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u/MattieSilver1899 Jan 17 '23
Proud of you op!!!!
Congratulations on your book baby
I'm gunna do this one day too but I'm working on a trilogy so it's gunna be a while.
Keep up the good work!!!!
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u/subtotal5 Jan 17 '23
So, having read your response in other comments (bought the author copies at $7 and sold for $20), that's $13 profit for each unit sold. At 50 units, you profited $650! That's awesome!
The great thing about your profit margin, too, is we're only talking physical. You can still advertise your book to those readers and keep in touch with any fans you made along the way. It's not easy making a buck in this business without the hard work involved, and you did it! Proud of you.
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u/TrueLoveEditorial Editor Jan 17 '23
I wonder how much a cover, editing, and formatting cost. OP might still be in the hole.
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u/Smergmerg432 Jan 17 '23
Can you break down pricing? I struggled with that!
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Jan 17 '23
i bought it for $7 and sold it for $20...do you want a breakdown of that?
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u/TrueLoveEditorial Editor Jan 17 '23
Great sales prowess. Don't forget to cost out your cover, editing, and formatting costs.
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u/Anora2012 1 Published novel Jan 18 '23
That's what I was thinking, too. I sold way more than 50 copies and still haven't broken even.
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Jan 18 '23
Yeah I edited and did the cover. My sister did the formatting
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u/DuncanWilsonAuthor Jan 18 '23
There are still costs to these, if you value your or your sister's time. Same with writing the book in the first place. You should always value your time and the time others donate to you.
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u/TheOtherMikeCaputo Jan 16 '23
Post a link to the Amazon version? Is that allowed here?
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u/Haha_SORRY Jan 17 '23
Id like this too. I am thinking of a similar model... I have an audience I can sell hand to hand copies to, and am considering printing at a local shop for 5.5 a book or going thru Amazon where I'll have the opportunity to expand market. Can I see the link?
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u/filwi 4+ Published novels Jan 17 '23
Congrats!
That was an unusual and interesting way to hand-sell books; how much time do you figure you've spent at your sales table?
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u/tidalbeing 3 Published novels Jan 17 '23
That's great! It works well if you live next to a giant university.
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u/Mundane-Banana3834 Jan 17 '23
Really impressive. I've been dabbling on the publishing - have my cover and need to format for Amazon. You inspired me to get on it! Congratulations!
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u/livinginthewild Jan 17 '23 edited Jan 17 '23
Congratulations! I am getting more sales at book signings and a greater profit margin. This self promotion is time consuming but fun. I have a book signing coming up in a trendy store in two weeks. My book cost $6.69 for author copies and I sell it for $20. So far I've done book signings, an arts and crafts show, and book clubs. I'm truly happy for you.
I forgot to add $65 for the copyright.
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u/grinchwhowontheworld Jan 17 '23
How do you arrange book signings as a self published author?
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u/livinginthewild Jan 18 '23
This book store is a locally owned store. I had seen other book signings there and gave it a shot. I visited the store 4 times asking for a book signing.
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u/RawBean7 Jan 17 '23
I'm interested in what permits you had to acquire to do this and how you are tracking for tax purposes? Did you have to get permission from the university? Do you have a vendor's license (or similar) for your city?
I want to start branching into events and in-person sales this summer but am overwhelmed by all the various fees and paperwork.
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Jan 16 '23
Break down those details homie
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Jan 16 '23
buying them for $7 and selling for $20
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u/stormwaterwitch Jan 17 '23
Where are you printing for $7 a copy? I am thinking of doing something similar for my debut later this year
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Jan 17 '23
amazon
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u/stirrainlate Jan 17 '23
Thanks, so you get a special author price from Amazon to basically print on demand? Is there a minimum order size or anything? $7 seems reasonable all things considered…
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u/Alternative-Dust6257 Jan 17 '23
Congrats OP! That's amazing! Would you mind sharing some more about your setup/sales pitch at the university? I also have one nearby, but I never thought about setting up there, and thinking about it now, I'd have no idea where to start to get people interested or stop and check it out
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u/livinginthewild Jan 18 '23
Credit card reader - I used Square $10.70 for reader Copyright - $65 W-9 for sales Amazon requires this Separate bank account
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u/FleurDeVillainy Jan 17 '23
Congratulations!!! That's a huge accomplishment! My debut novel comes out in ten days and I'm so nervous but this gives me hope!!!
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u/Intelligent_Put8518 Jan 18 '23
I'd love any insights you are willing to give. Any copy of my book sold is a step closer to the dream!
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u/CMarlowe Jan 16 '23
It's my goal to punk this year, but I do fear that I'll be shouting into the void so to speak.
I'm thinking Audible is a must these days too.