Writing

I have nothing "unusual" and I think my punctuation is AI interpretable. My book has been proof-read out the ass, so I don't think there will be any (many) mistakes.

I dropped $350 recently because someone offered me access to bookclubs which really excited me. There have been a few reviews on Amazon and Amazon.uk, and a TON of activity on GoodReads with good, solid, meaningful reviews, including a criticism that I agree with. My ranking went up across all sites. (I track this.) However, I only sold 4 books, so I don't know how people are getting copies.

I think you're right - you have to have the audience before you have the book.

I have tried absolutely EVERYTHING after publishing the book, and sold about 600 books. I think I spent about $15,000. Definitely a hobby.

I tried:
- press releases (worthless)
- small book blurb advertising (fit about 5 words into a small space plus book cover.)
- Amazon ads (not economical)
- Facebook targeted ads (not economical)
- Reedsy competition (worthless)
- GoodReads giveaway (worthless)
- Curated Instagram book reviewers (not economical)
- Book magazines (worthless)
- Editorial reviews (needed for the Amazon page)
- Author Facebook page (exhausting)
- Author Blog (exhausting and expensive)

Now, I do nothing, unless something comes along that intrigues me. Like the bookclubs. I have been scammed 3 times. One person offered me a NYT review. Silly me...

Absolutely drum up an audience. Not sure how you do it, but give it a shot. I have heard that the second book sells on the back of the first. Perfect if you have multiple books in you. I only had one.