Last month total sales of the psychological thriller, Bedsit Three, passed the 1,000 mark.
At this point it’s worth reflecting on the breakdown of sales across retailers. It’s not what I was expecting 18 months ago when the novel was first published.
Kobo 764
Paperbacks direct from me 119
Kindle 91
Createspace (i.e. paperbacks from Amazon) 34
Overdrive (via Smashwords) 2
Apple (via Smashwords) 1
I expected Kindle to generate the largest number of sales because it is still, by far, the largest ebook sales platform. However, Bedsit Three was shortlisted for a competition organised by Kobo and Silverwood Books. On the back of this, I contacted Kobo and was able to get the book included in some promotions, which obviously paid off.
The lesson going forward? Don’t get obsessed by the benefits of KDP Select (which requires authors to keep their books exclusive to Amazon). Dip your toe in the water and try other ebook retailers as well.
Sally Jenkins 
#1 by Alison Williams on May 2, 2017 - 3:42 pm
Fabulous news
#2 by Anne Harvey on May 2, 2017 - 4:01 pm
Many congratulations, Sally! I’m not quite there yet with A Suitable Young Man – still need to sell another 35. I must admit I’ve been tempted to withdraw from Kindle select to try with other ebook provivders but on the other hand, I do get some income from their KENP (pages read). Swings and Roundabouts eh?
#3 by Sally Jenkins on May 2, 2017 - 6:12 pm
It’s a difficult decision, Anne. My KDP sales for Bedsit are pathetic, maybe they’d have been better in Select? Who knows. Well done on A Suitable Young Man – that’s (deservedly) done very well.
#4 by Linda Daunter on May 2, 2017 - 6:47 pm
Hi Sally,
Just bought the ebook through iTunes. I have some Kindle ebooks, but now I only buy from Amazon if there’s no alternative.
#5 by Sally Jenkins on May 3, 2017 - 5:17 pm
Thanks for the support, Linda. I understand that some people are not Amazon fans – I don’t mind where you buy it! Hope you enjoy.
#6 by Judy Brulo on May 3, 2017 - 7:38 am
Hi, Sally. Thanks for your post. My ‘Year In The Life Of Brack’ will be coming out soon (Matador), so I’ll have your advice in mind. Judy
#7 by Sally Jenkins on May 3, 2017 - 5:19 pm
Congratulations on the upcoming book, Judy! I guess Matador will know more about marketing than me. Is it a children’s book?
#8 by Judy Brulo on May 3, 2017 - 7:21 pm
Hi, Sally,
Yes, it is a children’s book for the 7-9 yr olds. I hope it will do well. I loved writing it and the illustrations are fab.
Good luck with everything you do.
J
#9 by dianneanoble1147 on May 3, 2017 - 9:54 am
Wow! Well done you – need a few lessons on marketing please…
#10 by Sally Jenkins on May 3, 2017 - 5:20 pm
If only there were a secret formula, Dianne. My Kindle sales are not good …
#11 by Alyson Faye on May 4, 2017 - 3:23 pm
Congratulations Sally on hitting the 1000 selling mark- your blog post was timely for me; I’ve just finished a children’s book which I would like to put out there as an e book- I will definitely try Kobo-
thank you Alyson
#12 by Sally Jenkins on May 4, 2017 - 7:33 pm
Good Luck with the book, Alyson. It’s worth getting in touch with Kobo & seeing if you can write a guest post for their Writing Life blog. It’s all extra exposure.
#13 by Alyson Faye on May 5, 2017 - 5:40 pm
thanks for the suggestion Sally will do Alyson
#14 by Wendy Clarke on May 7, 2017 - 7:45 am
That’s really interesting, Sally and worth knowing. I put my story collections on Amazon Select as I believed this was the best option.
#15 by Sally Jenkins on May 7, 2017 - 8:47 am
There’s pros & cons for both, Wendy. I think my Amazon sales are low for Bedsit Three because it’s never been in KDP Select and they are only good on Kobo because I managed to get in on the promotions.
#16 by Carl D'Agostino on May 14, 2017 - 11:22 am
Best wishes for continued success. I’ve sod about 15 of my cartoon books. $15.25 is a high price but it costs $10 to manufacture a full color book, createspace takes a small cut and Amazon $4. I get 87 cents royalty a copy sold.
#17 by Sally Jenkins on May 14, 2017 - 5:37 pm
Thanks, Carl. None of us are going to get rich as writers (unfortunately).