Probably the best way we have to track real-time numbers is through Bookscan. Bookscan isn’t perfect by a long shot, but it’s better than trying to extrapolate from Amazon. (Bookscan tracks point-of-sale, but doesn’t capture all sales. My guess would be that Bookscan gets roughly 2/3 of my own sales, but that’s a complete guess.)

Access is prohibitively expensive for individuals, though. Most of the time, authors either find a way to do a group account through an organization, or else they buddy up to someone in the industry who already has access.

That said, I’m curious about how you track the “sales numbers.” I’ve heard other authors speak of doing this, but how? My contract says that reports can be requested (begged?) from the publisher and it sounds like they won’t be very timely. Should I ask my editor about how to “follow the numbers,” or is this something they don’t want authors obsessing about? How does one get timely data (other than Amazon ratings) about orders and returns? If anyone can enlighten me on this part of the business, I’d appreciate it.

laura

The trouble is, what the writer controls is the story, which is over and done with long before the book is actually published.

But I do believe a good story can overcome mediocre promotion from the publisher, and likewise the publisher can do everything to push a book, but if the book sucks, they’re still likely to be disappointed.

I’m definitely with you on the insanity, though. And so are the voices

But I think really what you’re saying is writing is a little like making ammunition. Someone else fires the gun, and you just hope they have good aim.

Mike — dang, way to make me feel like a slacker. Congrats on the marathon, good luck on the tenure, and may we both break lots of records with the books. Personally, I do better with some pressure, so I agree being busy can be a good thing. Sometimes. Shoot me an e-mail on the blog thing? Jim -at- goblinquest.com.

I’ve distracted myself right now with a lot of things, so it’s all extra high madness levels, too. Finished my first marathon earlier today. Turn 40 next month. Just went up for tenure at my University as well. It’s all working out fine, so far. We can all manage a lot more than we think, and being busy is good for us, although only if handling stress isn’t too…stressful.

Good luck with the book, and can I have you on my blog the week of March 4?

So Yes. My brain doesn’t do powerless well either. Have you seen this? http://josephinedamian.blogspot.com/2008/01/donald-maass-chronicles-part-1-or-does.html

It’s Don Maass’s take on some things and I find it very interesting.

Di