Comments on: The Prairie Writer's Day Conference & Other Random Thoughts

By: B. A. Binns

B. A. Binns — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:47:28 +0000

Loved reading your blog about the day. I was there too, and found it one of the more relaxing conferences I’ve been to recently. And a fun way to spend the day with other writers I’ve only met via email and reputation.

BTW, the “first book” being considered a success at 5,000 copies really depends on the publisher’s stake. As of 3 years ago, I heard that the 5,000 number usually meant the book had at least paid back the publisher’s costs, something all too many first-timer books don’t do. Whether or not your publisher considers you a success at 5,000 copies depends on additional factors. If they gave you a high five figure advance and printed 50,000 copies, selling only 5,000 would make them consider the book a failure. But if there was a small advance and they only printed 2,000 copies and had to go back for a second print run, the 5,000 is awesome. So it depends. With my book, PULL, just coming out last month, I’m obviously hoping sales will surpass the 5,000 mark. At least my advance wasn’t in the high five figures and I’m refusing to stress the issue.

Hey, at least it’s not a vampire book, so I won’t need that T-Shirt.

By: Alissa

Alissa — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:09:10 +0000

I’d wear that t-shirt too! I have a weird sense of humor too, a lot of people don’t get me… I’m lucky to have found friends that either have a weird sense of humor too or deal with mine
Sounds like the conference was really fun! It sounds so cool to go to!

By: kimpauley

kimpauley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:33:14 +0000

Hehehe Yeah, I probably would actually wear that T-shirt.

I’ve got to do some more research about that number. Will report back what I find out. It sounds awfully low to me too.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:18:13 +0000

Lol, love the t-shirt idea. I would totally wear a shirt that said that. I am not kidding, lol. I have *the* weirdest sense of humor, and that fits right in. Sounds like you did have fun at the conference though, despite all the people who are vamp-ed out. (I could never be vamp-ed out. Vampires, and the paranormal in general, are just way too awesome.) Holy cow, the number of books is really *that* low? Wow…

*Ashley*

By: kimpauley

kimpauley — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:12:10 +0000

I’m blown away by that too. I’m really not sure about that number. It just doesn’t seem right to me! I’ll have to see if I can find that news article again. I really did think it was a typo when I read it. Like maybe they meant 50,000 or 25,000 or something.

By: Heather

Heather — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:09:48 +0000

Wow, sounds like the conference was a lot of fun! I imagine they are much more relaxing after your book is published. I’m blown away that a first time book is considered a success at only 5,000 copies sold! Wow. Great info, thanks!