Last week, I had the distinction of holding a special ranking on Amazon.com. My book, Backroads & Byways of Arizona, listed at #70 on the Bestseller List for Arizona books. It was a thrill, and I posted about it. It's why I wrote that blog post last week about celebrating even your small successes.
Because what happened next? My #70 quickly declined...to #75.
Yes, it was a short-lived success, but a success nonetheless.
The bigger one, the one where I actually ranked #1 on the day my book came out was also short-lived. I didn't even get a screenshot of that. I didn't know how to do that then. But it's a memory I'll have forever. My book ranked #1 on Amazon.com--for Arizona books. It doesn't matter if anyone believes me or not. I saw it. I experienced it. And I celebrated it. And I can still claim I am a bestselling author, even if it's only a regional thing. It happened, and that's pretty cool.
And you can bet I lived in that moment.
I've since come to realize that being a bestseller isn't about being a number on a list. It's about having a certain state of mind. And for an author, really, it's that very first book you sell and sign to a stranger that really matters. After that, I just think everything else is gravy.
Would you care to share one of your bestselling moments?
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11 comments:
I love the feeling I get when I successfully pitch a story...that keeps me coming back for more!
I hear ya! That happened to me three times this week. I expect more to come! :-)
I loved what you said about 'everything else being gravy'- and that is the KEY in life...if we can be fulfilled in ourselves then whatever comes our way- becomes the gravy and we can really ENJOY life! :)
You described how I felt yesterday. Wander Woman climbed to #9 in Personal Transformation, a tough category to crack, and #1 in Hot New Releases. But it was momentary. Although it is still in a great spot at #21, I'm feeling the down after the high.
I did find out that you can add or delete a category. I am adding a Leadership subcategory for Women. I would have been #1 if I had that listing. I may still make it.
What a crazy game!!!
Now it's time for a bath and a nap.
My iPhone app, Family-Friendly Phoenix, was listed as a top selling travel app in iTunes recently. Although that felt good, I really get that feeling of success when I successfully pitch a story. I think it's because it's more personal. I send something to an editor who says yes or no. It feels good to have a good idea!
Marsha,
I tried to buy your book yesterday and had trouble signing up, for goodness sakes. Can I buy the book direct from your site--or will it be at a Borders or Barnes & Noble? If so, I'll be sure to take a picture of it for you and send it to you. I've been doing that for myself, and it's just really cool! And fun. And, really, there's no point doing this work if it isn't going to be fun. That's my motto, and I'm sticking to it. ;-)
Anjuli, amen!
Teresa, I got the message from Kim Grant about your iPhone app. That was really cool. Play that up more. Let everyone know about it. That calls for a press release! ;-)
god, what a great feeling that's got to be to have a best-seller. props to you, jackie. what fun to see it bounce to 70th. hey, 75th still sounds great.
I am dead impressed, well done!
My bestselling moment hasn't happened yet, but it will. Aiming for it next year...
Not that I have even sent a proposal off as yet, but I will.
Huh, so much positivity, I better go and act on that.
That's awesome, Jackie, way to go! I believe you, by the way. :)
That's sweet, Joy. Thank you.
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