A Brief Sales Update

Since it's been a while, I figured I'd give a quick sales update for those who find an interest in knowing how those without a large fan base do in self-publishing and being published by small presses. I've been tweaking my sales tracking spreadsheets, so can give a bit of a run-down based on total sales:

Heroes Die Young has been in circulation since September 2008 (over three years), and is available in both print and e-book formats. The publisher does some promotion at sci-fi conventions (as do I). Counting both personal sales and publisher sales (except for the publisher's 4Q 2008 sales, which I can't find my statement on), a total of 231 copies have been sold (on top of that, I've given away 198 copies). That breaks down to around 73 copies sold per year.

Friends in Deed has been in circulation since January 2010 (almost two years), and is available in both print and e-book formats. Same publisher as HDY. Counting both personal sales and publisher sales, a total of 65 copies have been sold (41 additional copies given away). So, sales have been slow in comparison, with only around 33 copies per year. I could make guesses as to why it hasn't sold as well as the first, but I'll just stick to the facts for now.

Seeker was my first foray into self-publishing, and is a novella just slightly smaller than Heroes Die Young. It's priced at 99 cents compared to the (currently) $2.99 price point of my first book. Coming out in December 2010, it's been available roughly 11 months and is only available in e-book format. Right now, I've seen sales of around 42 copies, so a little more than the annual sales on FID (although that book is currently running $4.99-$5.99 in its e-book format), but lagging behind HDY.

Dead or Alive was published by a new house, and is a short story collection. It's mostly available in print, with an e-book currently available only on the Smashwords site (and an app for Apple devices, although for the purposes of this post, I'll only be discussing print sales). At the moment, I've seen 19 true sales (and an additional 20 giveaways) between my publisher and myself since the print version was available back in February of this year (so nearly 9 months).

The Cure is my first foray into self-publishing a full-length novel. It's available in both e-book and print formats, and has been since July (the print has only been available since September). To this date, I've seen a total of 2 print sales (3 additional giveaways) and 11 e-book sales (not counting the lag that I've noticed from several vendors under the Smashwords distribution umbrella). Not anything stellar, but it seems roughly on par (13 for the quarter equates to 52 copies for a projected year) with my other titles.

For a few future projects, I'm considering the idea of packaging a trio of short stories into a single e-book and placing them for sale as e-books. If that comes about, I'll be sure to add those into the mix.

Perhaps some conjecture into the how and why will come for another post, but for now, hopefully these facts and figures will be useful to you. And of course, for those who have questions about anything I've posted here, feel free to leave a comment.

SFFS - An Excerpt from "Ever Dark"

With a stay in the hospital (not for me) this week, I almost didn't make it in time for Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday, but did finally get home and get signed up. So, this week, I'm offering up an excerpt from my published Aston West short story "Ever Dark" (one of my favorites).

I stepped down the hall and the hairs in my nose curled. As I turned the corner, a pile of light gray ash lay on the floor along the left wall. A handheld energy weapon rested next to the debris.
Disintegrator cannon fire was one of the more horrific ways to die and not something a decent person would wish on even their worst enemy. Out of paranoia, I lifted my wrist.
“Jeanie, let me know if you see anything inside or outside the freighter.”
“Acknowledged.”
A hatch in the right wall split apart as I approached. Three more piles of ash lay at various spots around the rectangular bridge. Only one energy weapon was nearby, which told me someone had disintegrated unarmed victims.

If you liked this excerpt, feel free to head on over and read the full story in Ray Gun Revival (archived over on Scribd). And of course, several free stories can be found under the Shorts section of AstonWest.com.

Weekly Goals - October 25, 2011

Considering I only had two days where I could actually get writing done, I was glad to see that I still ended up meeting my weekly goal. I think I've found some methods (and locations) that are working better for me than around the house...

Results for this week:

1. 1500 words (vs. goal of 1500) on Resurrection

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 1500 words on Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

SFFS - An Excerpt from DEATH BRINGS THE VICTORY

Since I provided an excerpt from my fourth Aston novel last week, I figured that for this week's edition of Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday, I'd pull out an excerpt from my third (not-yet-published) Aston novel, Death Brings the Victory. Still in edits, of course, but still good stuff...taken from the prologue:

As far as setup, Aston's ship has just landed at the Torian orbital station (those who've read Heroes Die Young will recognize it) and his good friend Rione Sc'lari is rushing to meet him and just entered his ship:

Aston lay haphazard on the cot along the near wall, unmoving. A makeshift bandage covered his left shoulder, torn from sheets piled on the floor. Everything under him and below the cot was coated dark red.

“Aston!” she called, but received no response. Her breath formed misty vapor clouds as she rushed to his side. Shoving his body had no effect, either. Her entire body shook violently, not from the cold, but from building fear.

His breath wasn’t visible as hers was, so she reached up to his throat. Expecting the worst, she felt for signs of life. At first, she found nothing, then pushing a little deeper, a flicker of hope rose as she finally found faint beats, shallow and slow.

Weekly Goals - October 18, 2011

Finally over the hump, at least for the current week. Try one more week, and then we'll see about bumping up the weekly word count goal.

Results for this week:

1. 1700 words (vs. goal of 1500) on Resurrection

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 1500 words on Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

SFFS - An Excerpt from RESURRECTION

Back again for another fun-filled week of Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Although I haven't yet finished editing the third Aston "in the series" novel, I'm presenting this week's snippet from my fourth one, Resurrection. I will put a little spoiler disclaimer here, and let everyone know that if you haven't read my second book Friends in Deed, and plan to, you might go read it first...don't worry, the snippet will still be here when you get back.

And of course, this is first draft material, so take that as it's offered...

“Aston...” Warm breath eased past my ear along with that voice I hadn’t heard for a very long time. Add on top of that the very idea of a voice being present, and confusion sent chills up and down my spine.

I kept my stare forward, muttering my words. “It can’t be. You’re dead. I killed you myself.”

I turned on my heels and stumbled back at the sight of Lars Cassus standing there in the light. The corner of his mouth curled up, and his voice, which he’d lost even longer ago, returned. “I’m back.”

Action's definitely going to be heating up with this one...can't wait to finish it, and present both novels to the general public in due time.

Weekly Goals - October 11, 2011

Motivation has been sapped, uncertain of the reason...still on pace with last week.

Results for this week:

1. 1000 words (vs. goal of 2000) on Resurrection

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 1500 words on Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

SFFS - An Excerpt from "Sweet Embrace"

After taking a week off for some personal reasons, I'm back again with a post for Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Hope you enjoy this excerpt from my unpublished Aston West story "Sweet Embrace" which I'm hoping to find a home for soon:

She looked at the pink bundle in my arms, then back at me. The woman’s eyes narrowed. “We are not a depository for unwanted children.”

I lifted an eyebrow, the implication clear. “This isn’t my child.”

“A likely story.”

I cursed under my breath, which she didn’t take well. She started closing the wooden door, but I shoved my foot into the gap. This one would need some convincing.

Of course, if you enjoy my excerpt, feel free to check out any of my other published short stories over at AstonWest.com (click on my "Shorts"...hee hee).

Weekly Goals - October 4, 2011

Another week coming up short...starting to see a trend.

Results for this week:

1. 900 words (vs. goal of 2000) on Resurrection

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 2000 words on Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Weekly Goals - September 27, 2011

Unfortunately, the motivation hasn't really been there this week. Did not help to have life get in the way, but that's not really an excuse.

Results for this week:

1. 425 words (vs. goal of 2000) on Resurrection
2. Checked the outlet, but saw nothing about time limits.

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 2000 words on Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

SFFS - An Excerpt from "Little White Truths"

Well, apparently I was blind last week and even though I'd looked, didn't catch the 4-10 sentence guideline on Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday postings. So, tucking my tail between my legs, I humbly submit my excerpt this week. This particular excerpt comes from my first-ever published short story, "Little White Truths" (which is part of my short story collection Dead or Alive):

I never thought I would one day become an addict.

Looking back, it was inevitable, with my long trips alone in a cramped spaceship. It leads to boredom, which doesn’t have a lot of cures. There was no clear moment in time I could point to when the solution turned to full-blown addiction. Instead, it was more gradual and sinister, until the realization became obvious.

“Would you like another, sir?”

I looked up at the light brown man in a stiff, white shirt as he stood next to my table. I glanced down at the pale green remnants of some drink I’d forgotten the name of.

Weekly Goals - September 20, 2011

Well, thankfully things improved a bit this week. It did not seem so at the time, but doing a little bit every day (almost) helped a lot. So, here's hoping I can continue building on this week's success.

If you don't follow me on Twitter and Facebook (first off, why not?), The Cure is also available over at Barnes and Noble online (and for a significant discount). :-)

Results for this week:

1. 2150 words (vs. goal of 2000) on Resurrection

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 2000 words on Resurrection
2. Check back on the status of "Collateral"

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

SFFS - An Excerpt from Heroes Die Young

Greetings everyone! I was turned on to Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday (not in local time, thus the Friday night posting) by a friend of mine, so figured I'd give it a shot this week and see whether I can do it right. Ha.

So, here's a snippet from my first published novel Heroes Die Young:

***

I needed to get out of this mess. The trick was going to be in doing so without getting myself caught. Not that you could get in much more trouble than a death sentence, of course. I could have spared my life by giving up the cargo, but this was a matter of principle now.

I turned to the guard. “You’re going to sit there and watch my every moment, aren’t you?”

His face told me what his voice didn’t.

“Well, would you at least get me something to eat? I’m starving.”

He folded his arms across his chest.

“Come on. Surely you feed your prisoners.”

“I’ll be right back,” he mumbled.

As he stepped out of the room, I held up my arm and whispered into my transmitter. “Jeanie, can you hear me?”

“Aston, are you okay?”

“I’ve been better.”

“According to the station’s records, you’ve been incarcerated on weapons charges.”

Jeanie had a tendency to be a bit nosy. I heaved a sigh. “Yes. Our guest informed them of our cargo.”

“There has to be some explanation. I know they haven’t defeated my efforts at concealing our cargo.”

“I’m in a bit of a hurry here, Jeanie.”

“I apologize.”

“I’m in a holding cell.”

“The station contains only one security area. What cell number are you in?”

I shifted myself on the cot to get a better look at the nameplates on the other doorways. “Looks like number three. Drop the energy field and keep it secret if you can.”

“It doesn’t appear they have very tight safeguards in place. It should only take a moment.”

I jumped to my feet. “I’ll be there in a little bit. Prepare us for a departure whether the station lets us or not.”

“Understood.”

I walked up to the field and tried to get a better look past the doorway, just then, the energy beams flickered and died off.

I smiled. “Thanks, Jeanie. See you soon.”

I grabbed my case of Vladirian liquor, scurried over to the doorway, and eased my head out to look. Two guards sat at their desks with their backs to me, typing out information into terminals. The guard who’d kept watch over me was nowhere to be seen, which suited me fine. I tiptoed into the booking area, walked around the small counter, then bent down below the countertop, just in case one of the two guards happened to turn around.

“Hey!”

I looked up and saw my guard with a tray of food as he entered through the front door.

“Prisoner escaped!” He yelled to the others.

I rushed the guard and nailed his midsection with my shoulder. The tray slammed into his chest as he fell to the floor. I jumped over him and ran out.

As I rushed into the commons area, I had to stop and get my bearings. A few curious onlookers gave me odd glances, while others gave me a wide berth. I found the corridor I needed and sprinted for it. Voices called out behind me, but I paid them no heed as I rushed for my ship.

I raised my arm as I neared the second docking ring. “Jeanie, are you ready?”

“Affirmative.”

A guard I didn’t recognize stepped out from around the corner with his weapon drawn. I didn’t have enough time to react as a green blast struck me square in the chest. I stumbled and fell to the floor, then slid to a stop against his feet. The case hit the floor beside me and thankfully stayed intact.

“Aston West, you’re under arrest for attempted escape.”

Getting shot was always a strange experience. My chest felt like it was going to explode from the inside as I lost feeling in my extremities. His weapon was set on a much higher setting than mine normally was.

My world slowly faded to black.

***

If you enjoyed it, feel free to snag a copy via any of the major online retailers...and of course, excerpts from all of my novels, and links to my published short stories, can all be found over at AstonWest.com

Weekly Goals - September 13, 2011

Sadly, things are ending up extremely difficult in getting new material out onto the page. Things did seem to be getting better over the weekend, but with only two days out of the seven, it does not bode well. I'm just hoping that my dismal showing is not related to the lack of sales lately...but anything's possible. Here's hoping the coming week proves more fruitful on the writing front.

On the plus side, The Cure is now available in paperback from Amazon, so all those techno-phobes out there can get their hands on it now as well. :-)

Results for this week:

1. 1000 words (of 2000) on Resurrection

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 2000 words on Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Weekly Goals - September 6, 2011

Oops...with the holiday break, I got my days of the week confused and forgot to post Tuesday...even though things went fairly okay...hopefully we'll keep things rolling. It should be entertaining, since it's been a while since I've written new material on a novel (as I've been in editing mode for what seems like forever).

Results for this week:

1. One edit completed
2. Edited

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 2000 words on Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Six Sentence Sunday: "Some Assembly Required"

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Today's six sentences come from my latest published short story "Some Assembly Required". Poor Aston gets himself into a big mess of a situation, when he stumbles across a planet where things aren't always as they seem:

I walked out and bumped into Libby on the top step. Instinctively, I wrapped my arm around her waist before she fell.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

I looked up. Ford stood between the containers and a second hovercraft that looked like a flatbed cargo truck. His arms were crossed and his face burned red.

***

Poor Aston...

So, there you have it...if you want to read more, the entire piece is up over at Residential Aliens. And of course, I have several other published short stories which are linked over at my website, most of which are free (you can also purchase Dead or Alive, a full collection of Aston West short stories via ResAliens Press, in both print and e-formats)

Weekly Goals - August 30, 2011

Things have not been going well...no excuse, really...

Results for this week:

1. About halfway through
2. Not started

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. Complete one edit on "Hiding in the Shadows"
2. Edit prologue for Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Story Reviews

And in case you ever wondered (as I do) what people think when they read my stories, there are several bloggers who have been reviewing the recent Residential Aliens issue, in which my story "Some Assembly Required" appears. Take a look at the bloggers listed here, and check out their reviews of both the magazine, and others for my story...I'd be curious to hear what you think, both of the story itself, as well as everyone else's take on it.

Weekly Goals - August 23, 2011

Whew...long week...didn't complete all the goal I was hoping for, but I also spent quite a bit of time polishing up The Cure for its paperback release, and organizing the cover art with the artist. So, here we go...

Results for this week:

1. Didn't get started
2. Reviewed and ready to get back into the novel.
3. Edited paperback version of The Cure one last time, as well as cleaning up the Smashwords and Kindle versions based on that edit. [added]

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. Complete a minimum of one edit on "Hiding in the Shadows"
2. Edit prologue for Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Weekly Goals - August 16, 2011

Well, as expected, not much was accomplished this week, though I did spend the last couple of days preparing the paperback version of The Cure, so I suppose that's nothing to sneeze at. Now, though, I'm feeling the self-doubt rise up through the ranks (when I give myself too much free time to ponder these things), so it's time to put together some more goals for the coming week.

Results for this week:

1. Completed paperback conversion for The Cure [added]

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. Complete a minimum of one edit on "Hiding in the Shadows"
2. Review the prologue chapter for Resurrection

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals