Woo Hoo!!! FIVE-Hundred Books Sold!

[qwlauren35]

First and most importantly, thank you all for your support for me on this absolutely crazy journey!!! The stories I could tell, the things I have tried, the money I have spent, just to chase down a sale. I remember selling 8 books in one day because of a Facebook ad, and being soooooooooooo happy.... that I bought more ads. Way to not make money, Lauren.

To say that I have not broken even is a huge understatement. I think I spent around $15,000. And I have made around $1000. Can you say labor of love? Or maybe just a lot of very poor investment choices. Let's stick with labor of love.

After 8 months, I have 23 reviews. All of them good. Most of them 5-star. I have 47 ratings. My average is 4.7 out of 5.

It's a good book.

My newest review blew my mind.

5 STARS, HANDS DOWN!

I NEVER give five stars to a short story collection or anthology, because not every story grips me.

THIS THOUGH?

No exaggeration when I say that each story in this collection spoke to me and captivated me from the first page. The writing is simple, but each story followed the flawed aspects of human character and nuances in different relationships. I can't stop thinking about these stories and will definitely be reading another collection from this author if she releases another more.

Someone here on DU said that I should never pass up an opportunity to sell the book. So, if you want to read it, here is the link. It's called Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2TZD9H7

[markie]

1. congratulations!

just went and bought a copy... happy reading to me

[qwlauren35]

23. Thanks!

I do hope you enjoy it. Let me know.

[Ocelot II]

2. I got your book and I read the stories!

Just finished it recently, had meant to compliment you on these stories. They were interesting, well-written and enjoyable to read. Nice job, and congratulations on your accomplishment. Guess I should add an Amazon review.

[qwlauren35]

16. Thanks for the feedback.

A review is always nice...

[genxlib]

3. Sold

I just picked up the Kindle version with some electronic credit I had in my account.

I will post a review when I finish it. Although I have to tell you I am notoriously slow to get around to reading books I buy.

I like to support my fellow DUers.

Congrats!

[qwlauren35]

19. Let me know if you enjoy it.

I love positive feedback. Reviews are nice, too!

[Karadeniz]

4. Yay!!!!

[Lettuce Be]

5. That is awesome. Get a paperback and donate to library when done.

Our library has regular book sales where they sell donated books for $1 -- insane I know, but what a great way to read books and support the library, so I always donate back books I buy.

Add a link to the book in your signature and append to all messages, emails, etc. Subtle way to promote in addition to mentioning it.

[wryter2000]

6. Congratulations

I bought it and enjoyed it. Now, your job is to write the next book. When people read one, they'll buy the other(s). That's how you build a readership.

[qwlauren35]

15. By the time I write the next one...

people will have forgotten this one.

I am not a professional writer. I only write a story when something moves me so completely that I need to get it on paper. This year, I have written 3. For me, the magic number is 12. I won't publish with less than 12.

So, I'd say the next book will be done in about 7 years.

[deurbano]

7. Congratulations! (And I just bought the hardcover version. Can't wait to read it!)

[qwlauren35]

22. Oh Wow! Thank you!

I truly hope you enjoy it.

[PatSeg]

8. How wonderful, congratulations

I'm buying the Kindle version right now.

[qwlauren35]

21. Thank you so much!

I do hope you'll enjoy it.

[PatSeg]

24. You're welcome

I have quite a long list of books to get to, but I'm looking forward to reading yours.

[PatSeg]

31. I started your book today

I just wanted to let you know that I am halfway through and I am loving it. You have a true gift.

[elleng]

9. WOW!!!

Was thinking of our meeting/book party yesterday, when I learned a first grade classmate of my daughter has just had a book published. SUCH admiration for such as you!!!

[qwlauren35]

12. It was so delightful to meet you.

I'm glad you were able to come out.

[LaMouffette]

10. Congratulations to you! And thank you for the inspiration! I keep intending to find the time

to write a book of essays, but it's sooooo easy to put it on the back burner.

I admire you for being able to see your book through to publication. Keep writing!

[qwlauren35]

11. One at a time.

I wrote my stories over the span of about 12 years. There's no time limit except dying before you publish. If you're coming to the end of your years, you might want to speed up the process, but in general, just do one. Enjoy the feeling. Then do another one...

[LaMouffette]

18. "Coming to the end of your years": You are so right! I'm not old yet, but I'm getting there.

Time to speed things up!

[ancianita]

13. So proud of you! Thank you for this gift. I'm buying it today!

[qwlauren35]

20. I do hope you enjoy it.

Let me know what you think when you can.

[ancianita]

25. I know I will.

Having taught African American Lit, and seeing all your great reviews, I know I will.

[SheltieLover]

14. Congrats!

[CaptainTruth]

17. Yay! Good for you!

[mnhtnbb]

26. I'm buying three copies of your book to donate

to my County Library here in Durham, NC. We have multiple branches of the library and a system to place a hold on books which are transported to your local branch for pickup. I will request one copy be placed in the Main branch, one in my local branch, and one in another branch.

Congratulations on your book!

[qwlauren35]

29. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I really appreciate it.

[mnhtnbb]

30. I just ordered on AmazonSmile.

I checked and your book is not in the Durham County Library system. For a long time during the pandemic, county libraries were not accepting donations. They now have an appointment system set up on-line. So, once the books arrive I will write a cover letter to go with them when I donate them and ask they be placed in specific branches. Yesterday, when I was at my branch, they had a display up featuring African American writers. I will ask in my letter that your book be included in such a display. I always take a look at displays like that and often grab a book by a writer I haven't read.

[qwlauren35]

32. There are a few things I need to do.

Libraries don't buy from Amazon.

So I have to load it onto another website. I will try to get it done this weekend.

Thank you so much for your kindness.

[malaise]

27. Congrats

[malaise]

28. Congrats

[MissB]

33. Congrats!

That’s fabulous