Poll Results
There are several aspects of independent publishing that I enjoy. One of those? Access to lots and lots of data. I crunch numbers! I have spreadsheets! Because of the data I’ve accrued from my Sons of Scandal series, I know that it’s most effective to release the audiobook at the same time as the paperback and ebook. I also know that November and December are low sales months for my non-Christmas books. (These facts might not be true for other authors! I’m just speaking about what the numbers show for my recent books specifically.)
When I realized that mid-November was the soonest that I could release all formats of my next book simultaneously, I was torn. Should I go ahead and release book #1 in a new series in November, even though that’s a low sales month? Or should I hold it?
Part of me wanted to get it out there ASAP for readers. Another part of me suspected that wouldn’t be the wisest business decision. I asked for reader feedback on Facebook and Instagram. The responses were all over the map. So then I decided to place a poll in an email to my subscribers.
I’m sharing the responses here!
These results were extremely helpful! They confirmed why November and December aren’t high sales months for my non-Christmas books. And they confirmed what my gut was already telling me–that waiting until early 2027 to release my book would be best.
There are a few other benefits to waiting . . . .
I can take my time getting everything ready to go and and be deep into writing book 2 when book 1 in this series releases.
Also, my youngest daughter will be applying to colleges this fall and making her way through the process of auditioning for musical theatre programs. That’s going to require a lot of my time. I want to be present for all of that and soak in every day I have left with a child in my home. 🙂
How are your reading habits the same or different than the poll results?
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Interesting, Becky. Thanks for sharing. Blessings to your daughter with all the college apps and auditioning—and you with her every step of the way!
Thanks, Tammy!
I only differ from the majority on the question about reading Christmas books. I start after Thanksgiving and read Christmas books through the first week of January.
Best wishes to your daughter. My granddaughter was sending in college apps at this time two years ago. She is now in her second year at VCU – Virginia Commonwealth University. My grandson is a high school senior this year and taking a theater class for the first time.
Aww, your grandson is the same age as my daughter!
Reading Christmas books from Thanksgiving through Christmas is a joy for so many of us. I completely understand why. They’re fun and festive. 🙂
I do read mainly Christmas books from Thanksgiving through Jan 1. But then I usually spend my Christmas gift cards on books from the last week of December through as long as they last! Praying for favor with all those auditions/applications!
Thanks! It’s going to be an interesting year!
I love when you share data with us, Becky. Super interesting and insightful. If a favorite author releases a book in Nov-Dec, I will likely buy it, but chances are that I won’t read it until after the holidays are over.
I’m so glad you’ll have extra time to spend with your daughter as she preps for college this fall. That is precious time, and it’s good not to be juggling a book release at the same time. I don’t think you’ll regret this choice. 🙂
Thanks, Karen! Yes. Releasing the book later feels like the right choice all around. 🙂