100,000 Copies and Counting

It's official. I've sold more than 100,000 books!

(And, in case you were wondering, that number does not include any free or nearly free downloads.)

Original Cover March 2011

If you had asked me in March of 2011 if I ever thought I would sell 100,000 books as a self-published/independent (whichever term you prefer) author, I would have said no. The first version of the Soulkeepers was written more for my personal enjoyment than as a serious business venture.  I thought my family and friends might read it. Some did; some didn't.  I was happy when I sold 100 copies and thought my head might explode when I reached 1,000.

When Weaving Destiny came out in September of 2011, I swooned when she sold 10,000, surfing on the wave of a free Soulkeepers.

Today I get to tell you that I've sold 100,000 copies.  Most of those for 2.99 or more and most sales from Weaving Destiny(Sept. 2011) and Return to Eden(March 2012). Of course, The Soulkeepers has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times for free, but I do not count those figures as sales. Grounded contributed to the goal but a problem with the book's release has meant a slow but steady start for the trilogy. (The book was delayed with an interested agent who ultimately rejected it and then a scheduled/paid for review tour never happened due to a tragedy concerning the tour coordinator.)

One interesting thing about this milestone - 30% of my sales have come from Apple (iBookstore). I see this platform as a major, up and coming ebook competitor.  As you might expect, 60% have come from Amazon, and the remaining 10% from Smashwords, Createspace, Kobo, Sony, Diesel, and Barnes & Noble.

This week, I'll be revealing the cover of the fourth book in The Soulkeepers Series: Soul Catcher. As I approach the end of my second year as a professional author, I am so thankful for all of my readers, fans and reviewers and to all of those friends and fellow authors who believed in my work early on. Also a big virtual hug to my artist, Adam of Anjin design, for the cover art.

I still pinch myself at the thought of 100,000.  What's next?

I'm not sure, but I can't wait to find out!