I’ve been exploring over at IngramSpark in the last little while, particularly in the aftermath of my dramas with the Ida book’s print run (almost resolved). It has given me a chance to look into their new Reports arrangements and information. Some surprises for me there.
The paperback edition of From Volyn to Kherson is still in pre-order, as I write, and I wasn’t really anticipating much action, there. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find a healthy quantity of copies preordered already. Wonderful!
Of greater interest, in a way, was just where they have been ordered from – which countries?
The answer is: France.
Purchases are running at around 54% from France, with a few in Germany and the UK. Around 80% in the European zone.
I shouldn’t be so surprised, I suppose, given that the Ukraine war is in that zone, but it has made me aware that I may be writing for a different readership than I had imagined.
Sometimes, this is a more subtle business than I am conscious of.
~
Frank Prem Poetry 
Frank, I said it should be written, I was one of your number who encouraged you to pursue the idea. Incidentally, my brother who is a lay preacher mentioned the torment of Ukraine in his sermon yesterday Guess who wants to read your book?
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Thank you so much for your support, Claire. I hope your brother gets something from the book.
It’s very humbling to know that these books go everywhere.
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Interesting the number of orders from France! I have been wondering how the Ida paperback situation has been going. (She’s next on my review list.)
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It may be helpful information regarding marketing activities (if I ever engage in them again).
As of about 5 minutes ago, Ida is back online. It looks fine, now, but I won’t be breathing easy until I have fresh copies in my hand (I’ve put in a rush order).
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You’re no longer engaging in marketing activities?
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Not really, Liz. Nothing paid or targeted.
I’ll court reviews for a new book but not a lot otherwise.
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I don’t do paid marketing either, for the simple reason I haven’t a clue what I’m doing, although For my next book, I thought I’d look at paid advertising that BookBub offers.
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I’ve sort of decided that mastering paid promotion is a sub-profession on its own, and I don’t have mental room to take it on in the way it needs to be dealt with.
I’m more or less of the view that the work I do has to find its way organically, with whatever assistance I can incidentally giove it (radio interview, workshop appearance, or such).
I’m also resigned to a small place in the pantheon (miniscule, really), which is very different from the dreams I held at the beginning.
It has to be enough to be doing what I truly want to do, and the rest has to manage itself.
I’ll dip my toes in the paid promo waters from time to time, but without expectation (which is exactly the wrong approach!)
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You’ve pretty much described where I am as well. I have no desire to become a marketer.
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This might be the trajectory for Indie author/publishers, Liz.
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Although some indie writers and publishers love the hustle. (I suspect they’re in the minority.)
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Probably helps to to choose your genres better than I tend to. Poetry 1, poetry 2 . . .
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Good point. In the fiction arena, fantasy and romance do extremely well–unremittingly depressing literary fiction not so much.
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That’s amazing Frank. I’ll be digging in soon. Looking forward to reading. 🙂
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Michael.
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I guess we always forget that there are English speakers/readers in European countries too. Fascinating insight, Frank. And congratulations. 😀
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Add one in the US — Amazon tells me it’s on its way!
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Fantastic, Janet. Thank you for your support.
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