Well, it happened again on June 21 2011 -- a self-published author hit the marker of one million downloads for the Amazon Kindle. John Locke has created two idiosyncratic novel series that both have devoted readerships. He prices his books at $0.99, and produces them quickly so his readers always have another episode available when they've finished the last one.
E-Publishing is exploding the traditional publishing paradigms since it allows single authors and small presses to compete with traditional presses on an equal footing. It takes just a little time and no money to format and upload a manuscript to Amazon for the Kindle and Barnes and Noble for the Nook. The writer can choose how much money he wishes to charge, and keeps a substantial percentage of the sale price: for the Kindle, 35% if the book is priced below $2.99 (minimum $0.99) or above $9.99, and an amazing 70% if the book is priced between those bookend prices.
Locke has recently released a nonfiction book: How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months! He discusses his development of a serial product and methods to place it and develop a readership using social media. Some of his steps are not no-brainers -- for example, not everyone can produce a book every few months -- but it certainly gives one an appreciation for what goes into creating and selling a niche product.
Locke joins Amanda Hocking, the only other self-published author who has sold one million downloads, reaching this goal in March 2011. She also writes book series, in the paranormal romance YA genre, and recently signed contracts for a traditional publisher and film based on one of her books.
Is that inspiring, or what?
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