So, it took longer than I would have liked to get Swords Against Bastards out to the world. Regardless, the mission was accomplished and I dropped it on the world last week, even though I’ve heard from many that January is the worst month to release a new book, as people are still recovering from the holidays.
Well, if the January thing is true, I didn’t notice it, as the first five days of sales have nearly reached the total sales for my best month ever. I could exceed that today, on the sixth day of release. So, needless to say, I’m pretty stoked for what I see as the book’s success so far and what it means going forward.
I also did something different this time.
I figured that I would release just the paperback on day one and allow that to get into people’s hands before publishing the Kindle version. For one, I prefer physical books and since they also cost more, I wanted to allow those readers the chance to get their books before the Kindle buyers had instant access. I’ve never been an e-book fan and frankly, I only do them because they’ve become a necessary evil. Although, “evil” isn’t the right word, as I just greatly prefer physical media and holding a book in my hands.
Anyway, I also figured that I’d hold back on the Kindle version until there was a little slide in sales. Once that happened, and I was satisfied by the photos people sent me with their physical books, I released the Kindle version. That also gave me a nice boost in sales and kept the momentum going.
I think that going forward, this is how I am going to do my releases.
So, less than a week later, I am really happy with how this release has gone. I’m glad that readers have stuck around and were excited enough for this book to grab it at release. I can only hope that this sort of enthusiasm and momentum remains, as I work hard to continue building this literary universe that I love.
I’m taking a break from writing for a second week, but I intend to start cranking out a short story that I have already started, as well as getting the next book moving.
For those who don’t know yet, the next book is the first in the Barbarians of the Storm - Side Quest series. The Side Quest books will feature solo stories with known characters, as they find themselves on an adventure that’s separate from the main saga.
This next book will feature Fenrik on a very different type of adventure than he’s ever been on. It will take place after Swords Against Bastards but also be set before the eventual Book IV in the main Barbarians of the Storm saga. The book already has a title but I won’t share it yet, as it is too spoilery.
As things move forward and develop with the upcoming projects, I will reveal more here. This Substack is the best place to stay up to date on Barbarians of the Storm and Talking Pulp Press projects, news, and developments. So, subscribe if you haven’t yet.