Quote:
Originally Posted by Lemurion
All these numbers are interesting, but I don't know that anyone has enough of the right numbers to make more than simple sweeping generalizations.
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I want good numbers, I really want good numbers, because I do feel self-publishing is a valid path to success. I just don't think these numbers are as good as people think they are.
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I completely agree. If I sell 10k books as a self-published author I am going to make more than if I sell 10k books via trad route. I'd have to sell MORE than double to make the same amount of money if I went trad route.
HOWEVER, these nice numbers don't really tell us all that much other than: Some self-publishers are making good money. Some trad published authors are making good money, but if they put out a popular self-pubbed novel, they would make more.
I also think relying on "ranking" numbers is dangerous. Amazon constantly tweaks those algorithms. I can tell this by comparing a one-day ad/sales 3 years ago to a one-day ad/sales today. My ranking hit higher marks this past year with such ads--but my actual sales did NOT hit higher numbers NOR did they result in the ranking lasting nearly as long.
Things are constantly changing--including the books Amazon chooses to show most often. It's nice that someone is trying to analyze the numbers and it's fun, but the bottom line is the same. Write a good book. Hope it sells.