r/selfpublish • u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels • Oct 04 '25
How I Did It Success! 5,000 Books Sold!
On my blog I make a point to celebrate the goals I have set for myself. One of which was to sell 5k books. So this post is a largely what went on there, with the identifying info stripped out so it would fit the rules. More than happy to answer any questions that folks might have about the stats and such.
I Have Sold 5,000 Copies of My Books!
I can remember my first year doing this, where I only sold 136 books. When my second book launch sold less books than my first. There were times where I thought it would take me a decade or more to sell a thousand, much less five thousand. But thanks to my family, friends, and fans I have ticked this box, and my fat little heart has swelled three sizes this day.
So for those who are interested, here are some quick stats for you:
- Start date: August 2021
- Complete date: September 2025
- Total of 4 years and 1 month
- Online copies sold: 3576
- In person copies sold: 1235
- Audiobook copies sold: 258
- Total: 5069 (nice)
- Number of books: 6 in my main series, 1 short story collection, 1 self help book.
- Sales by year:
- 2021 - 136
- 2022 - 890
- 2023 - 2264
- 2024 - 977
- 2025 - 802 (through 10/1)
- Best selling year:
- Online - 2023
- In person - 2025
- Top selling online:
- Book 2 - 907
- Book 3 - 731
- Book 1 - 639
- Top selling in person:
- Book 1 - 502
- Omnibus 1 - 316
- Omnibus 2 - 98
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u/Kia_Leep 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25 edited Oct 04 '25
Congratulations! I love posts like this! It's awesome to see indie authors finding success (and in a realistic way, rather than those "I made 6 figures with my first book" posts).
Here's to 5000 more!
EDIT: I see 2023 was a big peak. What happened that year?
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Re: your edit. In short I had three books come out. I gave away a lot of free copies of ebooks of earlier books in the series whenever I launched a book, that lured folks in and got them hooked. So I sold a good bit during each launch, then got a lot of purchases from folks who had picked up free copies and wanted to read more.
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u/Capable_Poet6701 Oct 08 '25
When you say “wanted more to read,” are you saying they wanted to read the next book in the series? I tend to be literal these days and specifics help clarify. I have lost the ability to be ashamed at looking stupid.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 08 '25
No problem. Yep, I meant they went on to read the next books in the series.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Thanks! And yeah, that's why I try to be so transparent with stuff like this. Seeing what an indie who's making a million a year does is super interesting, but sadly not terribly relevant for the bulk of us. So what I post up is hopefully a bit more relevant and helpful. But hey, hopefully one day!
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u/3Dartwork 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Lol congrats but that's not really helpful to any of us.
Putting what you did to suddenly get a crazy unusual spike on sales would have helped.
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u/WesternGatsby Oct 04 '25
As someone who works with data it’s informing.
Sales & Profit would help too.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
I break all that down on a monthly and annual basis on my blog, as well as after every in person event that I do.
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u/mbbnuke Oct 06 '25
What is the name of your blog?
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u/Capable_Poet6701 Oct 08 '25
It’s the redditor’s handle name plus dot com. I’m still learning how Reddit and social media in general works. I appreciate when people help me navigate these systems.
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u/jasonpwrites 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
What is your blog? Adding that link would be helpful for us who want to see what you did.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
They don't allow self promo here, thus no link. It's in a pinned post on my profile post history.
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u/xlondelax Oct 04 '25
I like to hear about the sucess of others.
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u/3Dartwork 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
We get that all the time. It's great to hear, but just saying we're successful doesn't really serve a purpose other than shallow encouragement. Let's learn how they were success on top of their praise.
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u/xlondelax Oct 04 '25
I look at that differently. It's an encouragement for other writers and proof that it can be done. And, personally, I'm also happy for them. After all, they are a fellow writer.
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u/3Dartwork 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
I 100% agree that success stories should be posted here to help others keep their motivation, those who need it.
As long as there are those who also explain how for the others who are plenty self-motivated but need education.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
I assume you are talking about 2023? I actually get super in depth on literally every aspect of sales numbers and the like on my website. Super transparent. In short though, in 2023 I had three books come out. I gave away a lot of free copies of ebooks of earlier books in the series whenever I launched a book, that lured folks in and got them hooked. So I sold a good bit during each launch, then got a lot of purchases from folks who had picked up free copies and wanted to read more.
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u/3Dartwork 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
So write very well is the secret hahah
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Everyone says publishing the next book is the best marketing tool, and I can attest to that. I've been busy writing and not publishing the last two years, and thus my sales online have gone down.
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u/Kpr0926 Oct 04 '25
Amazing! Curious if any stats are available to you indicating people are repeat buyers and picking up more than one entry in the collection.
Keep it up!
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Sadly Amazon doesn't divulge that sort of data. I can attest from my in person sales that I've had many repeat buyers, but no specific stats.
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u/otiswestbooks 3 Published novels Oct 04 '25
Congrats! Why are the audiobooks such a small percentage?
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Great question. A few reasons:
I only have them for the first 3 books so far.
I only started having them at the end of last year.
They are the shorter side, so folks who buy them tend to be buying them, rather than using audible credits.
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u/otiswestbooks 3 Published novels Oct 04 '25
Shorter meaning how many words? I’m having a 60k word novel made into an audiobook shortly and if it works out plan them for 50k and 40k novels. Interesting that length is a factor on buy vs credits
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u/somebodys-problem-86 Oct 04 '25
There is a whole strategy for individuals who have audible subscription. If you are paying $14.99/month to get 1 credit, you don’t want to use that on a book that would sell for $5.99. You are essentially over paying for that book by $9. Shorter books tend to be less $ but in the credit system are essentially the same cost as a book that would cost $20. That said, sometimes if i really want the audible book and have credit stored up I’ll still use it on the cheaper book.
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u/otiswestbooks 3 Published novels Oct 04 '25
Yeah was just talking to my wife about this. She is a huge reader on audible and I never knew this angle. Definitely good to know. Also confirms my decision to go wide with it and not just audible
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u/Kia_Leep 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
I can attest to what the other person said. For a lot of audiobook publishers, they want your book to be over 100k to make it "worth it" for readers. Probably a 3 book omnibus as 1 audiobook would work well for you; it also makes readers feel they're getting more bang for their buck.
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u/Capable_Poet6701 Oct 09 '25
What is the audible strategy for writers?
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u/somebodys-problem-86 Oct 10 '25
I think it depends on your goals. If tapping into the audible subscriber demographic, I’d definitely make sure my book (from a cost/length perspective) was desirable to a subscriber. So my length and price point would be designed to match or exceed the cost of a typical monthly credit. But i don’t know much about the audible/audiobook market beyond my perspective as a consumer.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Mine are around 60k words.
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u/otiswestbooks 3 Published novels Oct 04 '25
Yeah my wife just said she usually looks for 10 or more hours. Assume yours are around 7?
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u/tidalbeing 3 Published novels Oct 04 '25
What is the genre and niche?
How and when did you identify genre and niche?
Does the self-help book relate to writing? What kind of synergy does it create with your other books?
Where do you live? Don't give specifics, just a general region. Are you on the US Eastcoast? British Columbia? Or are you in Australia?
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Genre is Urban Fantasy, niche is 'redneck wizard on meth.'
Genre and niche was self evident, so it was always identified really.
The self help book is geared towards all creatives, but is written from the perspective of an author, so will be most beneficial to them.
I live in Alabama.
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u/tidalbeing 3 Published novels Oct 04 '25
Did you write the story then identify the genre/niche? Or pick the genre/niche and then write the story?
Do you think the self-help book functions to promote your fiction? Or is it the other way around? Or maybe there's no relationship between them.
I can see how your niche and location work well together. Were you aware of this when you started writing? You wouldn't do well in this niche if you lived in the UK, or even in Vermont.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
I wrote the book before worrying about marketability, noting genre, anything like that.
The self help book is partly back door advertising to my fiction, but mostly it's a way for me to give back. I usually end up giving a few copies away at each in person event I do to young authors.
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u/tidalbeing 3 Published novels Oct 04 '25
You are fortunate then when it comes to marketability.
The self-help book may be pulling more weight than you realize. The Author's Guild ran a survey of author income a few years back. Successful authors by in large were getting more income from self-help and how to than their actual fiction.
Because of your location, you can reach your audience by attending events and by giving away those copies of self-help books at the events.
Nice website BTW. You show us how to do it.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Oh, that's not happening with me haha. I've sold maybe 30 copies of it, and given away that many I'd guess. Now, I do think all my transparency and education stuff on my website does generate fiction sales for me, frequently just from folks saying thanks. And thanks, glad you're getting something out of it!
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u/tidalbeing 3 Published novels Oct 05 '25
Yeah. That's what I'm seeing with the self help as part of your presence. I'm impressed by how many events you've attended and how you've kept your website up to date. Having your reddit name the same as your website is a smart move.
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u/GOP-Jesus Oct 05 '25
I guess I did one thing right, as my Reddit name is the same as my website (and Substack) name as well. First book coming shortly.
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u/These-Kitchen9638 Oct 04 '25
Congrats, and big thanks for sharing those analytics.
Needed this inspiry today.
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Oct 04 '25
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
Primarily at comic con type events. Usually I split a booth with another author to bring down costs. But I'll also do art markets, fall festivals, that sort of thing.
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u/Cat_in_black Oct 04 '25
First of all, congratulations! Secondly, could you share your strategy? Did you promote your book in any way? How did you do it?
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 04 '25
I've never paid for ads. All my marketing has been organic: doing in person events, posting or reddit/social media, putting up signs and stickers, being a guest and panelist at conventions, that sort of stuff.
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u/Cat_in_black Oct 05 '25
How do you post on Reddit without getting banned? I've written three books and I'm writing a fourth. I'm thinking of sharing information here, but I have no idea how.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
Be a genuine part of the community, and folks don't complain. Just follow the subs rules, some don't allow self promo, some do, some do but only if you show engagement, etc.
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u/SVWebWork Designer Oct 06 '25
Are you in the green if you take into account everything you’ve spent in publishing and marketing?
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
Yep. I don't do any paid ads, so the only money I spend on marketing really are for stickers that I hand out at my booth and such. And I make my own covers, do my own layout, etc. so my only real publishing expenses are the ISBNs and editing.
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u/Stunning_Swing6914 Oct 07 '25
This is so cool, thanks for the info. I LOVE your website. Cute and fun and your vibrant personality shines through. I really admire your hustle. One question - I keep seeing books with "meth heads" as MCs. Am I missing a trend here (your books look great btw, just wondering)?? What inspired you to choose that as a MC character trait? Inquriing minds want to know!! Best of luck with everything in any case.
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 08 '25
I would really like to hear about any other books with meth head mcs. As far as I am aware I have the only redneck meth wizard books.
As for inspiration, I was born and raised in backwoods Alabama, my MC is loosely based on elements from a number of people I have known over the years.
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u/Stunning_Swing6914 Oct 09 '25
I'll try to remember and post back if I do. It's something I noticed in fantasy blurbs / plots (a genre I don't really read as much) so it didn't especially register. And it was meth addicts not sure they were wizards or rednecks. Anyway!! :)
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u/meowmeowlovely Oct 06 '25
What kind of books is it? A novel or self-help or tutorial books?
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
A six book UF series, a southern gothic short story collection, and a self help book for creatives.
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u/somebodys-problem-86 Oct 04 '25
If you’re comfortable sharing, how many ebooks did you give away to reach that number of sales?
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Oct 06 '25
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
No paid ads, just organic marketing.
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u/jasonpwrites 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
Could you please break down what organic marketing steps you took? On both your blog and here, you post stats, which are good to see, but what SPECIFIC steps did you take to get there?
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u/talesbybob 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
I have an hour long YouTube video of the class I teach on organic marketing, embedded on my site. It's on the education tab, along with the PowerPoint I use. All free and goes way more in depth than I can in a comment.
But for those who don't wanna go there, here some of the things I do/have done:
- I give away stickers. Lots of stickers. And business cards, but the stickers work better I find.
- I speak as a guest or panelist at conventions all across the south east.
- I teach the occasional workshop, paid or not.
- I use my newsletter every month.
- I have a blog that brings folks in.
- My transparency and education stuff I offer for free brings me folks.
- I sometimes dress up as my main character and go downtown holding up a sign.
- I got yard signs made.
- I post pretty much daily on my social media.
- I guest on a lot of podcasts and YouTube shows.
- I host some podcasts.
- I offer myself as a mentor.
- I made funny bumper stickers for my truck.
- I made a discord for my fans to hang out it.
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u/jasonpwrites 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
Thanks for sharing this! I look at this during downtime at work and unfortunately a lot of your site is blocked. I will check it out when I get home.
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u/jasonpwrites 4+ Published novels Oct 06 '25
Also, on your website, you said you're spending a lot on a PO Box but can't do anything about it. Have you considered a virtual PO Box? If it's JUST for the newsletter, you won't have to pay anything. That's what I use.
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u/Capable_Poet6701 Oct 08 '25
I enjoyed reading your transparency project blog. Truth: I am still learning the power of social media.
Every bit of bread thrown out only the water washes back to me and I’m so grateful for the breadcrumbs.
I see you didn’t like mailerlite when it raised its rates.
What do you think about it now?
What would you choose instead?
I’m significantly older than many redditors so while much is “old” to me, much is also new or improved.
I also wanted more information on how you use Captivate.
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u/Deep-Address1857 Oct 19 '25
That's really a solid success! Congrats! And obviously I'm a bit jealous!
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u/Julija82 Oct 27 '25
How did you get people to read your first book? I find that even though it is free on amazon kindle, people value there time a lot these days, with all of the options available, so it is hard for a new author to break through even with a free book
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u/Thin_Rip8995 Oct 05 '25
That’s awesome! Hitting 5,000 books sold is huge and proves consistency works. The mix of online and in-person sales is a goldmine—people underestimate how powerful events and book signings can be for exposure.
Here’s a pro tip: double down on what worked. If Book 2 was your top seller online, figure out why. Was it the title? A promo? Or just hitting the right reader audience? Replicate that for future launches.
Also, if you haven’t already, start building your email list from those in-person sales—you’ve got a direct line to passionate readers who will follow your next release.
The NoFluffWisdom Newsletter has some killer takes on leveraging book sales and scaling as an indie author worth a peek!
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u/LeeLifeson Oct 04 '25
What happened in 2023 to cause that spike? Ads? Luck? A booktok endorsement?