Perspective on numbers sold

Dreaming · Jan 30, 2009

My dear fellow writers,

Pardon me. I have another question. For a new author, (not heavily pushed) what is a respectable number of sales within three months?

Claudia Gray · Jan 30, 2009

This is not an absolute number. A lot depends on your print run, your distribution and your publisher's expectations. Your agent would be in a better position to tell you if your sales are within a good range.

veinglory · Jan 30, 2009

Indeed. "Good" is relative to what is typical of the genre, publisher, format etc.

Dreaming · Jan 30, 2009

He says my sales are fair - but "good" considering the advance. I'm confused, and I don't want to ask him for further details. he's busy with bigger clients.

So let's say YA - print run of 10,000. three months out.
I'm jus trying to get a ball park figure. Any input greatly appreciated!

CheshireCat · Jan 30, 2009

If you're afraid to ask your agent any question or questions pertaining to your career, you are in big trouble.

No matter how many Big Fish clients he may have.

You should ask what your print run was and whether the publisher is reporting hard-number sales (mine does, week-by-week for the first 8-12 weeks, for their major accounts like B&N and Anderson/Walmart).

Perspective on numbers sold

Dreaming

Claudia Gray

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Dreaming

CheshireCat

Mostly purring. Mostly.