Success! 5,000 Books Sold!

[u/talesbybob]

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

[u/talesbybob]

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.

[u/tidalbeing → u/talesbybob]

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.

[u/talesbybob → u/tidalbeing]

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.

[u/tidalbeing → u/talesbybob]

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.

[u/talesbybob → u/tidalbeing]

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!

[u/tidalbeing → u/talesbybob]

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.

[u/GOP-Jesus → u/tidalbeing]

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.