The Anatomy of a Book Launch

So for those who pay attention to this space, you are aware that this week I launched book three in my Jubal County Saga. So I thought it would be illuminating to break down the stats, and show folks what that looks like behind the scenes.

Our starting point will be about two weeks before launch day. During this time I set up my free days and discounted days for books 1 and 2 (free and .99 respectively), to run from the time of launch and for four total days. I also reviewed my proof copy, found mistakes, fixed them, reordered, and accepted the print version. I made a list of places to be sure that I posted about the launch. I also messaged the moderators of r/Fantasy, to make sure it would be ok for me to post a promo. Since I am an active member they ok'd it, and asked me to send them the post a week in advance for review, to make sure I was staying inside the rules.

The evening before launch I 'published' the print version. There is a lag, which in the past has only been a few hours, so I felt safe in doing it that close. I didn't want the print version to be available before the official launch, and figured that at worst it might not be approved until around the time I got up on launch day. It in fact was not ready until the afternoon...which was not ideal.

On launch day I got up early realized I had covid symptoms (makes since, my LadyFriend has covid) so I called out of work. Set about scheduling a test, realized it wouldn't be til tomorrow at the earliest, then settled in as live in nurse to the LadyFriend while making my posts. I posted to r/Fantasy, r/UrbanFantasy, r/ebookdeals, /freeebooks, a popular UF facebook group, and across all my social media and email list. I can say without a doubt that the /Fantasy post got the most traction, and I suspect the lion share of sales.

And how did those sales go?

• Day 1: Paid - 196 Free- 629

• Day 2: Paid - 17 Free- 91

• Day 3: Paid - 17 Free- 73

• Day 4: Paid - 7 Free- 35

• Total: Paid - 237 Free - 828

I also saw a large spike in KU page reads starting late on day 2, from what I assume were people who have KU seeing my promo, and opting to read on KU rather than buy the books (which was the intent). Page reads for those days were: 592, 1341, and 1264. My best three day stretch I believe.

What does this break down to money-wise? Using the beta version of the KDP royalty estimator, which includes KU page reads as well as book sales: 420.17! That covers the cost to launch this book, and helps to make up the cost on the first two!

So what would I do differently?

First, I would have included a link to my email list in my social media posting. That was a big missed opportunity, now that I have a free story for subscribers.

Second, I would publish the print version earlier, to ensure it's up and ready when everything else it.

Third, I would try to get on some promo sites.

Fourth, I would reach out to people I know, who have followings, to see if they would consider posting.

But all in all I am very, very happy! This was my best launch to date, and I can't wait to see how the next one goes!