January was the best month I’ve ever had in book sales. EVER. I sold more books in January than I have all other months put together. And the reason for this huge jump in sales is one particular book. Guardian Vampire. I have six titles out right now. In fact, Haunted Lake is actually the latest one. But I feel like the biggest factor in the success of GV is one thing. The word “vampire” is in the title. I’ve probably mentioned that before, but that has really gotten me to thinking…people still want vampire stories. They aren’t tired of them yet. So it would probably be profitable to me to write another vampire story. Or maybe a three novella series. And make sure the word “vampire” appears somewhere on the titles. Am I shamelessly looking at the monetary side of things at the expensive of my “art”. Is it bad for me to look on the commercial side of things and write vampire stories for that reason when my true love is ghosts? Well, when your husband is out of work and your salary doesn’t pay all the bills, let alone groceries, you have to do what’s best for you. So, after this garden gnome novel I’m currently writing, I’ll probably be writing more vampire stories. LOL
So for the stats. And this is assuming B & N has the correct figures now.
Across all channels, including the UK for one channel:
Total books sold in January: 7,373
Total sales in January: $2,774.05
Highest rank at B & N: 135
Highest rank at Amazon: 227
Everybody loves vampires….
I wish I knew every reader out there that bought a copy. I’m so grateful, but it’s impossible to tell everyone that had a part in it. But I do know that some of you that read this blog have also bought my books. So to you that I CAN thank…I really, really appreciate your support.
lauralynnelliott.com 
January was awesome!!! I had my best month ever too, but you sold about twice as much as I did. You totally rock! Congratulations. It’s nice to be reading the happy posts coming out right now. Mine’s up tomorrow.
Oh, and no, I don’t think it’s a problem that you’re thinking about writing what’s popular. If it’s in you, do it! Damn, I wish I could write about vampires.
Thanks, Susan! I really do like vampires. I just think I do better with ghosts. But I’m really ok with writing vampires for awhile until someone comes up with some kind of awesome TV show about ghosts. LOL. Although, there was Ghost Whisperer….
I’m glad you had a good month, too. But you had a good December, didn’t you? My December was lousy. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for February. I’m still being cautious and looking at January as kind of a fluke. That way, I won’t be disappointed if February isn’t great, but I’ll be pleasantly surprised if it is! đŸ™‚
You could totally write about vampires. If you really wanted to.
There are a lot of books I’ve read where I went off in my head about the kind of book I’d write in that genre or style. Books where I had the feeling “I could do that,” where my inner writer identified in some way. I’ve read a lot of vampire books, I’ve liked them, but vamp plots don’t spontaneously start generating in my head. I take this as a sign I’m not meant to write them. But never say never.
I can’t see me writing about superheroes, so…. :0)
Congrats! I’m so proud of you!
Oh and lots of people do “trilogies” how about a Vamp Quartet…hmmm wonder if they would sing Swanee River? Hahahahah!
Anya, lay off the caffeine.
If only I could blame the caffeine. Only had two cups of coffee this morning so my cheesy comments are all my own. đŸ˜€
This is wonderful. I wish I had a percentage of your success. Don’t worry about commercial vs. art. Even the Beatles wrote stuff they knew would sell to pay the bills. Your readers are your readers; they will love and read what they want and not the other. You write a great story and people have proved that to you. Appreciate the following, I know you do, and make them happy with what you right next!
Remember what the auctioneer says; ‘Let your money buy you happiness!’
Looking forward to the gnome story; good timing considering the movie coming out soon.
Yes, that makes me so mad that the previews of the movie came out a few weeks after I started the book! Someone will think I got the idea there (you know, I already had someone think I stole a character name from another book, LOL). I actually got the idea because I saw a creepy gnome at a garden show.
I’ve told you some things you need to do to get your name out there! :0) Then maybe you will have a big percentage.
How about a vampire ghost? He tries to bite a neck, but darn it, his fangs always pass through. So yes, I have nothing to add to this conversation except my silliness.
LOL. You are an amusing fellow, Andrew… đŸ™‚
But Andrew, I love your silliness. In fact, I was just thinking a little while ago about how I might add a little humor to the vampire idea. One of my novellas, See Me, has a lot of humor in it. People seem to either love it or hate it. LOL. I have a strange sense of humor sometimes, but I don’t know if it would translate well into a vampire story.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous, so I won’t say that…
Congratulations, really and truly. Your success is inspiring, and I hope I have similar success at some point. I wonder if my soul vampire would have the same effect… Maybe I should write a short story about his creation and put “vampire” in the title…. Hm… Now you have me thinking… đŸ˜‰
But seriously and sincerely, congratulations! It’s so wonderful to see indie authors doing so well! đŸ™‚
Amy
Amy, even if I never do this well again, it’s been a fun ride. :0)
Seriously, the word “vampire” in the title makes it very searchable for people looking for vampires. I thought for the series I’m thinking about doing, maybe putting the word “vampire” in the tag line. Who knows?
Thanks for your kind words. Except for a few rare occasions, I buy almost all indie books now. If I want something by some famous traditional author, I get an audiobook at the library. LOL
Congratulations! As a very new writer it is great to see such success. I hope to someday follow the same successful path.
Thanks, LJ! I’m sure you’ve got lots of successes to come!