Well, it's been a week now, since THE RAGGEDY MAN was released, and it seems to be doing okay. Several people have reached out to me to tell me that they've purchased their copy, and several others have said that they will very soon. Even better, I debuted the novel at a small show for independent writers and artists (The Get Lit Indy Books and Art Mini Show), and sold several copies there. So, it's official: I am a professional, paid writer. Feels nice!
Only time will tell if THE RAGGEDY MAN will be a "success," in terms of sales. I'm doing my part in the marketing effort, Pete Kahle, of Bloodshot Books is doing his. But there's a lot we can't control -- like who actually plops down their $15.99 for the book, who likes the book, who reviews it (favorably, or un-), etc. But for me, that's all besides the point. As I was riding to the Get Lit show with my best friend, we talked about the fact that I had already answered the most fundamental question -- am I publishable? The show answered another, mainly, will anyone be interested? Sure, a couple of the people who bought my novel were friends and fellow writers/artists (thanks, guys!). But a few were complete strangers who had no obligation to me, and no vested interested in my success or failure. And that felt good. Really good.
But selling books is just gravy.
Don't get me wrong: I'm going to absolutely bust my ass getting this book out to as many people as I can. I am, even now, strategically planning shows, both literary and comic, where I can get this into the hands of people who might not otherwise come across it. After all, I wanna do this a long time, right? (In fact, as long as you're reading this, you should go on over to Amazon for a look-see: I hear it's a pretty good book, and with that cover, it'll look great on your shelf, or in your ebook collection. Just saying.) But for me, the book's already a success. Its existence alone is the proof of hard work, dedication, and desire all coming together. I've achieved what so many aspire to, and too few reach. For better or worse, bang or whimper, I've created something and sent it out into the world to leave its mark wherever it can.
And guys? I can't think of any better way to live.
Peace,
Chris
Only time will tell if THE RAGGEDY MAN will be a "success," in terms of sales. I'm doing my part in the marketing effort, Pete Kahle, of Bloodshot Books is doing his. But there's a lot we can't control -- like who actually plops down their $15.99 for the book, who likes the book, who reviews it (favorably, or un-), etc. But for me, that's all besides the point. As I was riding to the Get Lit show with my best friend, we talked about the fact that I had already answered the most fundamental question -- am I publishable? The show answered another, mainly, will anyone be interested? Sure, a couple of the people who bought my novel were friends and fellow writers/artists (thanks, guys!). But a few were complete strangers who had no obligation to me, and no vested interested in my success or failure. And that felt good. Really good.
But selling books is just gravy.
Don't get me wrong: I'm going to absolutely bust my ass getting this book out to as many people as I can. I am, even now, strategically planning shows, both literary and comic, where I can get this into the hands of people who might not otherwise come across it. After all, I wanna do this a long time, right? (In fact, as long as you're reading this, you should go on over to Amazon for a look-see: I hear it's a pretty good book, and with that cover, it'll look great on your shelf, or in your ebook collection. Just saying.) But for me, the book's already a success. Its existence alone is the proof of hard work, dedication, and desire all coming together. I've achieved what so many aspire to, and too few reach. For better or worse, bang or whimper, I've created something and sent it out into the world to leave its mark wherever it can.
And guys? I can't think of any better way to live.
Peace,
Chris
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