It has been seven weeks since I launched Book Indexing: A Step-by-Step Guide. It feels like that time has flown by and it feels like that time has crawled by. A book doesn’t stop (while, it kind of feels like it stops but it doesn’t really) when it launches, and a lot has been happening behind the scenes. I want to share some of that with you. 

All the Feelings

The first couple of weeks after publication were a burst of excitement, with the temptation to check sales reports five times a day. More unexpectedly, I’ve also spent a few weeks feeling quite low, struggling with focus and motivation. I wasn’t sure why until a client mentioned their own experience trying to stave off the empty-nest syndrome of having a new book published. Which makes sense. I spent almost three years focused on writing and producing my book. Now that the book is launched, there is some ongoing marketing, distribution, and sales tracking, but the bulk of the work is done. There is this feeling that the work has ground to a halt and I haven’t figured out yet what to replace it with.

I do want to continue writing and to start a new project. It is also taking me time to transition. Which is okay. I am giving myself permission to take some time to figure out what comes next. 

(And I am feeling better now, thank you.)

Sales

So far Book Indexing has sold about 70 copies, somewhat more in paperback than ebooks, which I think is respectable for a self-published book and such a niche subject. There was an initial spike in sales at the launch, with numbers now much lower, though still selling. My hope is that the book will remain perennially relevant (the technology may change, but I believe the principles of indexing will stay the same), with a few copies selling each month. 

When Words Collide

I first encountered indie authors and realized that self-publishing can be a viable option at When Words Collide, a grassroots writing festival in Calgary that I’ve been attending since 2015 or 2016. I didn’t think I would sell a copy at the festival, since the focus is mostly on genre fiction, but I figured if nothing else, it would be a good learning experience to have a few copies for sale on the shared authors table. And, I actually sold a copy! It felt like my self-publishing adventure was coming full circle. 

Audreys Books

Book Indexing is also now on sale at Audreys, a local bookstore in downtown Edmonton. I dropped four copies off last week and had a lovely chat with their staff member who handles consignment. It feels like another milestone: my book is on the shelf in a physical bookstore!

Local Bookstores and Libraries

Speaking of bookstores, self-published authors typically lack the distribution reach to get onto the shelves of brick-and-mortar bookstores, unless you are able to hand deliver copies. That said, most bookstores should be able to order the book, if you request it. So if you would like a paperback copy of Book Indexing and want to also support your local bookstore, you can!

Book Indexing is also available to libraries through a number of platforms, such as Overdrive and BorrowBox. If you prefer to borrow the book, please feel free to ask your local library to buy a copy. You get to read, I still get paid, and the book is then available for others to discover, which is awesome. 

​

If you haven’t yet picked up a copy, links to online retailers can be found here (I’ve added more retailers since the last time I shared this link) or please order through your local bookstore or library.

Thank you again to all of you who have bought a copy, written a review, or helped spread the word. Your support and interest means so much.