off. In six months, they turned out 20 e-books. And now in less than a year, they’ve sold nearly a million e-books. Let’s look at their story and a more recent independently published author, Richard Blomberg, the various levels of success they’ve achieved, and the ways in which any independent author can find success with indie publishing.
For the Wilders, they were likely thrilled when they sold a few e-books, bringing in some much-needed cash. And then they sold enough books to pay their $1,200 mortgage each month by selling e-books. Now, the home they almost lost is a self-publishing powerhouse. With each book, their audience grew and sales climbed higher. Then this spring, one of their novels jumped onto the New York Times Bestseller list and hit #1 on Amazon.
While the Wilders’ story may not be typical and such meteoric sales won’t happen for everyone, they serve as an inspiration for independently published authors everywhere – diligence and perseverance can pay off. They found success in a niche market, romance novels, and they ran with it. And they have published around 30 books in one year – unheard of in the traditional publishing world.
You can see the full story here, “Couple’s steamy romance e-books save their home.”
We recently featured SDP Publishing’s Warpath by Richard Blomberg on our blog. Richard (Dick) Blomberg’s Warpath, just released as an e-book on June 1, has performed well in the Amazon rankings. Its Amazon Bestsellers Rank was #76,589 Paid in Kindle Store on June 14, 2013. On June 24, it was #33,000. These numbers fluctuate on a daily basis, but it shows that conscientious marketing and audience-building efforts can make a significant impact on getting your book noticed.
Among some of the reasons Dick is finding success with his book include receiving a great review from the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Reviews and setting up a comprehensive marketing plan. You can learn more here, “Warpath by Richard Blomberg – A Case Study on Successfully Marketing Your Independently Published Book.” After just one month, Dick has seen some great potential for success.
These two very different examples show us the possibilities of independent publishing. What these two stories of independently published authors share can provide lessons for anyone thinking about independent publishing, such as:
- Persevering with your writing and self-publishing efforts
- Understanding the importance of getting professional and reader reviews
- Building an audience through an Amazon, Goodreads, website, blog, social media presence, etc.
You may not achieve the kind of success that the Wilders have, but you will definitely see demonstrable results, as Dick Blomberg has. If you’re interested in learning more about how to maximize your book’s exposure and gain credibility by polishing your novel and creating a solid marketing plan, contact SDP Publishing.
SDP Publishing Solutions, LLC (formerly Sweet Dreams Publishing of Massachusetts) offers optimal publishing solutions for authors worldwide. From literary agency representation to worldwide marketing – including international rights – and independent publishing, we provide the best solutions for authors. Our services include developmental editing and copy editing, custom cover design and layout, book marketing, query letter and book proposals, literary agency representation, print and e-book development. We provide the best exposure for your book!
