Some
people might say that the best time for book publication is any time at all. I
agree to a certain extent. We want our books to go forth and flourish. But are
there better times for this to happen, times when readers are more likely to
buy and read our work?
Here’s a
surprise: According to BookBaby, the Christmas holidays are not the best time
for new or self-published authors to set forth their books. BookBaby observes
that because established authors target this time, new authors tend to be at a
disadvantage. Buyers looking for gifts mostly buy well-known authors and not
new writers.
So when
would be a preferable time to publish? BookBaby believes January and February
show a definite increase in book sales over the holidays for newbes. However,
the largest volume of book sales according to their statistics comes in the
summer months.
This is
another surprise for me since the two books of mine that were published in July and August respectively both received low sales and limited reviews. Therefore, I am not personally big on
summer publication, although BookBaby does offer stats to support their view: There are over $3.4 billion in sales during summer, according
to their industry sources, compared to about $2.9 billion spent for holiday
gift giving.
Fellow writers
and readers, what has your own experience been? When do you buy books if you
are a reader? When do your books sell the best if you are a writer? Let’s share
info!
The lack of buying over the Christmas holidays makes sense. And I guess there's good reason for the summer surge--people being on vacation or going to the beach. Still, in my opinion, the main factor at any time of year would be name recognition. If potential readers don't know you or your work there's less chance of choosing your book from among all the others on sale.
ReplyDeleteI agree, John. Name recognition is very important.
DeleteGreat questions, Jacquie. Unfortunately, I don't have any great answers. My five Malone mysteries have been published (in order) in April, November, April, June and March but, honestly, I haven't seen much difference in sales.
ReplyDeleteAs a reader, I tend to buy fewer books in the summer although I read all year long.
Hi Patricia,
DeleteI think anywhere from January through June works well for publication. It's also the best times for reviews.
I really can't tell a difference, other than when I first launch. But, I don't launch a book specific to season unless it's a holiday piece. I think one thing you mentioned makes sense, name recognition does a lot :)
ReplyDeleteHi Loretta,
DeleteYou and John both observe that name recognition sells books. Of course, getting well-known is important.
This is the kind of question that we all wish had a real, verifiable answer, and then we'd all launch our books (if we had the choice) during that month or season. I think summer is a good time because of people buying for vacation trips. I also like fall but now I'm thinking mostly about timing for events. The winter months can be tough, especially in the Northeast. My first book was published in January (1993), and others came later in the year, but back then some editors gave new writers a full year to show what they could do; other editors gave writers, or their books, three months. If there were a perfect time, I guess we'd have found it by now.
ReplyDeleteI'll go with John and Loretta--building up name recognition, and then any time is a good time.
Hi Susan,
DeleteGood advice for certain. One great thing though about books published in January is that they are "new" for a full year.
I think it depends on your location, genre, readership etc. I used to release a new book in the fall every year. Even though I was competing online with the bestselling authors, locals would scoop up the books for Christmas gifts. Most romance and cozy authors say their sales slump in the summer months. I have noticed that my ebook sales always increase on a rainy winter weekend so who knows!
ReplyDeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about romances. The two novels that were released in summer that I wrote were both romantic suspense. As I mentioned, their sales were poor in comparison to my mystery novels.
Wow Jacquie...interesting info! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePersonally I've never thought to keep track of this kind of thing.
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT
It can be helpful. Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteI don't know yet (my first book is due to be published, and I'm not sure when they'll schedule it), but I do think genre and age group might have an impact. Mine is aimed at 8-11 year olds, so summer might be a bigger selling time than for adult romance, for example.
ReplyDeleteHi Ben,
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. Children's books would be different.
This is very helpful, especially for indie publishers. Coincidentally I plan to publish my third novel and a non-fiction book in February.I shared your blog with a writer's group I'm in who are meeting today to discuss publishing (a meeting I must miss).
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy,
DeleteThanks for sharing my blog with fellow writers. Wishing you much success with your non-fiction book.