I am delighted, delighted, delighted (yes, 3 times worth of delight) that YOU’VE GOT MURDER by Karin Tabke and me is on 3 bestselling Kindle lists, and readers are saying things like “Funny, witty, and sarcastic” and “The book captured me up till the last sentence.”
Everything is unusual about this book, the premise (6 writers in an online critique group talk about life, sex and fictional murder…and then the murder becomes real) and the way it’s told in emails, instant messages, texts, etc. Our cover artist, Laura Morrigan, had a hell of a time creating a cover image. There’s nothing like it out there. Nor is it a book in a series. Plus, neither Karen nor I write other humorous mysteries. We don’t have a readership for this.
So why is this book selling well? I think part of it is that readers are looking for something different and fun. It’s only 99¢ right now (and worth much more!). But most of all, the book has gotten on 3 bestselling lists. Verso Advertising has posted a slideshow survey of book buyers with nifty, easy-to-read images with statistics and conclusions (click on one and it will be replaced by the next one). Here’s their Discoverability slide on how readers find new books:
You can see the two biggest percentages come from Personal recommendations and Bookstore staff recommendations. This is a survey for print books – Verso didn’t have anything similar for ebooks – but I think in ebooks, the reason writers sell more on Amazon than other etailers is because of their many bestselling lists, which is their version of staff recommended books. And right now YOU’VE GOT MURDER is showing up as ‘Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought’ for a lot of books. This is another substitute for Personal Recommendations. (Though I hope readers are recommending it to their friends.)
Because so many of my friends are great writers, I’ve been buying their books. Though I don’t check out books by category on Amazon now (mostly because I’m buying so many books by friends), I used to check out my favorite categories. I sometimes check out the ‘Customers Who Bought This Item…’ books. Last week, a friend emailed me about a book she thought I’d want – and I snatched it up. I recommended two books to friends last week. That’s something I do often. And if I read a review and it sounds like a book I’d like, I’ll buy it.
I’m curious. How do you usually find books that you love?
You convinced me. I just ordered it. You are a good salesperson.
Joe, too funny. That was supposed to be subliminal selling. lol Seriously, I’m happy that it’s doing well right now. We didn’t expect this and don’t know how long it will last. We did put it FREE on Kindle for 2 days, and that was the extent of our promotion. Maybe it was word of mouth after that, because since then it’s been selling well. And now that it’s on the ‘lists’, the sells have continued.
I hope you enjoy it. Happy reading!
And, Joe, I bought The Body in the Record Room because two people told me how much they enjoyed it. So word of mouth works.
Edie,
I bought You’ve Got Murder shortly after it came out and it’s near the top of my TBR pile. I can’t wait to read it because the whole concept is unique.
I buy books because someone I respect has read it and suggested it or talked about it. I love the author, actually all the reasons you listed.
For print books now, I’m just buying writer friend ‘s who I expect to get signed when I see them. I just love my Kindle too much and saving space has become an issue.
MJ, my print buys are mostly friends’ books right now. I might buy a couple others as an impulse buy if I see the book at a store. I love my Kindle, too. Even my library borrowing has gone way down since I’ve gotten it.
I hope you enjoy YGM!
Congrats Edie and Karin! I read YGM in a couple of hours and it was hilarious! You guys did a good job defining each character through their messages to each other. I bet it was a fun book to write.
I find new books and authors through the library, Amazon’s recommendations, and from various online sites (like our own MM site!). Sometimes, I exchange books with friends or pick up a book club selection. I don’t get to brick and mortar bookstores much, but I like to browse them when I do. Same with used bookstores.
Good luck with YGM. I hope it continues to sell great guns!
Misty, I looked at it this morning and our numbers are already up. We’re still in the top hundred of 3 bestselling lists, though. And, yes, it was very fun to write. Thanks!
I don’t go to brick and mortar bookstores as much, either. One reason is that I live in a rural area. There used to be a secondhand bookstore nearby, but that’s gone now. I do go to the library every week or so, but I don’t take out as many books as I used to.
Edie, I’m so happy YOU’VE GOT MURDER is doing so well and that readers are enjoying it. I swear, no matter how many times I read that story or even think about it, I smile.
We did a damn good job! Maybe it’s time to start thinking about a sequel…?
Karin, I’m game! Sometimes it didn’t feel like writing. It felt like play, sending emails back and forth.
I cannot wait to read this book!!! Let’s see…how do I find books…I love for books based on subject matter that appeals to me (vampires, werewolves, romantic suspense), then from that search, I look at the book blurbs. When I’ve got a blurb that sounds good, I buy.
Cynthia Eden`s last blog was …Debut giveaway!
Cindy, so you probably do use the lists on Amazon. I read book blurbs, too. They’re so important.
I already got my copy! Can’t wait to start!
As for books… I usually get ideas on what to buy from friends.
Lori, sweet. I hope you love it! I have your latest on my Kindle to read as soon as I have a chance. Cindy’s, too! Right now I’m reading a self-hypnosis book to increase my daily word count.
I read You Got Murder when I first joined your critique group. It was terrific then and I’m looking forward to reading it again. Like Mary Jo, its at the top of my TBR pile. So cool that it’s doing so well, Edie and Karin. Congrats to both of you.
As far as finding books that I love? Hell if I know. I sometimes go by recommendation, browsing, past purchases … whatever. I don’t usually go by the “If you liked this one, you’ll love that one.”
Liz, when Karin and I write the next one, maybe we should put you in it. Wait. On second thoughts, maybe not. You’re too normal!
I hope you enjoy it!
It’s on my TBR list!!!!!
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You know I love your writing, Edie, and to get to read a story that you collaborated on with Karin (whose writing I also love!) is going to be a HUGE treat!
Congrats on the bestseller lists, too
As for finding books I love, when friends recommend titles — or write new books — those are the ones I pick up!
Marilyn Brant`s last blog was …My "Strength"…Isn’t Exactly An Organized Office
Marilyn, you’re so sweet! Right back at you!
Friends are always the best for recommendations. They know the books you’ll like.
Edie and Karin, I’m so thrilled YGM is doing so well! I loved it when I critted it for you guys way back when, and it deserves to do well
Michelle, you’re a good CP! It does deserve to do well. I don’t know how long it will last, but I’m enjoying it right now.