I knew from the start of my latest publishing adventure this convoluted moment would arrive soon enough. Same scenario, same timeline, different novel, different categories, different keywords, two years & some change later.

Solid performance, top New Release in a couple categories, top 10 in others, ratings & reviews making their way onto Amazon & Goodreads:

Not to brag, but I think it’s important to give my trusted readers a sense of the persistent adrenaline rushes I had to fend off whenever I “happened upon” one stat or another about that new release of mine Core Haven, including the one showing more than 1200 people signed up for the 100 free copies through Goodreads Giveaway. (OK, those first few days I did embrace the jolts, but then my rational self took control of the reins again.)

To get a better sense of where I’m going with this, take a glance at the screenshots below.

New Release Ranking (images 1-3)

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The next screenshot is the OVERALL ranking about a week after its launch, NOT just compared to new releases.

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CRAZIEST OF ALL

Now check out the last two screenshots—Best Sellers Ranking (NOT just New Releases)

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Say what? Do I have the audacity to claim that for more than a quick minute my little ole novel Core Haven ranked just below two high-powered offerings by authors with household names in different categories in the Best Sellers Ranking?

Yep. As my grandma used to say, “It’s as true as the sun is old.”

I imagine by now you have a better idea why I had to work at keeping calm, cool, & collected as I waited to see how things played out, all the while scrambling to get my publishing ducks in a row.

And then along came August 31st to mark exactly one month to the day after the official launch of Core Haven on the Kindle Store, not to mention the end of the coveted New Release status & the expected slide in the rankings.

Melodramatic music swells in the background, then comes to a screeching halt.

OK, it’s not like I’m aiming for a cliffhanger here, but it’s as good a place as any to call it a wrap.

Next week’s post will take a look at the crucial role ratings & reviews (especially the latter) play when it comes to the trajectory of any new release well past the initial month.

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this important PSA for all readers of any books:

Thanks for coming along for the ride so far.

Keep you posted.

Drew

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Latest BookFunnel Promo LINK

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I invite you to check out Lee Hall’s excellent video review, especially the first book he includes on his short list of memorable indie reads—uh-huh, that would be Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown.

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