In article <wetraprock-C28B11.11244323032007.RemoveThis@comcast.dca.giganews.com>,
Walter Traprock <wetraprock.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Stella Abzug <abzug.RemoveThis@soda.pop.com> wrote:
>
> > "Rusty Wilson" <RustyWilson3.RemoveThis@Earthlink.net> wrote:
> > <snip>
> > > I can tell you that, based on my research, the average self-published
> > > non-fiction book sells 40 copies. Sorry, that's not a typo. 40. So my
> > > best advice would be, enjoy the hell out of the writing. It may well be
> > > the
> > > most rewarding part of the whole process.
> >
> > You're a little on the negative side... The average book published
> > through one of the online subsidy publishers typically sells 40 to 100
> > copies (mostly to the author and friends). Actual, true self-published
> > books -- where the author is the publisher -- sell somewhat better --
> > 500 copies and up (sometimes way up) depending on how much energy the
> > the author/publisher wants to put into the project.
> >
> > Indeed, one non-fiction book that I've prepared the artwork for has sold
> > over 10,000 copies -- and now we're putting out a 4th edition. Lucky?
> > Hardly, the author/publisher loves his topic and has promoted the book
> > like crazy.
>
> What is the topic of the book, on self-publishing?
The book is Feather River Country Adventure Trails: 101 Fun Hikes within
the region of the Feather River upper middle fork, the lakes basin, and
the North Yuba River by Tom DeMund.
I've provided production services to a number of small/self publishers
who have sold thousands of books. Carved in Stone: The Greek Heritage by
Basil S. Douros. Essentially a "family history", this well written book
describes the experience, shared by many, of imigrating to the U.S. at
the turn of the 20th century. It has sold nearly 2000 copies.
What's Wrong with Dorfman? by John Blumenthal -- published as a
self-published novel, it was bought out and republished by a division of
St. Martins Press. The self-published version sold close to 2000 copies.
(It also was given considerable positive reviews, including being named
"One of the 10 best books of the year" by January Magazine.
Of course, I can't claim heavy involvement, but I advised Chris Paolini
about the interior design of the self-published version of Eragon that
sold very well. Picked up by a major publisher is became a NYT best
seller -- even out selling one of the Harry Potter books in one period
-- and a movie based on the book was recently released.
Don't Call Me Mother by Linda Joy Myers -- a memoir and healing book --
has sold hundreds of copies. It was originally published with a subsidy
publisher and republished independently by the author.
No One Can Ever Steal Your Rainbow by Barbara Meislin -- while
essentially a children's picture book, this book is non fiction and
delivers a message of hope (along with a CD of with a tune made from the
main story). The book has nearly sold out its initial printing of about
3500 copies in 18 months.
In the past 15 years, I've been involved in the production of hundreds
of titles -- most by self publishers -- and they have all sold, at
least, several hundred copies -- and a fair number have sold thousands
-- or at the very least, sold out their initial printing.
The factors that come together to get this result is truly independent
publishing -- not done with a subsidy publisher (where books rarely sell
more than 40-100 copies per title) but where the author has become a
publisher with thier own ISBN block, etc. The authors, have also been
highly motivated. WHile most have been better off financially than the
typical "starving" author, they have not had significant budgets
available to produce and sell their books. Finally, they all have
belonged to independent publisher support groups (such as the San
Francisco Bay Area Independent Publishers Association
<http://www.baipa.het>) and gotten assistance with the aspects of
publishing that they were unable to do for themselves.
>> Stay informed about: book sales statistics? 
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