Since The Nine Devines was released on November 25th, Lefty and Darius have been treated to countless letters, emails, phone calls, and conversations about the positive impact of the book. Nothing is more gratifying to an author than to hear how their story has resonated with readers. These authentic responses will always be the foundation in determining the success of this project.
In the publishing world, however, there are other metrics that distinguish the vitality of a book. As much as one might try to escape it, the number of sales will continue to be a marker. In this arena, The Nine Devines has demonstrated astonishing lasting power. On April 25th, exactly five months since its publication, a snapshot of The Nine Devines rankings on Amazon was taken and included in this blog post. In the area of Football Biographies, it continues to rank in the Top Ten – jostling with titles written by coaching luminaries Bill Belichick, Nick Saban, and Bill Walsh as well as acclaimed authors such as Jon Krakauer (Into the Wild; Into Thin Air) and John Feinstein (A Season on the Brink; A Good Walk Spoiled).
As an independent author, you are coached to manage expectations for sales. One can expect the apex of purchases to occur within the first three weeks. Each month thereafter, a steady drop is the norm. The Nine Devines has turned this trend on its head. Yes, the book enjoyed a strong opening, but it is exciting to note that March sales eclipsed February and April sales soared past March. May is off to a solid beginning.
While Amazon has been an important driver (very few authors enjoy the luxury of avoiding this behemoth), autographed copies of The Nine Devines can be found and are selling extremely well in the following Independently owned stores:
- The Local Store – Eau Claire
- Collective Charm – Chippewa Falls
- Chippewa Area History Center – Chippewa Falls
- Saint Patrick’s Guild – Saint Paul
You can support local businesses by stopping by or ordering online. In the next month, we hope to expand into Minneapolis, Duluth, and Columbia, MO.
None of this could be possible without all of you.
With gratitude and appreciation,
-Lefty and Darius
