To Published Writers?

Question

A few questions:

What is the title of the book you have had published?

What is the plot/what is it about?

Where did you get it published?

How much is it selling?

I want to know the sort of things that sell. Thanks :)

Answer 1

I've sold 6 romance stories.

Not telling the titles because most of the YA crowd is too young to read them.

3 have been paranormal romantic comedies:

Revived dead guy wakes up 120 yrs later to avenge death. Finds love instead.

Girl with selkie curse has a day to be human. Finds man who has lost all hope. Love ensues.

Southern werewolf bad boy meets not quite human librarian good girl.

2 have been very short, sweet flash fiction stories:

A woman recovering from an abusive relationship takes the first step towards reclaiming herself.

A woman who has never had the courage to be herself makes a daring move.

1 was a historical romance:

In 15th century Venice, a woman who is driven to prostitution finds she can't take that final step, but in the process, makes an enemy. The enemy of my enemy is ... my love?

I write for one of the top 3 romance e-publishers.

They're all selling steadily. I'm not going to retire anytime soon, but I'm breaking even.

Answer 2

My first book, Circuits, was accepted within a week of submission. It came out last February. It's selling mostly on Amazon and Play.com. I write under the name Susie Clinkard. My second has also been accepted, by 2 publishers, and I'm negotiating which to go with at the moment. Meanwhile, I have started a third. I write horror/thriller, because I personally like it!

Answer 3

I've published a dozen essays in NYC Metro daily newspapers, but haven't yet been able to crack the book publishing houses in NYC. Still working on it. It takes patience.

Answer 4

Since 1994, my stories have been published in magazines, summer specials, international competitions, broadcast on radio, and recorded for 'Talking Newspapers' .

I have a novel published called WITHOUT REPROACH

The plot is about a young English woman who inherits a villa in Spain from an artist she has never met, has never heard of, and is not related to. To her horror, she finds a painting of herself in the nude in the entrance hall.

The book is for sale worldwide on dozens of online book outlets including places like India, Italy, Japan, China, USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand

I've no idea how well it's doing, but was AMAZED to see it go into the best selling list for ONE day in Canada. It's dropped right down again but it made it for one day. How, why? I've no idea.

Anthony James Barnett - author

Answer 5

First of all, you can be a published writer in other ways than having a book published, as others have basically indicated in their responses. I've had articles published and been published in anthologies. I'm not sure I'd say what the title of my book is on here anyway, since I'm here to be anonymous, but I'm planning to start on a nonfiction book soon. The books I'm published in, I have no idea how they're selling and I didn't get paid to contribute. I don't think any of those books have been published through major companies. One of the books was published by a woman with her own publishing company. I get paid for my articles, but only when I submit enough for a minimum $20 payout.

Second, selling well is a little less about title/plot than marketing. You can write a book on a very sellable topic and not really sell much just because no one knows about the book. This is where going with a major publishing company can be good, but as someone else basically indicated it can be difficult to get them to care about your work. Even if you do get them interested, as someone who has a law degree and studied entertainment law/read various entertainment contracts, I know that a major publishing company basically screws you. Personally, I'm planning to go with online publishing companies (i.e. check into sites like Lulu that basically let you keep all the control while offering you some outlets to sell your book) and engage in some self-marketing. Plus, a writer who was selling as much as you're probably interested in likely wouldn't be here answering questions.  

Answer 6

I haven't had a book published but it's what I'm aiming to do in the future.  I've just stumbled across Triond.com and Helium.com.  I'm sending in loads of articles and short stories and gaining recognition and respect amongst the other writers.  Give it a go - it could be the start of something big!  You don't have to pay to join.  At the moment I'm just getting to grips with it all and my earnings are slowly gaining momentum!!!  If you look at my profile you can see what I've had published so far and hopefully it'll encourage you to publish too.