Ordinary Angels Revealed
So, after teasing a bit lately, telling you I’d soon have some news about Ordinary Angels, I am finally ready to spill the beans!
Bear with me as I give you some behind-the-scenes backstory (and never-before revealed details). Ordinary Angels was released last April through a small press publisher. If I close my eyes, I can still feel the heart-thumping thrill of reading that ‘we want to sign you’ email. The day I signed that contract was thrilling. My editor and I worked for a year. There were ups and downs, and it was a tough job. Not just because of the work involved, but also the realisation that I was going to have to concede some things I didn’t want to, make changes I didn’t necessarily agree with, and rely on people (there were many involved in the process) who didn’t always have the same goals and values I did. I was never truly happy with the cover art either. Oh sure, I put a brave face on it. The photo they chose had a stunning model that many oohed and ahhed over, but it didn’t reflect the genre or storyline of my book, and it worried me from a marketing perspective. The woman didn’t look anything like my vision of Zoë, but I had zero say on it and was told “we use stock photos, so you aren’t going to get what you want.” Despite all of that, when publication day rolled around, I had a book I was proud of, and all the struggle to get there seemed well worth it. Sure, I’d compromised, but they were the professionals, I told myself, and I was lucky to get published. I have never forgotten what it feels like (angsty) to be an aspiring author, and so I wasn’t about to complain about any of it.
During this time, I learned more about the industry, and news of wildly successful indie authors started popping up. I remember how disheartening it was when I realised how few published authors actually make a living at it (and by learning how to analyse amazon rankings, I had an idea of how few books some of the other authors at my publisher were selling), so this was a ray of hope. All I needed to give it a try was the drive to run my own business (check), the willingness to obsess over the details (check), a head-full of stories (check), and to put the time in (will always be work in progress, but I’m chugging right along, so check!)
Since the editing process with my publisher was so slow (a round of edits would take sometimes more than a month to get back to me), I started planning a new series. I did the cover art myself, hired an editor, bought my own ISBNs, learned how to format for digital release, and by the time Ordinary Angels came out, it was nearly ready to go. (It’s easy to work fast when you’re in control, plus, as my own publisher, I only had to focus on putting out one title, instead of the dozens my publisher had going at any one time.)
I snuck my indie title, Blood Faerie, onto Amazon on May 15th (to give me time to deal with any issues), with an ‘official’ launch date of June 1st. Within a month, I’d sold 100 copies, and half of that time, no one even knew it was for sale! Compare that to the sales of Ordinary Angels, and it was no contest. Ordinary Angels, while selling well in comparison to some other titles at that same publisher, wasn’t going to pay for my Kindle habit, much less my mortgage. (Which is what I had hoped my book sales would eventually do!) This was discouraging, considering the vast work I’d done on promotion and getting reviews, all of which were very positive! So, people liked the book, but not as many as I’d hoped were buying it.
I talked to my publisher about lowering the price. It was selling for $5.50, which is high for an ebook. I felt that was depressing the sales figures, but I got nowhere with the argument. Other plans and promises evaporated, leaving me with an overpriced book that wasn’t making headway, no matter how hard I worked. Considering I had another book that was, in my mind, doing quite well (likely due to hitting the right note with cover, blurb and price), not to mention great response to Ordinary Angels from book bloggers, I knew it wasn’t the book itself that was causing low sales figures and therefore miniscule royalties.
However, I had a contract, and I was grateful for the opportunity the publisher had given me. As much as I don’t like to admit it, I don’t know if I would have had the confidence to strike out on my own without the validation of a publisher saying ‘we think your stuff is good.’ It never even occured to me to try to get my digital rights back…not until my publisher wrote to me, saying that because sales had been less than stellar, they weren’t going to release the book in print. Attached was a document giving me permission to find a new home for the print version of Ordinary Angels. I’d heard of other authors getting their digital rights back, and so I thought, what the hell? It was worth a shot. So I just dropped in the conversation that I had considered asking for my digital rights back, and even offered to pay a kill-fee. My editor had worked hard, and I know her payment was tied to the book’s sales, so I didn’t want to wrangle her out of future earnings. (This offer was declined by my publisher, something I still feel a little bad about. My editor deserved more for her hard work. On the other hand, I would never do editing work in exchange for royalties, so I’m surprised when anyone else will.) I won’t go into the messy detail, but in the end, I had not only my print rights, but a letter releasing my digital rights. All I had to do was wait until September to release it. (The publisher immediately removed Ordinary Angels from all outlets, which is why some readers have been disappointed not to find it. So I had a gap of availability, but in the long run, this is better for everyone involved.)
I debated about telling this story. My blog is for readers more than other writers, but in the end, I realised that if I rolled back the clock two years, I would have loved to have read this post before I signed with a publisher. Times are changing, and in my opinion, ePublishers are quickly becoming unecessary, especially when they aren’t doing anything for me that I can’t do faster, cheaper, and sometimes better myself.
Blood Faerie sales are gaining momentum. Recently, in one day, I made more money on Blood Faerie than I did on Ordinary Angels the entire ten weeks it was available from my publisher. I have every confidence in the world that with the new, more appropriate cover, a lower price point of $2.99 (which will still earn me more per book), and a stack of great reviews behind it, it has the potential to be as successful as Blood Faerie, and who knows, maybe even more so.
We’ve been taught, as authors, that unless you’re selling millions of copies, it’s tacky to reveal the numbers. I hope you don’t find it so, but if you do, please know that I debated quite a bit over this. I’m aware that some might look at my numbers and laugh, thinking, “You’re excited over a few hundred Blood Faerie sales over three months when Amanda Hocking is selling more than that many per day?” Well, yeah, I am.
And this isn’t going to become Joe Konrath’s blog, where I talk about sales numbers all the time. This is really just a chance to do two things…one, to let aspiring authors know that they don’t have to aspire any longer. Read my second paragraph again. If you can do those things, you can be a successful indie author. Also, you don’t have to settle for the 40% of net that ePubs are offering. In fact, I would encourage you not to.
The second purpose is to share my new Ordinary Angels cover. You know what a cover tart I am, and I’m really happy with this one! It reflects the story, the genre, the tone… so here it is:
So! Ordinary Angels! Coming in September in a slightly altered version! (Unlike my publisher, I know how to handle special marks in digital formatting, and therefore I can publish a book that includes a name like Zoë and use the proper spelling of words like résumé, café and décor, and I’m also not afraid to have characters use name brand products, like Coke, Mini Cooper, and Starbucks, not to mention a silly argument–that I lost, by the way–over whether having a character have a fantasy about her transformed dragon-like angel boyfriend constitutes beastiality, but I digress…)
It will be available in roughly two weeks! In digital and in print! Watch this space for the actual release announcements, or sign up for my author newsletter where I’ll tell you the moment it’s up again.
I’m excited, people! Times are changing…and for once, the change is in our favour.
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Wow! Good luck with this! Sounds like you’re really grabbing the bull by the horns. Proud of you!
[ Follow me on Twitter: jessica.carmen.bellgmail.com ]
Thanks so much for the support, Jessica!
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
Thanks for sharing this! I too have had similar conversations with my publisher about many of the things you mentioned. This was very eye opening and made me feel that I’m not crazy in regards to some of the concerns I’ve been having. Great piece! And I love your cover!
You’re NOT crazy, Mary. I’ve had at least half a dozen private conversations with authors signed with small press publishers who have had similar (or worse) experiences. That’s one of the reasons I decided to post this. It’s always empowering to realise you have a choice!
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
Way to go India. Thanks so much for this honest, thoughtful post. First, i LOVE the cover and second, um, bestiality, really? REALLY?!?! How absurd.
That ‘really? REALLY???’ was my exact response as well! Somehow, I think my readers are smart enough to realise if your lover could transform into a different form, you would at least WONDER!
And it’s not like he transforms into a goat. Heh.
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
Aw, well done to you! It’s always fantastic getting an inside look into writers’ motivations for going indie. This actually looks like a fun read. I love the cover art, and am wishing you much success!
The dragon/beastiality thing is hillarious
[ Follow me on Twitter: GageCE ]
Thank you so much for the kind words, Gage! Thanks for stopping by.
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
This was a lovely post. I don’t think it’s tacky to post numbers occasionally at all.
It’s ideal you’ve had the experience of both worlds, and made a decision based on what was good for you, an encouraging story indeed.
Well done
[ Follow me on Twitter: Miss_Fletcher ]
Thanks, Penelope! I see your books on Amazon all the time, all over the ‘also-bought’ lists everywhere I go, so whatever you’re doing seems to be working well. Congrats on your successes!
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
Hi India!
Thank you very much for the interesting, honest, thoughtful post.
I love your cover & back blurb.
All the best,
Rob
[ Follow me on Twitter: rkcharrongmail.com ]
Thanks, Rob. I’m so glad you enjoyed the article, and thanks for the kind words about the cover. It was a labour of love. =)
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
I’m so proud of you — and impressed — with everything you’ve accomplished so quickly, and how well you’re doing. Donut Power!
[ Follow me on Twitter: talliroland ]
Hee! Donuts indeed! You know, I can’t even remember where the Donut/Sprinkles nicknames came from, but I do remember you calling me the ‘Donut Oracle’ once. You’d think a writer would take notes of such important events! x
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
First of all, you have inspired me! I loved how the book evolved and I’m pleased silly that you got your rights back. That would be a dream come true for me.
Secondly, I think your new cover rocks!
[ Follow me on Twitter: MariaZannini ]
You’re so kind to say so, Maria. I’m a fan, so I wish you all the best success with your publishing in future!
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
Your cover art is gorgeous!
Wagging Tales – Blog for Writers
Thank you!
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
Wow! What a journey!! Glad you and your book have come out of this publishing minefield, stronger!! Your new book cover looks like such fun!! Take care and good luck!
x
I wish I had the techno savvy and confidence. I feel it is time for Ripper, My Love to be let loose. I am waiting for news from a publisher and if it is a negative I am going to S/P. It will be a steep, steep learning curve. I s/p my poetry books via Lulu but want something different for RML. We will see.
An inspiring post, thanks, India. Good luck!
Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement, since I’m about to take that same plunge!
I really like your new cover for Ordinary Angels! Good luck with that one.
Thanks for sharing India.
It takes courage to move in a different direction when things don’t work the way you want them to. It’s brave of you to do so, and I’m sure many writers want to know this.
By the way, I love the cover, and I think you know I’m anal about that too. It’s so much more dynamic and whimsical than your other one.
eden
[ Follow me on Twitter: edenbaylee ]
India, thank you for posting your story. I am always interested in reading what indie authors think about their self-published experiences, and having the history of a small press publication, you bring a different experience to the table.
The cover for ORDINARY ANGELS is simply gorgeous. Though I wasn’t able to review Blood Faerie, I would be interested in reviewing this one if you need additional promotion.
I also can’t wait to hear more about your journey on your blog.
Congratulations and best of luck!
I caught Marsha’s tweet about this and I’m glad I came over. I’m preparing to take the plunge into indie publishing as my traditional publishing experience has been disappointing. Taking baby steps though as I learn what I need to. Sometimes it feels like scaling Mount Everest without the required equipment, but I know I’ll get there. Congrats! Keep doing what you’re doing.
[ Follow me on Twitter: JL_Campbell ]
Thanks for this post, India. As an aspiring Indie author, it gives me a lot of hope!! This was a courageous post, and I sincerely appreciate it
[ Follow me on Twitter: cassiehynds ]
Awesome post, India. Congrats on taking the self-publishing plunge. Your new Ordinary Angels cover looks great. I have some books with small publishers (who’ve actually been fantastic to work with – no problems), and I also recently published a couple titles on my own. While I’m also happy to be with my small presses, I’m really enjoying putting out some of my own work, too. These are definately exciting times for writers, with more choices than ever.
[ Follow me on Twitter: Ranae_Rose ]
Awesome post, India. Congrats on taking the self-publishing plunge.
Your new Ordinary Angels cover looks great. I have some books with small presses (who’ve actually been fantastic to work with) and I also recently self-published some of my own titles, which I’ve really been enjoying. These are definately exciting times for writers, with more choices than ever. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! 
[ Follow me on Twitter: Ranae_Rose ]
Hi India,
Very interesting post. Glad to hear that you are able to release ‘Ordinary Angels’ on your terms. I have a copy with the old cover but can I just say that I absolutely love this new one! I’m a bit meh when it comes to using stock images of models, as sometimes they tell you nothing about the actual book (though saying that, guess who will end up using stock images of models when releasing her book? lol).
Good luck with all your endeavours, and I’m glad you’re having the success you are with Blood Faerie. I think that’s on my TBR list and if it’s not, then it soon will be.
[ Follow me on Twitter: garam81 ]
Thanks for deciding to post this blog. It is really important for all of us out there seeking an audience with our work, and struggling to make a living at it (so we can produce more stories!) to see others succeeding! I appreciate your openess. On another note – your book looks exciting! Love the colors of the new cover. I’ll definately check it out. Best of luck.
Great post, India. You’ve captured the heart of the writing/publishing experience, the ups (I’m being published) and downs (royalty statement). Thanks for sharing with us, and good luck with the re-release of “Ordinary Angels.” The cover looks enticing.
Hi India! Great post & I love the book cover! I think you should be proud of your achievement & sales, it can only go up from here. I know first hand how hard it is to get the sales. Even with the first book in my fantasy series listed at 99¢ and the subsequent books in the series listed for $2.99 each, great book reviews and a major motion picture trilogy in pre-production as I write this, it has done nothing to boost the sales. I’ve heard from some it’s because many indie authors give away free ebooks just to build readership, but as my agent once said, “I’m not interested in how many books an author gives away, I’m interested in how many will actually pay to read your book.” For me, I just can’t compete with free, and I’ve worked too hard to just give it away (except to book reviewers/bloggers, of course)! Wishing you continued success, India!
[ Follow me on Twitter: LornaSuzuki ]
I tried Blood Faerie at 99c for a short while early on, but because of the difference in the royalty split, I’d have to sell 6x as many books just to break even, much less make more money… I did sell more, but not 6x more, so I raised the price again. Personally, I think people don’t value books that are given away too cheaply, but that’s another article!
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
I started out replying to every comment, but you guys overwhelmed me with the great response, and I started feeling like I was just saying ‘thank you, thank you’ over and over. LOL. But… THANKS to everyone who took the time to reply. Just knowing that this has helped, inspired, or made you look twice at indie books made it worthwhile writing. When authors are quiet about their experiences, it only helps the publishers, not other writers.
[ Follow me on Twitter: IndiaDrummond ]
Congratulations, India! I love the new book cover for Ordinary Angels. And, you should be very proud of your sales. I know I’m very pleased with how I’m selling. A few people will always make more–maybe that’s why there is only one Amanda Hocking–and most will make unfortunately less. Thank you for this post.
[ Follow me on Twitter: bookworm0753 ]
Congratulations India!
You have inspired me, although I’m not sure I have the courage, or the techno know how, to do half of what you did, but I will look into it more.
What a great story!
[ Follow me on Twitter: casesheridan ]
Thank you so much for this information! I’ve wondered about this myself, and I’ve decided that I’d have to be very careful with a contract (making sure that I know exactly what they can and can’t do for me).
[ Follow me on Twitter: JamiGold ]
India,
Thanks for sharing your story. Actually, I’ve been wondering about this very subject, so your post had really great timing for me. Having creative control is nice, and I’ve worked with graphic designers before, so I’m pretty good at communicating what I want. I also have a great group of crit partners. There is something nice about having the backing of a publisher, but, at the end of the day, it’s still a business deal.
Glad you were able to get your rights back, BTW.
[ Follow me on Twitter: janellemadigan ]
I think those are exciting numbers, too! Thanks for sharing! It’s great to know we really can sell our books ourselves — and you know, those numbers will probably keep on climbing!
[ Follow me on Twitter: marjoriemcatee ]
Wowowow! I’m excited for you! Thank you thank you for sharing us all of these things!
I love the new cover of Ordinary Angels!
[ Follow me on Twitter: conversationswithlenyahoo.co.uk ]
Congrats on your success, India. And I thank you for all of the details that you shared. Continued success!
-Jimmy
[ Follow me on Twitter: danceauthor ]
Just saw this link from Len on Facebook. Thanks for sharing. It’s good to know where an author can get stuck and how s/he can break free. Good luck, India!
Well, Baby girl fren’, 41 COMMENTS? You’ve given away information people would pay, pay, pay to have. What are you, anyway, a conscientious, kind, generous person?
Congratulations on taking back your future, as well on the negotiating coup. Long may you wave!
[ Follow me on Twitter: girlfrenkate ]
Thank you so much for this post, India. Like many others, I appreciate your honesty and I don’t think it’s tacky at all for you post figures. It helps those of considering the indie approach to know what others are achieving.
I’m leaning more and more heavily towards indie publishing after reading this post, especially considering my book doesn’t fit the narrow window of what’s expected for the YA genre (my word count is a little OTT). I’ve subscribed to your blog now through Googe Reader and can’t wait to follow your journey to indie publishing success!
[ Follow me on Twitter: callyjackson ]
Congrats! And I wish you much success!
I do have a question about your experience. This blog comes across as very pro self-pub. Which is great. I have no problem with folks doing independent publishing on their own. Some of my good friends do and are wildly successful at it, some do it and are not.
The ones that do very well at it, have something in common with your story. They were published by a “traditional” publisher prior to striking out on their own. One friend, whose sales average $10,000 a month, was published by two e-publishers before striking out to do it independently. Her checks from the “traditional” publishers are only a few hundred dollars each month.
So here is the question:
How much of your current success do you think plays from being “traditionally” published, even for a short time? Did that lend some sort of legitimacy to your online presence that added to your sales? Was it the access to reviews or other things that someone who is not “traditionally” published would have?
Yes I know that was three questions, but they are all facets of the one question. lol.
And this is not a knock against you and I truly hope noone takes it as such. But I see a lot of authors running to self publish without ever trying the “traditional” route. I personally think that most successes in the independent e-book springboard off of the authors previous exposure through their “traditional” publishing efforts.
(sorry for the quotation marks. some folks don’t include any publisher who isn’t New York based in the realm of traditional publishing. I am not one of them, but the quotations are for them. IMHO any publishing not done directly by the author falls into the “taditional” publishing role.)
Again, much luck!
Oh, and that is a damn fine cover!