So You Think It’s All Over?
My journey into authorship has been nothing short of fascinating. To my surprise, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, even discovering an unexpected passion for history—something I never cared for in school. I thought my work was done once the story was written, my journey over. But it turned out to be just the beginning…
The Business Side of Authorship: Marketing
Like many novice authors, I believed the hardest part was writing the story, turning it into a book, and putting it out into the world. I thought readers would naturally gravitate toward it—how wrong I was! Initially, I relied on family and friends for support. Surely, they’d read it, offer reviews, and help spread the word, right? While their help was invaluable, there came a point when I needed to reach beyond my immediate circle. My book needed new readers—new blood, so to speak.
Joan - Puton a Happy Face is now available on over 17 Amazon sites worldwide, some managed by Amazon USA, others by international branches I’m still learning about, even five years later.
My next move was to join Amazon’s Kindle Select program. With thousands of Kindle devices sold every year and a vast subscription library—the largest eBook collection in the world—it felt thrilling to think my book was part of that immense catalogue. Millions of books and mine among them! But being on a digital shelf doesn’t guarantee readers will find or choose your book. The real challenge? Standing out in the crowd.
Libraries and Expanded Distribution
Determined to expand my reach, I explored getting my book into local libraries. That’s where Kindle Direct Publishing’s (KDP) ‘expanded distribution’ came into play. While it didn’t cost anything upfront, it meant sacrificing an additional 20% of royalties, bringing my share down to 40% (after print costs). However, the chance to get my book into more hands made it worthwhile—or so I hoped.
Unfortunately, libraries and bookstores outside Amazon often hesitate to stock indie authors' works, seeing them as competition. But I wasn’t ready to give up. There had to be another way—and there as.
Through KDP’s expanded distribution, details of my book were sent to various channels. Customers could purchase or stock the book like any other title. While I’m still waiting for that magical breakthrough sale, I remain optimistic, keeping faith in the process.
I also attempted to get my book into the British Library, believing it would make Joan - Put on a Happy Face available to libraries across the UK. While the British, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Cambridge, and Oxford depositories accepted my book, I later discovered they could only make it available for on-site reading, not for lending libraries. Another hurdle to overcome.
Not ready to quit, I attended a webinar with local librarians to better understand the system. Tight budgets meant libraries were hesitant to invest in unknown indie authors’ books, fearing they might sit unread on shelves. When I suggested donating copies, I learned I’d have to contact each central library individually, submit a copy for review, and wait for their decision. It was a painstaking process, but persistence paid off.
Small Wins and Big Lessons
Today, my book is held in Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and Brent Libraries, with more awaiting fulfillment. It’s also available as an eBook, paperback, or hardcover on Amazon, Blackwell’s, Waterstones,
and other online bookstores.
To aspiring authors, my advice is simple: “Don’t give up on your dream.” The road may be challenging, but the rewards are worth every effort. Happy reading—and remember, as Joan says,
"Put on a Happy Face’ and keep smiling!"
Joan: Put on a Happy Face (Where historical fiction meet true events) (The Elixir Chronicles Book 1) eBook : Mottershead, Carol M: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
