Which way is the best way to sell your book?

Hello friends,

this article is mainly for (first time) authors. But, of course, readers are welcome to enjoy it as well.

If you have published more than just one book so far, you might chuckle about this. That's okay with me, I might chuckle about it too, one day.
During the publishing process of my debut novel "Relocating Mia", I ordered several thousand copies. Of course the investment was a rather large one, but as more books one orders, as less pricey they get. I found myself hopeful to be able to sell this many in whatever time I gave myself.
I ordered two separate shipments; two thirds of the books went to the distributor and one third of the number got delivered to my house. When they arrived I was very excited and totally motivated to do whatever it takes to sell them: Local book signings, selling to friends and acquaintances when traveling and so on. I had a beautiful website designed not just for informational purposes about me, but to sell my book directly from my house as well.

Of course, I can't compete with online bookseller's prices. I offer my novel for purchase through my website, signed by the author, with a small gift, even gift wrapped for no additional charge. I like doing promos for radio stations and special holidays like Christmas.
Mainly I saw an opportunity to sell my book directly as a way to collect some revenue back, since I charge full retail price. ($14.95)
Sales through my website have been fairly well. Especially when you have an aunt like "Aunt Stella" who sends you a three digit check with a note which says "...your husband has many cousins here in California..." (This is the part I thought you might chuckle)

However; one thing I didn't take into consideration is; the books I sell directly don't count toward any 'Bestseller Lists' or sale counts. Before I published "Relocating Mia", I wasn't even aware of any 'sale ranks' internet bookstores like Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles display.
Personally, I never looked for anything like it to judge a book - actually I do judge a book a lot by its cover. (And synopsis)
But when someone pointed out those sale ranks and I checked on the status of my own book, it became clear to me that I have been wasting my time, checking Amazon's hourly updated bestseller list.... (sigh)
The number varies between reasonable and prudent, to say the least.
Questions and anxiety began to build up quickly: "Did I make a mistake by selling directly? - Wouldn't all those books I did sell directly help with the sale ranks if sold through a bookseller instead? - Wouldn't it help my debut novel to get picked up by readers, if it climbed higher within the sale ranks?"

Okay, Okay. Enough already! Anxiety is only good for a little while. As an athlete, I can appreciate an elevated heart rate, but only for so long!!

To bring this little story to an end: I like selling books directly not just for the money. When I wrap my novel in Happy Birthday paper after personalizing it and send it to the recipient of a thoughtful friend, I often receive a thank you e-mail from the one who ordered the book. They tell me how much the gift was appreciated and how much they enjoyed not having to hassle with shopping and wrapping a birthday present themselves. Very satisfying!

And those sales ranks? Naaahh,- I'm just not going to worry about them. Hopefully next year "Relocating Mia" gets support from its sequel "The Acronym" and together they'll elbow their way up the ranks but until then, I'm just gonna have fun with these first experiences of being an author.

I hope you enjoy it, too!

Rebecca~

www.rebeccalerwill.com